NexGard Dosage For Dogs Calculator: Safe Dosage Guide & Chart

Fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal parasites pose serious threats to your dog’s long-term health. NexGard for Dogs is one of the most trusted monthly chewable dog flea treatments recommended by veterinarians to deliver fast, effective and convenient protection against parasites in a single beef-flavored dose.

Its active ingredient, afoxolaner, belongs to a new class of compounds called isoxazolines that act rapidly to kill adult fleas before they can lay eggs, as well as treated and controlled several harmful species of tick, such as black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks. Some NexGard products, like NexGard PLUS Dosage for dogs, also contain moxidectin and pyrantel to prevent heartworm disease and treat common intestinal worms such as hookworms and roundworms.

NexGard chewables are FDA approved for dogs and puppies 8 weeks old and over, 4 lbs. or more which makes them one of the most popular parasite prevention products year round. They’re soft, beef flavored chews that can be easily given with or without food and are a favorite treat for most dogs. NexGard comes in several dosage strengths so that it can be used safely and accurately on your dog each month, based on his or her body weight.

This is a complete NexGard Dosage For Dogs guide where you will learn the correct NexGard dosage for dogs by weight, how NexGard works, important benefits, the parasites it protects against, potential side effects, safety warnings and how to properly administer NexGard. You can keep your dog healthy, comfortable and protected all year long if you’re aware of the proper dosage and safety guidelines, whether you’re using standard NexGard for flea and tick control or NexGard PLUS for additional protection from other parasites.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving NexGard or any medication to your dog.

Key Takeaways

• NexGard (afoxolaner) is a monthly chewable treatment for dogs that treats and prevents fleas and multiple common species of ticks.
• NexGard dose helps reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses and is recommended to help prevent Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks.
• The beef flavoured chewable tablet is easy to give orally and is generally given once monthly.
• NexGard for pets is specially formulated for dogs and should be administered at the correct dose for the dog’s weight.
• While NexGard is generally safe and effective, the most serious potential side effects are seizures and other neurologic symptoms.
• Dogs that have a history of seizure or neurologic disease should only use NexGard under veterinary advice or should not use it if advised by a veterinarian.

NexGard Dosage Chart For Dogs By Weight

Protects against fleas and ticks.

Body Weight (lbs)	Body Weight (kg)	Box Color	Afoxolaner per Chew
4.0 – 10.0 lbs	1.8 – 4.5 kg	Orange	11.3 mg
10.1 – 24.0 lbs	4.6 – 10.9 kg	Blue	28.3 mg
24.1 – 60.0 lbs	11.0 – 27.2 kg	Purple	68.0 mg
60.1 – 121.0 lbs	27.3 – 54.9 kg	Red	136.0 mg
Over 121.0 lbs	Over 55.0 kg	Consult Vet	Administer appropriate combination

NexGard Plus Dosage Chart For Dogs By Weight

Protects against heartworm, fleas, ticks, roundworms, and hookworms.

Body Weight (lbs)	Box Color	Active Ingredients (Afoxolaner/Moxidectin/Pyrantel)
4.0 – 8.0 lbs	Orange	9.38 mg / 0.19 mg / 18.8 mg
8.1 – 17.0 lbs	Green	18.75 mg / 0.38 mg / 37.5 mg
17.1 – 33.0 lbs	Gold	37.5 mg / 0.75 mg / 75 mg
33.1 – 66.0 lbs	Purple	75 mg / 1.5 mg / 150 mg
66.1 – 132.0 lbs	Red	150 mg / 3.0 mg / 300 mg
Over 132.0 lbs	Consult Vet	Administer appropriate combination

Important Administration Rules

• Monthly Frequency: Both products are administered orally once every 30 days.
• Age/Weight Minimum: For safety, dogs must be at least 8 weeks old and weigh at least 4 lbs before starting NexGard.
• The “No-Split” Rule: Never cut or break the chews. The active ingredients may not be distributed evenly, which could lead to an underdose or overdose.
• Total Weight: For dogs exceeding the maximum weight on the chart, veterinarians typically prescribe a combination of two whole tablets to reach the minimum target dosage of 1.14 mg/lb.

What Is NexGard for Dogs, and How Does It Work?

NexGard (afoxolaner) is a monthly prescription medication for dogs that treats and prevents fleas and a few common tick species. It comes in a beef flavored chewable tablet, which most dogs can easily eat with or without meals. NexGard is approved by the FDA for puppies and dogs 8 weeks of age or older and 4lbs or more and lasts for 30 days after every application.

NexGard is a member of a group of drugs known as isoxazolines that are used to treat parasites. Afoxolaner is the active ingredient that functions by over stimulating the nervous system of the flea and tick causing paralysis and death of the parasite. First, the dog must be bitten by the parasite, which when it bites the person, will ingest the drug through the dog’s blood.

