With the ever-evolving veterinary pharmaceutical industry, it is challenging to find appropriate parasite protection for your canine friend. You show up at a pharmacy near you or look at any online store, you are offered an abundance of treatment options to choose from. It is not as easy as it seems. You find yourself in a dilemma as to which one to go with.
In this blog, we’ll look at two popular antiparasitics for dogs, Nexgard and Simparica Trio. This will provide you with a thorough comparison of these two in-demand products and hopefully help you select the best suitable treatment option for your dog. Read through the blog to explore more.
Nexgard & Simparica Trio – Overview
Nexgard for Dogs is a tasty beef-flavored chewable that protects dogs against external parasites. This monthly oral formula is recommended for use in 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs.
Simparica Trio is a palatable liver-flavored treatment for dogs that protects against both external and internal parasites. This powerful composition is indicated for 8 weeks and older puppies and dogs.
Composition and Mode of Action
Simparica Trio is made of three powerful ingredients; sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel. This composition starts working quickly after administration. Sarolaner leads to uninhibited activity in parasites’ nervous systems and kills them. Moxidectin interrupts the neurotransmission leading to paralysis of the insect and death. Pyrantel blocks neuromuscular signals in parasites, paralyzes them, and eventually kills them.
Nexgard contains afoxolaner. This active component causes hyperexcitation in fleas and ticks. This leads to uncontrolled activity of the central nervous system, resulting in the death of the insects.
Offered Protection
A monthly dose of Simparica Trio prevents heartworm disease; treats and controls roundworms and hookworms; kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations; treats and controls infestations caused by five tick species including American dog tick, Gulf Coast tick, lone star tick, black-legged tick and brown dog tick; and is indicated for preventing Lyme disease.
When given as indicated, Nexgard kills adult fleas and prevents flea infestations; treats and controls infestations caused by four tick species, such as black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, and lone star tick. Nexgard is also helpful in the prevention of Lyme disease in dogs.
Administration and Dosage
Both Nexgard and Simparica Trio are oral chewable formulas. Give it orally once every month. Either of these treatments can be offered with or without food. Though, the minimum recommended dosage of each of these treatments varies for each of these formulas.
The minimum recommended dosage of Nexgard (afoxolaner) is 1.14 mg/lb; whereas Simparica Trio should be given at the recommended minimum dosage of 0.54 mg/lb sarolaner, 0.011 mg/lb moxidectin and 2.27 mg/lb pyrantel.
Nexgard and Simparica Trio – Comprehensive Feature Comparison
The table below provides a thorough comparison of features offered by Nexgard and Simparica Trio:
Which is best Nexgard or Simparica Trio?
When it comes to composition, Simparica Trio leads with three powerful ingredients (Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) as compared to Nexgard’s one (afoxolaner). As a result, Simparica Trio offers broader protection than Nexgard.
If you are concerned with your dog’s flea and tick infestations (except Gul-coast ticks), both Nexgard and Simparica Trio get equal points. In the case where heartworms and intestinal worms (roundworms and hookworms) are threats to your dog, Simparica Trio is the one for you.
In any case, consult with a veterinarian prior to proceeding with any of these treatments on your dog.