Total Parasite Protection for Dogs: Why NexGard PLUS Is a Game-Changer

Managing your dog's parasite protection doesn’t have to involve a complex cocktail of pills and topical treatments. NexGard PLUS simplifies it all—offering an all-in-one, beef-flavored chew that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites with a single monthly dose. Sold exclusively on Chewy with a prescription, this innovative formula combines convenience and comprehensive defense, making it a game-changer for pet parents looking to streamline their dog’s health care.

NexGard PLUS represents a significant advancement in canine parasite protection through its triple-action formula. This prescription-only treatment combines afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel in a single, beef-flavored soft chew that most dogs readily accept. The three active ingredients work synergistically to target different parasites:

• Afoxolaner: attacks the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, causing hyperexcitation and death of these external parasites
• Moxidectin: prevents heartworm disease by eliminating the immature larvae (L3 and L4) before they can develop into adult worms
• Pyrantel: paralyzes roundworms and hookworms, allowing them to be expelled from the intestinal tract

This formulation distinguishes NexGard PLUS from regular NexGard, which contains only afoxolaner and therefore protects solely against fleas and ticks. The PLUS variant adds internal parasite protection, offering comprehensive coverage in one monthly dose. Administration follows a straightforward monthly schedule, with dosing based on your dog's weight. The color-coded packaging system makes selecting the appropriate dosage simple:

• Orange packaging: 4-8 lbs
• Green packaging: 8.1-17 lbs
• Gold packaging: 17.1-33 lbs
• Purple packaging: 33.1-66 lbs
• Red packaging: 66.1-132 lbs

NexGard PLUS provides thorough parasite defense with remarkable efficiency. For flea control, it begins killing adult fleas within just 4 hours of administration, reaching over 99% effectiveness by 8 hours. This rapid action helps prevent flea infestations and reduces the risk of flea allergy dermatitis. The tick protection component effectively combats multiple species that threaten canine health, including:

• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis)
• Black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
• Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
• Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum)

Beyond external parasites, the moxidectin component delivers reliable heartworm disease prevention. This protection is crucial, as heartworm disease can cause severe and potentially fatal damage to a dog's heart, lungs, and blood vessels. For intestinal health, pyrantel targets both roundworms (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala), eliminating these common intestinal parasites that can cause malnutrition, weight loss, and other health problems. When compared to other combination products on the market, NexGard PLUS offers advantages in palatability and simplicity. Unlike topical applications that require careful handling and application, or separate products for different parasites, NexGard PLUS delivers comprehensive protection in a single, easy-to-administer chew.

Chewy offers all five weight-based formulations of NexGard PLUS, each clearly identified by its color-coded packaging:

1. Orange (4-8 lbs)
2. Green (8.1-17 lbs)
3. Gold (17.1-33 lbs)
4. Purple (33.1-66 lbs)
5. Red (66.1-132 lbs)

Since NexGard PLUS is a prescription medication, you'll need to provide a valid prescription from your veterinarian. Chewy simplifies this process by:

1. Accepting prescriptions via upload, fax, or email
2. Contact your veterinarian directly to verify the prescription
3. Storing your prescription information for future refills

Pricing varies based on your dog's weight class and the supply duration you select. Generally, purchasing larger supply packages (3-month or 6-month) offers better value per dose compared to monthly purchases. Current pricing reflects this tiered structure, with potential savings of 5-15% for multi-month supplies. Chewy's Autoship program provides additional benefits for NexGard PLUS purchases, including:

• 35% off first Autoship order
• 5% discount on subsequent Autoship orders
• Free shipping on orders over $49
• Convenient automatic reordering to ensure you never miss a dose

Seasonal promotions may offer additional savings, particularly during peak parasite seasons like spring and summer.

NexGard PLUS carries FDA approval following rigorous safety testing, confirming its effectiveness and acceptable safety profile. However, like all medications, it may cause side effects in some dogs. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Itching or pruritus
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite

These reactions are typically mild and resolve without intervention. However, owners should exercise caution when using NexGard PLUS in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological disorders, as afoxolaner may potentially lower the seizure threshold in predisposed animals. NexGard PLUS is approved for dogs at least 8 weeks of age and weighing a minimum of 4 pounds. The safety of this medication has not been fully evaluated in pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs, so consultation with a veterinarian is essential for these populations. Overdose risks appear minimal, as safety studies have shown no adverse effects at up to 5 times the maximum labeled dose. Nevertheless, the administration should strictly follow weight-based guidelines.

Giving NexGard PLUS to your dog should be straightforward, as the soft chew is designed to be palatable. For best results:

1. Offer the chew at the same time each month to establish a routine
2. Present it as a treat rather than a medication
3. Ensure your dog consumes the entire chew
4. Follow immediately with the dog's regular meal to aid absorption

For dogs that resist taking the medication, try these approaches:

1. Disguise the chew in a small amount of wet food
2. Use pill pockets designed to hide medications
3. Crush the chew and mix with a highly appealing food (check with your veterinarian first)
4. Temporarily "upgrade" the disguising treat—using something special only for medication time

Timing should be consistent month to month, ideally administered on the same day. This consistency helps maintain continuous protection against parasites. If you miss a dose, give the medication as soon as you remember and reset your schedule from that date. If more than two weeks have elapsed since the missed dose, consult your veterinarian, as your dog may need testing for heartworm infection before resuming prevention. For proper storage, keep NexGard PLUS in its original packaging at or below 77°F (25°C), with brief excursions permitted up to 104°F (40°C). Avoid exposure to excessive moisture or direct sunlight, which could degrade the active ingredients.

This comprehensive approach to parasite prevention offers peace of mind for dog owners seeking simplified pet care. With NexGard PLUS available through Chewy's convenient prescription service, protecting your dog from multiple threats has never been easier. The beef-flavored soft chew eliminates the need for multiple medications while providing fast-acting, month-long protection against the most common parasites. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, this all-in-one solution deserves consideration as part of your pet's healthcare routine. Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine if NexGard PLUS is the right choice for your dog's specific needs and health profile.