NexGard drug for dogs rapidly eliminates adult fleas before they can produce eggs and can also help to prevent tick borne diseases such as Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks.

There are various NexGard formulations available for the coverage of a wide variety of parasites. NexGard Chews contain only afoxolaner for flea/tick control, while NexGard PLUS drug for dogs is a combination of afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel for added protection against heartworm, hookworms, and roundworms. NexGard PLUS works against many parasites, such as black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, American dog ticks and lone star ticks.

Additionally, NexGard can be used off-label for other conditions like mange and ear mite infestations. As different NexGard products contain different ingredients and provide different coverage for parasites, be sure to follow the advice of your veterinary team and use the right product for your dog. If your pets are treated, it is recommended that all other pets in the home should be treated, as well as your home, for best flea control.

What Is NexGard Used for in Dogs?

NexGard (afoxolaner) dosage for dogs is a prescription medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs. The monthly chewable beef-flavored tablet is effective by destroying parasites after they bite and the tablet is eaten up by the dog’s bloodstream. NexGard should be used in dogs only and is approved for use in dogs and puppies 4 lbs. or more and 8 weeks of age or older.

NexGard is a specific product for the control and killing of several common parasite species, such as:

• Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)
• Black-legged, or deer ticks, (Ixodes scapularis)
• The American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis)
• Lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum)
• Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

NexGard medication kills black-legged ticks quickly, thereby helping to prevent the spread of Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacteria that causes Lyme disease in dogs). NexGard can also help control flea allergy dermatitis in dogs sensitive to flea saliva, in addition to parasite control.

NexGard dose for dogs can also be used off label by a vet to treat some mange conditions, such as sarcoptic mange (scabies) and demodectic mange. In some instances may also be effective against other parasites (e.g. ear mites). These off-label applications are often prescribed in addition to other therapies as needed.

Combination formulas, like NexGard PLUS, add more ingredients to the afoxolaner that provide additional coverage against roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms in addition to fleas and ticks.

NexGard and NexGard PLUS are usually administered orally on a monthly basis and may be administered with or without food. For full effectiveness, the chewable tablet should be completely consumed.

Veterinarians may wish to consider administering a second full dose if vomiting occurs within 2 hours of the dose. Always follow your vet’s advice and use the appropriate NexGard product for your dog’s age, weight, and desired parasite protection.

What Is the Dosage of NexGard for Dogs, and How Is It Given?

NexGard is a chewable tablet that is taken by mouth once every 30 days to keep dogs free of fleas and ticks and tastes like beef. Afoxolaner active ingredient should be used at a minimum dose of 1.14 mg/lb (2.5 mg/kg) of body weight.

NexGard may be administered before or after feeding, and should be watched to ensure the whole chewable tablet is swallowed.

NexGard medication for dogs should not be used on dogs younger than 8 weeks and weighing less than 4lbs. Repeat full dose may be advisable if the dog vomits within two hours of the dose. NexGard dosage for dos may be administered as soon as missed if a month has been skipped and the regular monthly treatment program should be resumed. Unless directed by a veterinarian, two doses should be given at different times.

NexGard may be applied at any time of the year and is best used monthly throughout the year when fleas and ticks are present year-round to provide the most effective flea and tick control.

Additionally, appropriate flea prevention treatment should be given to all pets in the home to help prevent reinfestation. Other off label uses (e.g. treatment of mange) may require alternative dosing regimes as advised by a vet.

NexGard at the normal dose for weight

• 4–10 lbs. — Orange Box
• 10.1–24 lbs. — Blue Box
• 24.1–60 lbs. — Purple Box
• 60.1–121 lbs. — Red Box
• More than 121 lbs. – May require Combination of chewables per doctor’s orders.

Feed it to your dog according to the dose instructions on the NexGard PLUS packet.

NexGard PLUS contains extra antiparasitic components (moxidectin, pyrantel) to help prevent heartworm disease and treat hookworms and roundworms as well as fleas and ticks. NexGard PLUS is also administered orally once a month.

NexGard PLUS minimum dosage:

• 2.5 mg/kg afoxolaner
• 12 mcg/kg moxidectin
• 5 mg/kg pyrantel

NexGard PLUS Weight Ranges

• 4–8 lbs. — Orange Box
• 8.1–17 lbs. — Green Box
• 17.1–33 lbs. — Gold Box
• 33.1–66 lbs. — Purple Box
• 66.1–132 lbs. — Red Box

NexGard PLUS can be used for monthly heartworm prevention for at least six months following the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.

What Are the Benefits of NexGard Products for Pets?

NexGard products offer rapid and effective activity against a wide spectrum of parasites of dogs and cats. Active ingredients afoxolaner and afoxolaner are FDA-approved for treating and controlling fleas and several tick species to help protect pets from common parasite infestations and associated diseases.

Another of the greatest advantages of NexGard products is that they are quick working against fleas and ticks. Afoxolaner, the active ingredient in NexGard and NexGard PLUS, kills fleas in dogs about 99% effectively within 8 hours and eliminates them within 4 hours.

