Nexgard Spectra Review 2024: Pros, Cons, & Verdict

 

Review Summary

Nexgard is one of the most widely-recognized names in canine flea and tick treatments, and it’s not hard to see why. Their chewable treatments are both convenient and effective. They’re taking that convenience to the next level with Nexgard Spectra, which in addition to killing off fleas and ticks, takes care of heartworms and intestinal parasites. It’s an extremely powerful one-stop pest control solution, all in a single beef-flavored tablet.

Given how easy and comprehensive it is, it’s not hard to envision Nexgard Spectra becoming the next big thing in parasite control. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have flaws, however. For example, it’s expensive, occasionally causes side effects, and it’s not yet available in the U.S.

Nexgard Spectra – A Quick Look

 

Nexgard Spectra Offers Extremely Wide-Ranging Protection

It’s not hard to find an effective treatment against fleas and ticks, as there are quite a few on the market today. You can choose from chewable tablets, collars, topical solutions, and more. But finding a treatment that stops biting insects and worms? That’s a much harder ask. It’s also one of the reasons why Nexgard Spectra is such an exciting treatment, as it allows you to give your pup nearly-comprehensive protection in a single, simple dose.

Not only does this save you from having to remember to administer all those different medications, but it also saves you from having to buy them in the first place. This helps to offset Spectra’s admittedly high price tag.

Spectra Is Lethal for Parasites

Studies have shown that Spectra kills 95% of fleas and ticks on a dog with a single dose, while also completely exterminating heartworms if given monthly. If you’re looking for something that will absolutely decimate any parasites living in or on your pup, Spectra is a good place to start.

One of the Simplest Treatments Out There

Giving your pet a flea and tick treatment isn’t always easy. Some require you to douse your dog in an oily solution, while others require you to measure and fit a collar for them to wear around their neck.

Spectra sidesteps those issues by offering a complete parasite treatment in a single, beef-flavored chew. Most dogs enjoy the taste, so protecting your pooch is as simple as telling them to sit and then rewarding them with their medicine. Each tablet protects your pooch for 30 days, so you can safeguard your pup for an entire month in just a few seconds.

Spectra Isn’t Easy to Get Your Hands On

While it’s certainly convenient to administer, it’s much less convenient to acquire—if you’re in the US, anyway.

The formula hasn’t been approved for use in the United States as of yet, but we’re hopeful that that day is soon coming. If you live in the EU or Canada, however, you can get your hands on a box from your favorite retailer—no prescription required.

 

FAQ

Can I buy Nexgard Spectra over the counter?

Yes, provided you live in a country where it’s currently approved for use.

How is Spectra different from regular Nexgard tablets?

Spectra includes an extra active ingredient, Milbemycin Oxime, which kills heartworms and other intestinal parasites. As a result, it protects against more bugs than the regular formula does.

Are there any side effects I should worry about?

Spectra is usually gentle on dogs, so it’s rare that any side effects crop up. However, some pets may experience vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, itching, and lethargy. In extreme cases, seizures may result, which is why it’s not recommended for use on dogs with a history of epilepsy.

Does it repel fleas and ticks?

No, there’s nothing in the formula that would keep parasites at bay. Instead, it kills them as soon as they bite your dog.

As a result, you may see a few parasites on your dog here and there, but they should all be dead within 24 hours. Be sure to groom your pet regularly to make sure they’re gone, however.

Does it kill any other insects?

Yes, it’s actually effective against quite a few bugs. In addition to fleas, ticks, and heartworms, Spectra can also be used to eliminate tapeworms, sarcoptic mange, mite infestations, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and other intestinal parasites.

Can I give Spectra to my cat?

Spectra is not approved for feline use. You should find another flea and tick treatment that specifically targets cats.

What the Users Say

We believe in checking out what real users have to say about any product we review, as we feel this gives a clear perspective of how it performs in the real world. It was a bit more difficult to find feedback on Nexgard Spectra than some other treatments, simply because it’s not available in the U.S., but we were still able to find information on this product.

Most users rave about the convenience. The ability to combat fleas, ticks, and just about every common type of worm in a single chewable tablet is amazing, and it saves pet owners from having to buy (and administer) multiple medications in order to keep their dogs safe.

There were a few complaints about the relatively high price tag, but we feel that it offers good value for your money, given all that it does.

Other owners had issues convincing their dogs to eat the tablets. These owners were in the minority, but there’s definitely a possibility your pooch could turn up their nose at the medication. If that’s the case, you can try crumbling it up and mixing it in their food, disguising it in peanut butter, or anything else you can think of; however, if they still refuse, you may need to find another treatment.

Reports of side effects were rare and generally mild. They were largely limited to a few bouts of diarrhea and a loss of appetite that lasted a few hours, but the affected dogs generally returned to normal within a day or so.

The general consensus on this product seems to be that it’s well worth the (admittedly high) price tag. It’s hard to put a price on the ability to protect your pup from some of the most common—and dangerous—parasites out there with a single, easy-to-administer treatment.

As a result, most pet owners who have tried Spectra seem to recommend it—and so do we.

 

Conclusion

Nexgard Spectra is a beef-flavored tablet that protects your dog from fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more. It’s one of the most comprehensive and convenient parasite medications out there, and as such, it’s beginning to generate quite a following among pet owners.

Unfortunately, Nexgard Spectra is not yet available for purchase in the United States as of this writing, but we’re hopeful that will change soon, as Spectra makes it easier than ever to keep your furry friend safe and healthy.