Broad-spectrum parasite prevention chewable treatments are a blessing for dogs and dog parents. They cover common internal and external parasites, may reduce the need for multiple treatments, and are easy to dose as treats. In short, they make our lives simpler. Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra are two popular options in this category. But which one is better for dogs? Let’s find out by comparing them in detail.
Key Differences Between Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra
Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra are both formulated to simplify flea, tick, and worming treatment for dogs, but they mainly differ in the following aspects:
Parasite Coverage:
- Simparica Trio is a tasty monthly chewable that protects your dog from fleas, brown dog ticks, black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, lone star ticks and heartworm disease. It also treats and controls roundworms and hookworms and prevents flea tapeworm infections. It is indicated for the prevention of Lyme infections as a direct result of killing black-legged vector ticks.
- NexGard Spectra is a palatable beef-flavored chewable that protects against fleas, brown dog ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, ear mites, demodectic mange, sarcoptic mange, heartworm disease, and intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms (by killing fleas).
Active Ingredients:
- Simparica Trio for Dogs combines three active ingredients: sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel.
- NexGard Spectra for Dogs combines afoxolaner and milbemycin oxime for broad internal and external parasite protection.
Age/Weight Eligibility:
- Simparica Trio is approved for dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks old and weighing 2.8 pounds or more.
- NexGard Spectra is approved for dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks old and weighing 4.4 pounds or more.
Safety Spectrum:
- The safe use of Simparica Trio has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
- NexGard Spectra for Dogs can be used in breeding, pregnant, and lactating females with a veterinarian’s approval.
Which All-in-One Chew is Better, Simparica Trio or NexGard Spectra?
Both products offer broad-spectrum coverage against major parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms in dogs. So, the “better” choice for your dog depends on your dog’s age, weight, and parasite exposure risk as well as what your veterinarian recommends.
Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra can both be good choices if you are looking for flea and tick control, heartworm disease prevention, and the treatment and control of intestinal worms like roundworms and hookworms.
If your dog has a risk of whipworm infestations or needs treatment for ear mites or mange, then NexGard Spectra for Dogs can be helpful due to its slightly broader parasite coverage spectrum.
Whichever product you choose, speak to your veterinarian before starting the treatment and stick to the recommended dosage schedule for effective protection.
FAQs about Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra
1. Can I switch from NexGard Spectra to Simparica Trio?
It is not advisable to switch treatments on your own. Ask your veterinarian about the correct transition schedule for your dog.
2. Can NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio help prevent Lyme infections?
Simparica Trio is approved to prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease by killing black-legged ticks.
3. How long does it take for NexGard Spectra to work?
NexGard Spectra’s active ingredients are absorbed within 4 hours, and it kills fleas within approximately 6-8 hours following administration.
4. How fast does Simparica Trio work to kill ticks and fleas?
Simparica Trio for Dogs starts to kill deer ticks within 8 hours and fleas within 4 hours.