NexGard Allergies in Dogs

NexGard is a flea and tick protection system that comes in a chewable pill for dogs. This tasty and soft chew has been approved by the FDA and is considered safe for dogs. The active ingredient, afoxolaner, has been proven to effectively treat and control ticks and fleas for one month when given regularly. This item is from the makers of Frontline.

Although many dogs tolerate NexGard quite well, there are specific side effects that are listed on the label. When you are giving your dog this chewable tablet, it is essential to be familiar with the side effects that can occur. If your dog does have adverse effects to this medication, consult your veterinarian without delay.

Many flea and tick treatments do come with warnings about side effects; however, it is vital you give your dog some sort of flea and tick preventative to avoid Lyme disease and other conditions caused by flea and tick infestations. This is especially important if your dog goes outside on a regular basis and if you live in an environment where fleas and ticks are very common.

NexGard allergies in dogs occur when dogs have an allergic reaction to or suffer from side-effects of this popular flea and tick treatment. The active ingredient, afoxolaner, may not agree with all dogs that ingest this oral preventative.

Paying to treat an allergic reaction to NexGard out of pocket can be a major financial burden. Fortunately, most pet insurance companies reimburse claims within 3 days, putting 90% of the bill back in your pocket. In the market for pet insurance? Compare leading pet insurance companies to find the right plan for your pet.

Signs of an adverse reaction to NexGard will vary from dog to dog. Frequently diagnosed reactions to this flea and tick treatment include:

• Dry and flaky skin
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of energy 

Types

There are various types of active ingredients in flea and tick treatments which include:

• Pyrethrins
• Pyrethroids
• Etofenprox
• Fipronil
• Methoprene
• Methylcarbamate
• Imidacloprid
• Amitraz
• Selamectin
• Nitenpyram
• Fluralaner
• Sarolaner
• Lotilaner

Causes of NexGard reactions in dogs are primarily due to a reaction to the active ingredient, afoxolaner. Specific causes include:

• The hypersensitivity towards the main ingredient
• An over-reactive immune system
• Afoxolaner causing skin irritation to the sensitive skin of the dog

If you have recently started giving your dog NexGard and they are showing signs of a reaction, it is crucial to stop giving them the preventative medication and contact your veterinarian. When you take your dog to the clinic, take the package of this flea and tick preventative treatment to help the veterinarian come to a diagnosis. The veterinarian will take a closer look at the ingredients, asking questions pertaining to when the signs began.

To come to a diagnosis, the clinical team might perform various tests, such as blood work, urinalysis, and a biochemistry profile. Depending on your dog’s signs, your veterinarian may want to perform other assessments; however, this will depend on your dog's present condition.

If your dog has skin irritation, the medical professional will take a closer look to determine if a skin test is required to be sure the inflammation and soreness is a result of the NexGard. Your veterinarian may decide to wait before a costly test is conducted; once your dog stops taking the tablets, the signs may resolve. It is important to understand that this may take some time, as this flea and tick treatment is given once a month, and it may still be in their system for up to 30 days. Once your veterinarian suspects that your dog is allergic to the product, they will advise you to stop giving your companion the treatment and will recommend an alternative method to help prevent fleas and ticks.

Effective treatment of a NexGard reaction will be to stop administering this chewable pill to your dog. Unfortunately, there is no immediate clinical method to remove the drug from your pet's system but depending on your dog's condition, supportive treatment may be offered. Treatment methods that can help in the meantime are:

Topical Medications

Applying a topical medication to your dog’s skin, if the reaction caused a skin irritation, will ease the sensitivity and discomfort. Topical medications may help your dog stop itching and licking the skin.

Alternate Preventatives

Finding an alternate preventative for your dog’s flea and tick treatment is essential. You may want to research other alternatives to keep your dog free of these parasites. Do not try to treat the fleas and ticks without consulting your vet in case your dog has a sensitivity to other products. Your medical professional can also suggest specific flea and tick treatments.

If your dog is often outdoors it will be important to find protection against infestations that works for them, yet does not include such harsh ingredients. Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks prevents more serious conditions from occurring, such as Lyme disease and other illnesses.

Once you find an alternative that works for your dog, it may take them some time to adjust. Monitor your dog’s skin and coat for infestations to be sure the new preventative is working properly.

If your dog develops signs of a reaction after you have removed the Nexgard chewable from their diet, contact your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may then decide to do further allergy testing to identify the ingredient they are allergic to.