Nexgard Spectra Medium Dog (7.5-15kg) - 3 Tablets

Description

Nexgard Spectra Medium Dog Tablets are used in dogs weighing over 7.5kg and up to 15kg, giving medium-sized dogs broad parasite cover in a single monthly chewable tablet. Nexgard Spectra is a prescription-only veterinary medicine, so it should be used for the dog named on the prescription and at the dose your vet has advised. It is often chosen where a dog needs help with both external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, and internal parasites, such as heartworm larvae and gastrointestinal worms.

Nexgard Spectra works through two active ingredients, afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime. Afoxolaner is an isoxazoline ectoparasiticide, which means it acts against parasites that live on the outside of the body, especially fleas and ticks. After your dog eats Nexgard Spectra, afoxolaner is absorbed into the bloodstream. Fleas and ticks need to attach and start feeding before they are exposed to the active ingredient, so no oral treatment can stop every bite immediately, but the product is intended to kill these parasites once they feed. Afoxolaner acts on parasite nerve signalling, disrupting ligand-gated chloride channels, which leads to paralysis and death of the flea or tick. Milbemycin oxime is a macrocyclic lactone endoparasiticide, which works against selected internal parasites. It affects nerve and muscle function in susceptible worms by increasing chloride ion flow, leading to paralysis and parasite death. Together, these two ingredients allow Nexgard Spectra to cover several common parasite groups in one tablet.

For fleas, Nexgard Spectra treats infestations caused by dog and cat fleas, including Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. Fleas can cause irritation, scratching, hair loss, scabs and flea allergy dermatitis in sensitive dogs, and they can also spread through carpets, bedding and soft furnishings. Nexgard Spectra helps by killing adult fleas on the dog before they can continue feeding and reproducing, although heavy home infestations may also need environmental cleaning and a suitable household flea spray. For ticks, Nexgard Spectra treats infestations involving important tick species such as Ixodes, Dermacentor and Rhipicephalus species, depending on local exposure. Ticks can be found in long grass, woodland, parks, gardens and areas where wildlife passes through. Because ticks must feed to be exposed to the active ingredient, owners should still check their dog after walks and remove any attached ticks carefully. Nexgard Spectra provides ongoing flea and tick activity for the dosing period, helping to reduce the chance of repeat infestations when it is used as directed.

Nexgard Spectra is also used for heartworm prevention, which is especially important for dogs that live in or travel to areas where heartworm is present. Heartworm disease is caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasite transmitted by mosquitoes, and prevention focuses on killing larval stages before they can develop into adult worms. Nexgard Spectra kills heartworm larvae acquired in the previous month, which is why monthly administration is important during periods of mosquito exposure and when advised for travel. It should not be relied upon to treat established adult heartworm infection, and dogs that may already have been exposed should be assessed by a vet. Nexgard Spectra also treats selected gastrointestinal nematodes, including roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. These worms can contribute to digestive upset, poor coat condition, weight loss, a pot-bellied appearance in young dogs, or visible worms in faeces, although some dogs show few outward signs. Nexgard Spectra does not cover every worm species, so your vet may recommend additional tapeworm treatment where needed.

Medium Nexgard tablets are intended for dogs over 7.5kg and up to 15kg, and dogs outside this range need a different tablet size or a combination specifically advised by a vet. The tablet is chewable and palatable for many dogs, and it can be offered by hand, placed in the food bowl, or given with a small amount of food if that makes dosing easier. After giving Nexgard Spectra, it is sensible to watch that the whole tablet has been swallowed, especially in dogs that chew briefly and then drop treats. If vomiting occurs soon after dosing, or if you are unsure whether the full dose was taken, ask your vet for advice before giving another tablet. Regular monthly use is usually easiest when it is linked to a calendar reminder, repeat prescription schedule or another routine part of your dog’s care. Store the tablets safely away from children and pets until the next dose is due.

Nexgard Spectra is generally well tolerated when used as prescribed, but all medicines should be given with care. Mild digestive signs such as vomiting or diarrhoea, reduced appetite, tiredness or itching can occasionally occur, and veterinary advice should be sought if signs are persistent, severe or unusual for your dog. Tell your vet before using Nexgard Spectra if your dog is unwell, underweight, pregnant, lactating, intended for breeding, has a history of seizures or neurological signs, or is taking other medicines. Nexgard Spectra is for dogs only and should not be given to cats or other pets. Good parasite control also includes hygiene, prompt faeces removal, washing bedding, checking the coat after high-risk walks, and following travel advice if your dog is visiting areas where heartworm, ticks or other parasites are more common. If your dog boards, travels, hunts, scavenges or develops new digestive or skin signs, your vet may adjust the Nexgard Spectra schedule or recommend extra parasite checks.

How often should Nexgard Spectra be given?
Nexgard Spectra is usually given once every month, but your vet’s instructions should always be followed. Monthly dosing helps maintain consistent parasite control, especially during flea and tick season, periods of mosquito exposure, or when gastrointestinal worm treatment is part of your dog’s wider healthcare plan.

How does Nexgard Spectra kill fleas?
Nexgard Spectra contains afoxolaner, which is absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream after the chew is eaten. Fleas need to bite and start feeding before they are exposed. The active ingredient then disrupts nerve signalling in the flea, leading to paralysis and death.

Does Nexgard Spectra stop ticks from biting?
Nexgard Spectra does not repel ticks or stop every tick bite before it happens. Ticks need to attach and feed to be exposed to afoxolaner. It is still sensible to check your dog after walks, especially after woodland, long grass or countryside exposure.

Does Nexgard Spectra prevent heartworm?
Nexgard Spectra helps prevent heartworm disease by killing Dirofilaria immitis larvae acquired during the previous month. This matters most in countries or regions where mosquito-borne heartworm occurs. Dogs travelling abroad should follow a vet-approved prevention schedule before, during and after travel.

What gastrointestinal worms does Nexgard Spectra treat?
Nexgard Spectra treats selected gastrointestinal nematodes, including roundworms, hookworms and whipworms. It does not cover every type of worm, such as tapeworms, so your vet may recommend an additional worming treatment if your dog hunts, scavenges, has fleas, or has specific exposure risks.

Can Nexgard Spectra be given with food?
Yes, Nexgard Spectra can be given with or without food, depending on what your dog accepts best. Many dogs take the chew by hand, but it can also be offered with a small amount of food. Always check that the complete tablet has been swallowed.

Do I still need to treat my home for fleas?
Nexgard Spectra kills fleas on your dog, but flea eggs, larvae and pupae can remain in carpets, bedding and soft furnishings. During an infestation, vacuuming, washing bedding and using a suitable household flea spray may be needed to break the environmental life cycle.

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