Yes, a dog can overdose on Nexgard if it consumes too much of the medication. The chances increase if the dog is small or sensitive to the active ingredient, afoxolaner.
Nexgard, a popular flea and tick prevention medication for dogs, is beloved by pet owners for its effectiveness and ease of use.
This chewable treatment targets pests to keep your furry friend comfortable and healthy. Essential for preventing tick and flea infestations, it’s crucial to administer Nexgard in the correct dosage based on your dog’s weight.
An overdose can lead to severe side effects, such as vomiting, itching, and even seizures. It is vital to adhere to your veterinarian’s guidance and immediately seek professional help if you suspect an overdose.
Responsible pet owners should keep medications out of reach and monitor their pets after administration to ensure their well-being.
Understanding Nexgard
As devoted dog owners, it’s vital to ensure our furry friends stay healthy and pest-free. Nexgard stands out in the battle against ticks and fleas.
This oral medication promises to keep your dog safe from these pesky intruders. Let’s break down what Nexgard really is and how it works its magic.
What Is Nexgard?
Nexgard is a chewable flea and tick preventative. Vets often recommend it for dogs. The active ingredient inside is Afoxolaner.
- Designed for dogs of all sizes
- Beef-flavored for easy consumption
- Monthly dosing schedule
This medication targets various parasites. It includes ticks, fleas, and mites. A single dose offers a month’s protection.
How Does Nexgard Work?
Nexgard targets the nervous systems of fleas and ticks. It does so upon ingestion by your dog. The Afoxolaner then gets absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream.
When these pests bite, they receive a lethal dose of the treatment.
| Parasite | Effect |
|---|---|
| Fleas | Dies within 24 hours |
| Ticks | Eliminated swiftly |
The chew starts working in just four hours. Safety and efficiency characterize its design. Dogs under the protection of Nexgard stay both happy and healthy.
With Nexgard, furry friends can forget about itching and discomfort. They can return to their playful and loving selves in no time.
Common Uses Of Nexgard
Nexgard is a well-known medication for dogs. Vets suggest it to keep dogs safe from pests. It’s like armor against bugs that bite! Let’s dive into how Nexgard shields our furry friends.
Prevention Of Flea Infestations
Fleas do not just make dogs itchy. They can cause real health problems. With Nexgard, fleas don’t stand a chance. Its special recipe stops fleas dead in their tracks. Dogs can enjoy their play without itchy worries!
- Kills fleas fast
- Stops new fleas from moving in
- Makes dogs less scratchy and happier
Control Of Tick Infestations
Ticks are tricky and can make dogs very sick. They hide in fur and bite silently. Nexgard finds and beats ticks. It helps dogs stay playful and healthy. Ticks are no longer scary for dogs on Nexgard.
- Clears away all major ticks
- Keeps tick-borne diseases away
- Gives year-round protection
| Pest | Prevention Benefit | Nexgard’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Fleas | Stops bites and itchiness | Kills fast and lasts long |
| Ticks | Prevents diseases | Offers full-body defense |
Dosage And Administration
Keeping our furry friends safe means giving them the right amount of medication. When it comes to protecting dogs from fleas and ticks, Nexgard is a popular choice.
Understanding the correct dosage and administration is vital. It ensures our pets stay happy and healthy, without risk of overdose.
Recommended Dosage For Dogs
Dogs need the right dose of Nexgard based on their weight. The table below shows the recommended dosage for different weight ranges:
| Dog Weight | Nexgard (afoxolaner) Dosage |
|---|---|
| 4-10 lbs | One chew of 11.3 mg |
| 10.1-24 lbs | One chew of 28.3 mg |
| 24.1-60 lbs | One chew of 68 mg |
| 60.1-121 lbs | One chew of 136 mg |
| Over 121 lbs | Administer the appropriate combination of chews |
Give Nexgard once a month to prevent fleas and ticks. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Proper Administration Of Nexgard
Administering Nexgard properly is easy. Follow these steps:
- Check the weight of your dog to select the right product.
- Open the package and take out one chew.
- Ensure your dog eats the entire chew.
- Offer food with Nexgard to encourage intake if needed.
- Record the treatment date and set a monthly reminder.
Be mindful of giving Nexgard with food. It may help improve absorption. Always watch your dog for a few minutes after giving Nexgard, to make sure the chew is swallowed.
Safety Profile Of Nexgard
Nexgard is a popular flea and tick medication for dogs. Vets trust it for keeping these pests away. Yet, like any medication, it’s vital to know its safety profile.
Potential Side Effects
Nexgard might cause side effects, though not all dogs will experience them. Let’s look at what they could face:
- Vomiting: It’s a common side effect but should pass quickly.
- Itchiness: Your dog might scratch more than usual.
- Diarrhea: Keep an eye on your dog’s bathroom habits.
- Lethargy: They might seem more tired or less energetic.
- Loss of appetite: Watch if they’re eating less than normal.
These symptoms often clear up on their own. But see a vet if they persist.
Warnings And Precautions
Here are key points to remember before giving Nexgard:
| Warning | Precaution |
|---|---|
| Only for dogs over 4 lbs and 8 weeks old. | Check your dog’s weight and age first. |
| Avoid in dogs with seizure history. | Discuss with your vet if your dog has seizures. |
| Can interact with other meds. | Tell your vet about any other drugs your dog takes. |
Always follow the dosage instructions. Too much can hurt your pet. Always keep the medicine out of their reach. Follow your vet’s advice for the safest experience with Nexgard.
