How should Nexgard for ticks be given to dogs? - briefly
Administer NexGard as a chewable tablet once a month to dogs that are at least eight weeks old and weigh a minimum of 4 lb (2 kg). Offer the tablet with food or a treat to guarantee full ingestion; no additional water is required.
How should Nexgard for ticks be given to dogs? - in detail
NexGard is a chewable tablet formulated to eliminate ticks and fleas in canine patients. The product is supplied in dosage strengths matched to specific weight ranges; selection of the correct strength prevents under‑ or overdosing.
- Weight < 4 kg → 1 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Mini)
- 4 kg ≤ weight < 10 kg → 1 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Standard)
- 10 kg ≤ weight < 20 kg → 2 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Standard)
- 20 kg ≤ weight < 40 kg → 4 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Standard)
- 40 kg ≤ weight < 80 kg → 8 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Standard)
- 80 kg ≤ weight ≤ 100 kg → 12 mg kg⁻¹ tablet (NexGard Standard)
Administration proceeds with a single tablet offered whole, without crushing, preferably with a meal to facilitate swallowing. The tablet should be placed directly in the mouth or hidden in a small amount of food; the dog must ingest the entire dose. Oral water is not required.
The product is designed for a 30‑day dosing interval. The first dose may be given any day of the week; subsequent doses should be administered on the same calendar day each month to maintain consistent protection. If a dose is missed, give it as soon as it is remembered, provided the next scheduled dose is at least 24 hours away. If the missed dose occurs within 24 hours of the upcoming dose, skip the delayed dose and continue with the regular schedule; do not administer two tablets simultaneously.
Store tablets in the original container, tightly closed, at temperatures between 15 °C and 30 °C. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and other animals.
Contraindications include dogs younger than eight weeks, dogs weighing less than 4 kg, and animals with known hypersensitivity to afoxolaner or any tablet component. Caution is advised for dogs with a history of seizures, neurological disorders, or compromised liver function; veterinary assessment is recommended before initiating therapy. If adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive lethargy occur, contact a veterinarian promptly.