Last Updated: 07/10/2026
NexGard Spectra review: is it worth it for your dog or cat?
NexGard Spectra covers fleas, ticks, heartworm and worms in one monthly dose. Our vets break down the pros, cons and verdict.
Author: Dr Susan Nguyen BVSc
Reading Time: 5 minutes - short read
Finding the right parasite prevention can feel like a game of "pet parent bingo": fleas, paralysis ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms, all to tick off. In the Australian climate, where parasites thrive year-round, many pet parents look for one reliable product to simplify the routine. NexGard Spectra is one of the most popular, so here's how it works, what it covers and who it suits.
NexGard Spectra is a monthly parasite preventative for dogs and cats that covers fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and most intestinal worms in one dose. For dogs it's a beef-flavoured chew that doesn't cover hydatid tapeworm, so dogs also need a separate tapewormer every 6 weeks to 3 months depending on their risk. For cats it's a spot-on that includes tapeworm cover (excluding Spirometra tapeworm). Our vets rate it as one of the most comprehensive all-in-one options available in Australia.
In this article
- What does Nexgard Spectra cover for dogs?
- Does NexGard Spectra cover tapeworm?
- What doesn't NexGard Spectra cover?
- Is NexGard Spectra safe for dogs?
- What does NexGard Spectra cover for cats?
- What's the difference between NexGard and NexGard Spectra?
- How often do you give NexGard Spectra?
- What do our vets think?
- What do our customers think?
- What are some alternatives to NexGard Spectra?
What does Nexgard Spectra cover for dogs?
NexGard Spectra for dogs is a monthly chewable preventative that protects against fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and most gastrointestinal worms including flea tapeworm, but not hydatid tapeworm.
It contains the active ingredients, afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime.
What we like
- Broad coverage: Reliable protection against major canine parasites in one dose.
- Tasty Tasty beef-flavoured chew for easy administration.
- Waterproof: Being oral, its efficacy is unaffected by swimming or bathing.
- Wide dosing range: suits dogs from 1.35kg.
- Fast-acting: Kills fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours.
What to keep in mind
- Monthly dosing: Requires strict 30-day administration; some owners may prefer longer-acting options.
- Palatability: While beef-flavoured, very fussy dogs may still refuse oral medication.
- Daily checks needed: Despite efficacy, daily tick searches are still essential in paralysis tick areas.
- Brown dog ticks: in high-risk areas where brown dog ticks are common (they can carry ehrlichiosis), we recommend adding a Seresto collar to help prevent tick attachment.
Ready to order? You can shop NexGard Spectra for dogs at Pet Circle.
Does NexGard Spectra cover tapeworm?
It depends on the species. In cats, yes: NexGard Spectra covers tapeworm, apart from Spirometra tapeworm. In dogs, it covers flea tapeworm (by controlling fleas) but not hydatid tapeworm, so dogs need a separate tapewormer such as Drontal or ParaGard every 6 weeks to 3 months for complete protection.
Our guides to tapeworm treatment for dogs and tapeworms in cats cover the next steps.
What doesn't NexGard Spectra cover?
For dogs, it doesn't cover hydatid tapeworm, and it doesn't replace daily tick searches. For cats, it doesn't cover Spirometra tapeworm. It also won't do the job of a tick collar in repelling ticks in brown dog tick areas.
Is NexGard Spectra safe for dogs?
For most dogs, yes. It's puppy safe from 8 weeks of age and 1.35kg body weight, approved for breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs, and safe for breeds with the MDR1 mutation.
The one caution is seizures. NexGard Spectra belongs to the isoxazoline class, which has been linked to rare neurological events, so use caution in dogs with a history of seizures and talk to your vet first.
Read more in our guide to isoxazolines and seizures.
What does NexGard Spectra cover for cats?
NexGard Spectra for cats is a monthly topical spot-on. It's the most complete all-in-one parasite preventative available for cats, protecting against fleas, ticks, mites (including ear mites), heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, lungworm and tapeworm (excluding Spirometra).
What we like
- Comprehensive: one of the few products covering fleas, ticks, heartworm and all the major intestinal worms, including tapeworm.
- Easy to apply: a precision syringe-style applicator for mess-free, targeted delivery.
- Kitten safe: suitable from 8 weeks of age and at least 0.8kg.
What to keep in mind
- Topical: as with most spot-ons, some cats may get temporary hair loss or skin irritation at the application site.
- Monthly dosing: it's more frequent than some 2 or 3-month alternatives.
- Seizures: like the dog version, use it cautiously in cats with a history of seizures.
What's the difference between NexGard and NexGard Spectra?
Confusingly similar names, genuinely different coverage - so it's worth knowing which one you've actually got in the cupboard.