Can A Dog Overdose On Nexgard?
Nexgard is a popular flea and tick treatment for dogs, known for its ease of use and effectiveness. But, like all medications, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosage.
Dogs are curious creatures, and accidental ingestion of too much Nexgard could lead to an overdose. Understanding the risks and knowing what to look for are key steps in protecting your furry friend’s health.
Signs And Symptoms Of Overdose
Recognizing an overdose on Nexgard promptly could save your dog’s life.
- Vomiting: An immediate reaction indicating something is wrong.
- Diarrhea: A sign of gastrointestinal distress.
- Lethargy: Unusual tiredness or lack of energy.
- Tremors: A serious symptom that requires immediate attention.
- Seizures: A critical sign of toxic reaction.
- Loss of appetite: Sudden disinterest in food might suggest a problem.
What To Do In Case Of Overdose
Immediate action is essential in the event of a suspected Nexgard overdose.
- Stay Calm: Keep stress levels low for both you and your dog.
- Contact Veterinarian: Seek professional help without delay.
- Follow Instructions: Adhere to the advice from your vet.
Provide your vet with as much information as possible. This includes the amount of Nexgard ingested, and the timing. Quick action is often the difference between a full recovery and long-term health issues.
What If I Accidentally Gave My Dog Two Nexgard?
If you accidentally gave your dog two doses of NexGard, there is no need to panic. NexGard is a flea and tick prevention medication that comes in a soft chewable form, making it easy for dogs to take.
While double-dosing can be harmful with some medications, the active ingredient in NexGard (afoxolaner) has been shown to be safe even when given at twice the recommended dose.
However, if your pet does experience any adverse reactions or side effects from taking two doses of NexGard such as vomiting, diarrhea or loss of appetite then contact your veterinarian immediately.
It is also important to note that while double dosing may not cause serious health problems for most pets, it will provide them with additional protection against fleas and ticks than was intended which could lead to an increased risk of toxicity over time due to exposure levels being too high.
When giving any type of medication it is always important to read the label carefully and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer before administering it to your pet.
Nexgard Overdose Symptoms
If your pet has recently had an overdose of Nexgard, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms and get them help right away. Nexgard is a flea and tick preventative that contains afoxolaner as its active ingredient.
It is used to kill adult fleas and ticks on dogs, but it can be dangerous if too much is given or if there are any underlying health issues in your pet. Here are some common symptoms you may notice due to a Nexgard overdose:
Vomiting & Diarrhea: One of the most common signs of a Nexgard overdose will be vomiting and diarrhea, which can indicate toxicity in your dog’s system. If this happens after giving them the medication, take them to their vet immediately for treatment.
Loss Of Appetite: Loss of appetite may also occur due to an overdose because the body isn’t able process all the medication at once and so needs time for it all to pass through naturally.
This could lead to reduced interest in food or even refusal altogether until they feel better again.
Can I Give My Dog Nexgard More Than Once a Month?
No, giving your dog NexGard more than once a month is not recommended. NexGard is an oral flea and tick prevention medication that’s intended to be given just once a month to control parasites in dogs.
Giving it more frequently can increase the risk of side effects, including digestive upset, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
NexGard works by killing adult fleas before they have time to lay eggs, thereby reducing the number of future generations of fleas infesting your pet’s environment.
It also kills ticks at all stages of their life cycle killing both adults and larvae before they can grow into adults capable of transmitting disease-causing organisms such as Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
If you think your dog needs additional protection against fleas or ticks beyond what one monthly dose provides then talk to your veterinarian about using an additional product like a spot-on treatment or topical spray for added protection in between doses.
There are also many natural products available on the market that may provide some extra coverage without increasing the risk for adverse reactions from too much chemical exposure.
Conclusion
The short answer is yes; however, the chances of this happening are slim if you follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when administering the drug.
To understand how an overdose could occur in dogs taking Nexgard, it’s important to know what active ingredients are present in this particular medication.
The main ingredient found in Nexgard is afoxolaner – a type of insecticide that works by targeting nerve cells in parasites and inhibiting their ability to feed or move around freely.
If too much of this substance gets into your pet’s system at once (e.g., if they eat multiple tablets), then it can cause serious health problems including tremors, seizures and even death due to respiratory failure or organ damage caused by over-excitation of nerves throughout their body.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Much Nexgard?
If your dog consumes too much NexGard, they might experience vomiting, itching, diarrhea, or lethargy. Contact your vet immediately for advice and any necessary treatment.
What Happens If My Dog Takes Two Flea Pills?
Consult a veterinarian immediately if your dog ingests two flea pills. Overdosing can lead to serious health issues or toxicity. Watch for adverse reactions, and keep the packaging for reference.
Can I Double Up Nexgard?
No, do not double up on NexGard doses. Always follow your vet’s prescribed dosage schedule for your pet’s safety.
Can You Overdose A Dog With Flea Treatment?
Yes, overdosing a dog with flea treatment is possible and can be harmful. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult a veterinarian for advice.
What Is Nexgard For Dogs?
Nexgard is a chewable flea and tick preventative medication prescribed for dogs to eliminate infestations and protect against future pests.
