Raising a canine child is an overwhelming experience for any dog parent. With all the love and adorn comes the responsibility to provide them with a quality life that includes good food, shelter and of course, parasitic protection! Most dog parents manage the former two very well; however, their parasitic protection is often a matter of concern for them.
If you are one of such parents who worries over their dogs’ protection against parasites, this article is for you as it compares two popular dog treatments Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra. Go through this blog to learn the key differences and similarities between Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra and choose what best suits your canine needs.
Nexgard & Nexgard Spectra – Overview
Nexgard for Dogs is a beef-flavoured chewable for puppies and dogs, indicated for puppies and dogs from 8 weeks of age that weigh at least 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in body weight. This monthly treatment provides protection against a range of external parasites such as,
- fleas
- ticks
- mites
Nexgard Spectra for Dogs is a broad-spectrum formula for 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs, weighing at least 2 kg (4.4 lbs). This beef-flavored chewable treatment is recommended to protect dogs against both external and internal parasites including,
- fleas
- ticks
- mange
- mites
- heartworms
- lungworms
- roundworms
- hookworms
- whipworms
Nexgard & Nexgard Spectra – Commonalities & Differences
Coming from the same brand, Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra have some common features and different attributes at the same time. Let’s unveil them separately.
Commonalities
Dog age, Treatment form, Administration, Dog weight & Duration
Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra are formed in a palatable beef-flavoured chewable that needs to be administered orally, once a month. Each of these treatments is suitable for puppies and dogs from 8 weeks of age, weighing at least 2 kg (2.2 lbs).
Flea, Tick & Mites Protection
Nexgard as well as Nexgard Spectra effectively kill fleas and treat and control ticks. Either of them protects against mites and helps prevent flea tapeworms by eliminating fleas.
Differences
Composition
Nexgard for Dogs contains afoxolaner as an active ingredient whereas Nexgard Spectra is made of afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime.
Internal parasites
Nexgard Spectra protects against mange and prevents heartworms and lungworm disease. It treats and controls roundworms, whipworms and hookworms. Nexgard is not known to protect dogs against internal parasites.
Nexgard & Nexgard Spectra – Comparison Table
Take a look at the comparison of product features of Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra.

Nexgard vs Nexgard Spectra, which one should you buy?
In the end, Nexgard and Nexgard Spectra both are vet-recommended, highly effective treatments for dogs. When it comes to fleas, ticks and mites, either of these treatments does the same job. Nexgard Spectra however, gets extra points due to its extended coverage against internal parasites such as heartworms, lungworms and intestinal worms including roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
So, the choice between these two depends on whether your canine requires protection against flea and tick-like external parasites or heartworm, lungworm and intestinal worm-like internal parasites. Use any of these treatments with caution in canines that are prone to or have a history of seizures or other neurologic disorders.
The ideal way to use Nexgard or Nexgard Spectra on your dogs is after consulting with a veterinarian.