In general, ticks die within 48 hours, some tick species within 8-12 hours after being treated. This quick parasite treatment helps to minimize irritation, spread of infestation and potential tick-borne diseases.

Additionally, NexGard products provide broad-spectrum parasite control depending on the NexGard you use.

NexGard Products’ benefits:

• Supports the treatment and management of flea in dogs and cats
• Protects against several common tick species
• Kills fleas immediately for instant relief
• Gives protection from parasites for a month
• Minimizes the potential for disease problems associated with parasites

NexGard Combo provides complete protection against fleas and ticks every month, killing ticks in cats in 48 hours and killing fleas in 24 hours.

What Are the Common Side Effects & Serious Risks of NexGard in Dogs?

NexGard is well-tolerated by most dogs, but as with all medicines it has side effects in a few dogs. NexGard and NexGard PLUS are part of a class of drugs called isoxazolines that can cause neurologic side effects in some dogs, according to the FDA.

Serious reactions are believed to be rare but when they do occur, pet owners should watch dogs carefully following the administration and advise their veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur.

Side effects of NexGard in dogs include some of the common side effects.

Common side effects are:

• Vomiting
• Loose stool or diarrhea
• Lack of interest in food, or less appetite
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Dry, flaky skin
• Itching (pruritus)

Such side effects are typically mild but continued side effects should be reported to a veterinarian.

Significant adverse effects and neurotoxic side effects.

Some dogs may be affected by NexGard on their nervous system. The FDA has warned of neurologic reactions, particularly in dogs with history of seizures or neurologic disorders, with isoxazoline medications.

Serious side effects can include:

• Seizures
• Muscle tremors
• The inability to walk well or a wobbly gait (ataxia)
• Hyperactivity
• Panting
• Abnormal behavior changes

Use NexGard with veterinary advice in dogs with a history of epilepsy, seizures or neurologic disease. Dogs with a history of allergy to afoxolaner and/or any of the components of NexGard should not be treated.

Important Safety Warnings

• NexGard is not to be used in dogs younger than the minimum labeled age or weight.
• Exercise caution when using on older dogs, frail dogs, breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs, as safety has not been fully demonstrated in all of these situations.
• Increasing the dose or using it incorrectly can increase the likelihood of neurologic side effects.
• If the vomiting is severe or continuous, the child does not eat or drink anything, or if his or her behavior is unusual, it should be considered a medical problem.

Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital if dog shows serious side effects or possible overdose.

Does NexGard Interact With Any Other Dog Medications?

To date, there are no significant drug or food interactions associated with NexGard dosage for dogs and it is safe to use with many common dog drugs. Before using NexGard, however, pet owners should always let their veterinarian know what other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies their dog is taking.

In clinical studies, NexGard products were used in combination with various products that are commonly used in veterinary practice, without incident:

• Vaccines
• Deworming medications
• Antibiotics (oral and topical),
• Corticosteroids
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antihistamines
• Sedatives and anesthetics

While rare, certain medications can need additional precautions when used with NexGard products. These include:

• Benzodiazepines—including alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
• Levamisole
• Piperazine
• Spironolactone
• Azole antifungals are like itraconazole and ketoconazole.
• Cyclosporine
• Diltiazem
• Erythromycin

Most dogs are able to take NexGard along with other medications, however, each dog’s health is unique. A veterinarian can help you decide if NexGard is right for your dog if he is on several other medications or has medical conditions.

Are there any measures that pet owners can take to be safe?

• After using NexGard products, wash hands with soap.
• Do not allow children to come into contact with NexGard.
• Do not handle if allergic to any ingredients.
• Do not allow NexGard Combo topical liquid to come into contact with skin, eyes or clothing until it is dry.
• After application, do not let pets lick application area.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

NexGard (afoxolaner) medication is a monthly chewable, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication that protects dogs from fleas and several common tick species. This is popular due to its quick, easy, effective and convenient protection against parasites in an easy-to-give beef flavoured chew. NexGard will be prescribed based on your dog’s weight; it is approved for dogs and puppies 8 weeks old and older that weigh 4lbs or more.

NexGard is generally safe and effective when applied as directed in most dogs. It will kill fleas before they can lay eggs, as well as help control ticks and decrease the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Certain NexGard products, such as NexGard PLUS, offer extra protection against heartworms, hookworms and roundworms.

Side effects are relatively rare and mild, but they can include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and dry, itchy skin. Because NexGard is in the isoxazoline class of drugs, the most severe potential side effect is neurologic activity including seizures, muscle tremors and trouble walking. Please consult a veterinarian before using NexGard on dogs that have a history of seizures or neurologic disorders; or an alternative flea and tick prevention may be required.

Always use NexGard as directed by your veterinarian and use it every month all year round to help ensure your dog is protected from parasites and the diseases they can carry.