NexGard (only available for dogs, not cats) contains a single active ingredient, afoxolaner, and only protects against fleas, ticks and mites. NexGard Spectra adds a second active ingredient, milbemycin oxime, which extends protection to heartworm and most gastrointestinal worms. If you want all-round parasite cover in one monthly dose, Spectra is the one to reach for. If you're already using a separate heartworm and wormer product, plain NexGard covers the flea and tick side without doubling up.
For a broader look at how the different products on the market stack up, our guide to which flea and worming product your dog needs runs through the alternatives.
How often do you give NexGard Spectra?
Every month, for both dogs and cats. It's a 30-day product, not a 3-monthly one. If you'd prefer fewer doses, there are longer-acting options your vet can talk you through. The easiest way to stay on track is a monthly reminder in your phone, then you're done.
What do our vets think?
"NexGard Spectra for dogs is one of the most comprehensive parasite preventative products available and is my go-to recommendation for a tasty 'all-in-one' chew. With an easy to remember monthly dosing regime and a wide dosing range (1.35kg to 60kg), it's a simple and convenient way to ensure the furry members of your family are protected against almost all of Australia's commonly encountered parasites. Don't forget to add in a regular tapewormer for full coverage!" - Dr Katelyn Bailey
"I highly recommend Nexgard Spectra for Cats. It is the most comprehensive parasite preventative for cats, all in one easy to apply spot on. It provides peace of mind that you're protecting against all parasites of concern. Simply set a monthly reminder in your phone to remember to apply it, and you're done!" - Dr Gillian Hill
What do our customers think?
Nexgard Spectra for Dogs
"I have used this product, purple, for dogs 15-30kg for about 12 years now. That says it all. No parasites, no side effects and the dogs devour them like a favourite treat. I stick to what works." - Samantha, SA
"I have 3 very large dogs ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years and there are always eager faces when the Nexgard Spectra chews come out. Never a problem with them and great protection against everything they promise on the packaging." - Tereena, SA
"I used to get anxiety every month as my dogs would not eat their monthly wormers no [matter] what I hid it in. No problems at all with this one chew treatment." - Tracey, NSW
"I have been using this product on my dogs for a few years. I used it on my Beagle, and now, my Maltese, I have never found any problem with my dogs taking it or had any flea and tick problems."- Jill, QLD
"Nexgard Spectra is a really great product that I've been using for years. It's proven it's effective at controlling ticks, fleas and worms. Definitely worth the using." - Gina
"I like this because it covers ticks, fleas and most worm issues. Less time spent at the vet." - Michelle, QLD
Nexgard Spectra for Cats
"Switched to Nexgard Spectra so I didn't need to use a separate dewormer product for full coverage. The syringe also makes it extremely easy and quick to dispense which is a must for more skittish cats." - James, NSW
"Makes life easier when the product covers all necessary worm and tick treatments." - Karen, QLD
"When you consider this is a all in one worm and flea treatment, the value is actually pretty good. Not only value in terms of $, but also having to only make 1 application to your cat is also great "value"! :)" - Edward, VIC
"This product saves us from a vet trip, the previous product we used didn't cover one of the worms." - Anthony, VIC
"Love this so much as my cats used to run away when I used to put spot-on on them. But this product is odourless. The volume is a lot though, so ideally needs to be done properly along the neck" - Cat Mum, SA
"Easy enough to apply and covers a lot of parasites and worms which is great! It's a bit messy, especially if your cat has long hair and it seems to leave a white residue as it's drying. Seems to fade after 3 or 4 days. It's also monthly instead of 3-monthly so it's important to set reminders to reapply. All up, this was vet recommended after a paralysis tick scare with one of our cats so we're happy to use this to prevent future scares." - Veneche, QLD
What are the alternatives to NexGard Spectra?
For Dogs
For dogs, the most suitable alternatives to Nexgard Spectra are Credelio Plus and Simparica Trio. These are both monthly chews providing comparable broad-spectrum protection to Nexgard Spectra. However, Simparica Trio does not provide protection against whipworm.
For Cats
For cats, the most suitable alternatives to Nexgard Spectra are Revolution Plus and Bravecto Plus. Revolution Plus is a monthly preventative, similar to Nexgard Spectra, but does not treat against tapeworms, nor protect against lungworm. It does however treat and control against biting lice.
Bravecto Plus has a similar coverage as Nexgard Spectra, but does not treat against tapeworms, nor Notoedric mange. It is applied once every 2 months for full protection, or once every 3 months if paralysis tick protection is not needed.
FAQs
Whether you are choosing the beefy chew for your dog or the comprehensive spot-on for your cat, NexGard Spectra provides some of the most robust protection available on the Australian market. Just remember the "tapeworm rule": it's included for cats, but dogs will still need a separate tapewormer to stay fully covered. Ready to order? Shop NexGard Spectra.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Thu 8 Oct 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Susan Nguyen BVSc
Contributing Author, BVSc
Susan graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2017 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She worked in small animal general practice around Melbourne before joining the team at Insight. Susan has a keen interest in small animal advanced diagnostic imaging.
