Does Nexgard Kill Fleas Already On Dog

Does Nexgard Kill Fleas Already on Dog?

Flea infestations are one of the most common issues dog owners face. These tiny pests can wreak havoc on your furry friend’s health and wellbeing, causing skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even diseases. That’s why it’s important to take preventive measures and treat flea infestations as soon as possible.

One popular flea treatment for dogs is Nexgard. This chewable tablet contains a powerful insecticide called afoxolaner that kills fleas and ticks by targeting their nervous system. But does Nexgard kill fleas already on dogs? Let’s find out.

First, it’s important to understand how flea infestations work. Fleas can reproduce rapidly and lay up to 50 eggs per day, which fall off your dog and into your home environment. These eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic matter such as dead skin cells, flea droppings, and blood from adult fleas. After several molts, they spin cocoons and enter the pupal stage.

In this stage, the flea is protected by its cocoon and can survive for months without feeding. When conditions are right (e.g., warmth, vibration), the adult flea emerges from its cocoon and jumps onto a host animal (like your dog) to start feeding and reproducing again.

So, back to our question: Does Nexgard kill fleas already on dogs? The short answer is yes but with some caveats.

Nexgard works by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, preventing further infestation. It starts working within hours of ingestion and provides protection for up to a month. However, if your dog already has an established flea infestation, you may need additional treatments to eliminate all stages of the flea life cycle.

For example, you may need to use a product like Capstar (which contains nitenpyram) to kill adult fleas quickly and provide immediate relief. Capstar is a fast-acting oral tablet that starts working within 30 minutes and kills up to 90% of adult fleas within four hours.

You may also need to use a product like Program (which contains lufenuron) to prevent flea eggs from hatching and disrupting the life cycle. Program is an oral tablet that’s given monthly and works by preventing the production of chitin, which is essential for flea egg development.

In addition to using flea treatments, you should also take steps to eliminate fleas from your home environment. This includes vacuuming regularly (especially in areas where your dog spends time), washing bedding and blankets in hot water, and treating carpets and furniture with a flea spray or fogger.

Now, let’s talk about some common misconceptions about Nexgard and other flea treatments. One of the biggest myths is that these products are harmful to dogs or can cause serious side effects.

While it’s true that all medications come with some risk, Nexgard has been extensively tested for safety and efficacy. In clinical trials, less than 1% of dogs experienced adverse reactions such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. These side effects are usually mild and resolve on their own within 24-48 hours.

Another myth is that fleas can become resistant to flea treatments over time. While this can happen with some insecticides (such as pyrethroids), there’s no evidence that fleas are becoming resistant to afoxolaner or other isoxazolines used in products like Nexgard.

However, it’s still important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and not exceed the recom