Activyl Tick Plus vs. NexGard for Dogs Chewables Comparison

Activyl Tick Plus

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NexGard for Dogs Chewables

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Trifexis

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Kills fleas before they can lay eggs

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms infections.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Reapply every 30 days.

NexGard kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours.

Starts to kill fleas within 30 minutes; kills 100% of fleas within 4 hours.

Taste

Applied to skin

Beef-flavored chewable

Beef Flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Indoxacarb, Permethrin

Afoxolaner

Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

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Vet Review

When the Activyl product line came out several years ago, it was touted as a totally novel new product on the market that would not have the problems of emerging flea resistance to products that has believed to been increasing in recent years with the old standby products in some cases. It supposedly works through a unique process of bioactivation using only the flea enzymes in activating the main ingredient, indoxacarb, in killing fleas. Along with the permethrin ingredient for tick coverage and control, it would seem like this would be a first line or excellent choice for those looking for a novel and comprehensive flea/tick product for their dogs. And while it is also effective in preventing flea eggs and larvae from developing as well, and can be highly effective in today's war against fleas and ticks, I have seen occasional problems with this product, as reported by clients. While its deeper penetration in the fatty oils of the skin may be a benefit, and while the product is not reported to be absorbed systemically, I have seen occasional and severe side effects reported by animal guardians. As with most other topical products in this venue, this particular product can occasionally cause irritation and itching at the site of application, which while usually only transient for a day or two, in some pets the itching and allergic reaction has been noted to intensify, necessitating anti-itch medications for relief. Some clients have also reported an odd odor from the application site for a while, as well as an oily film, which may persist for a few days. While many clients do report this product highly effective when other competitor products may have failed them recently, these occasional reactions are important to note, especially in a very sensitive or geriatric animal, and/or one with a chronic medical condition. On very rare occasions, clients have reported digestive side effects, as well as rare neurological weakness, stiffness or even spasms. While the vast majority of clients are satisfied with this product's performance and reliability, the decision on using this stronger, newer way of flea and tick control, should be made after careful consideration of patient history, as well as discussion with the local veterinarian. I give this product an overall rating of a 4, with an ease of use of a 5, with a mid-rating safety level of 3.

Within the past year there has been an exciting development in the battle against fleas and ticks.For years, veterinarians have relied on topical medications for control of fleas and ticks, however many formulations are greasy, as well as some sensitive pets may have an allergic reaction to contact some of them. Many clients also worry about the exposure of humans to topical flea and tick pesticides. That is why the exciting new product from Merial known as Nexgard has been such a welcome addition to our flea and tick treatment and prevention options. By using a the ingredient, afoxolaner, Merial has come out with a new product that most fleas and ticks are certainly susceptible. Dogs also LOVE the soft, beef flavored chewable, even without meals. It has also been shown to be safe at up to 5 times the recommended dose.The only down side to this product is that the parasites must bite the dog to be affected, and in some cases this may take up to many hours for this to occur. However, studies as well as clinical experience with this product show that is it very effective in preventing Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This makes it essential as part of any year round parasite prevention program in our dogs. The only rare side effects I have seen are mild digestive upset. I therefore give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an ease of use of a 5 out of 5.

An exciting and brand new product now available combines the main ingredient of Interceptor milbemycin with a powerful flea insecticide known as spinosad. Given as a once monthly heartworm preventative, this product also will control and prevent whipworms, hookworms and roundworms, in addition to preventing heartworms. The additional ingredient spinosad allows effective flea and these internal parasite control all in one pill, making it quite convenient for clients. As with any pesticide rare digestive tract and neurological side effects may occur but this has not been a major problem in clinical trials. Since it is relatively new I will have to see how this product performs on the fleas but it seems to have excellent potential. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of administration a 5 as well, taste a 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.