Last Updated: 07/05/2025
Nexgard Spectra Reviewed By Our Vets
Want to know more about Nexgard Spectra? Find out all you need to know in our Vet-review.
Author: Dr Susan Nguyen BVSc
Reading Time: 19 minutes - medium read
What is NexGard Spectra?
NexGard Spectra is a monthly 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's the difference between NexGard and NexGard Spectra?
NexGard Spectra offers broader coverage than NexGard.
NexGard contains the active ingredient, afoxolaner, and does not have the addition of milbemycin oxime. Because of this, NexGard only protects against fleas, ticks and mites, whereas NexGard Spectra offers additional protection against heartworm and most gastrointestinal worms.
What are the pros and cons of NexGard Spectra?
Advantages of NexGard Spectra:
NexGard Spectra offers broad, reliable coverage of the major parasites affecting our dogs.
Comes in a palatable, beef-flavoured chew, which can be easily administered to most dogs.
Can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and over 2 kg in weight.
Approved for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating female dogs.
Safe for use in dogs with the Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) gene mutation.
Kills fleas within 6-8 hours and ticks within 48 hours.
Because NexGard Spectra is administered orally, there are no concerns as to timing of treatment in relation to swimming or bathing that you may need to consider with a topical product.
Disadvantages of NexGard Spectra:
NexGard Spectra requires monthly administration, which may be inconvenient for owners who prefer a longer duration of action.
May be difficult to administer to fussy dogs as it is an oral preventative.
To cover for hydatid tapeworm, NexGard Spectra will need to be combined with an additional worming product. Your local veterinary clinic can dispense a tapeworm-specific treatment, or you can also use a general intestinal wormer such as ParaGard, Drontal or Endogard. For most dogs, this additional treatment is recommended every 3 months, but for higher risk dogs with access to raw offal or carcasses, this is recommended every 6 weeks.
As with any product that offers protection against paralysis ticks, checking your dog daily for ticks is still recommended to minimise their risk of tick paralysis as much as possible.
The active ingredient, afoxolaner, is part of a group of drugs known as isoxazolines. Although adverse reactions are very rare, this class of drugs has been associated with neurological events including seizures. For more information, please refer to our article, Isoxazoline Flea Treatment and Seizures.
For dogs in areas at high risk of Ehrlichiosis, it is recommended to use the Seresto Collar in addition to NexGard Spectra. For more information, please refer to our article, Everything You Need To Know About Ehrlichiosis.
Because NexGard Spectra is administered orally, there are no concerns as to timing of treatment in relation to swimming or bathing that you may need to consider with a topical product.
What does our Vet Squad think?
"NexGard Spectra 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 (2kg 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, and also use Nexgard Spectra for my dog Kip. In combination with a tapeworming tablet, it protects her from all the parasites of concern in our location, while she just thinks she's getting a treat! I simply set a monthly reminder in my phone to remember to give it to her, and we're done!" - Dr Gillian Hill
What do our customers think?
"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 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
What are some alternatives to NexGard Spectra?
Credelio Plus is another monthly chew that provides a similar level of coverage to NexGard Spectra, covering for fleas, ticks, mites, heartworm and most gastrointestinal worms, but not hydatid tapeworm.
There are so many different products available on the market, it can certainly be overwhelming deciding what to use. To help with your decision making, our article, Flea, Tick and Worm Prevention for Dogs, also includes a comparison table of different preventative products for dogs.
If you need further advice as to what might suit your dog and their lifestyle best, our vets can be reached through email or Live Chat, or you can speak directly to your local vet.
Browse our full range of NexGard Spectra for Dogs here.
Further Reading
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips on keeping your pets happy and healthy.
