Frequently asked questions

NEXGARD SPECTRA Spot-On Solution for Cats is a parasiticide (i.e. something that kills parasites). It is a liquid containing three active ingredients, applied in one spot on the cat’s neck, to kill worms and mites, and provide month long protection against fleas and ticks.

No.  NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is effective against roundworms, hookworms, lungworms and tapeworms and therefore an oral worm pill is not needed

There are three active ingredients in NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats. Esafoxolaner targets fleas, ticks and mites; eprinomectin targets lungworms, hookworms, and roundworms; and praziquantel targets tapeworms. Each ingredient works in a slightly different way on the target parasite, but broadly speaking, they work by causing the parasite to be unable to regulate their own nervous systems, resulting in the parasite’s death. 

There are two good reasons – first, NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is the most comprehensive parasiticide available for cats in New Zealand, so you can treat for all the main external parasites and internal worms of concern in one simple treatment. The second reason is the monthly treatment intervals. This is perfect for protecting against roundworm which is a significant risk to human health and can pass from cat to human. It takes a roundworm just five weeks to mature and start laying eggs, so monthly treatment stops that. If you leave it longer than five weeks to treat for worms again, that gives the roundworm the opportunity to lay eggs – up to 200,000 per day!

NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats will start working within just a few hours of administration. Like all flea treatments, a flea must be exposed to the product in order to be killed. Fleas that jump on your cat will die within 24 hours, before they can reproduce and lay eggs. It is important to understand that only 5% of the flea population lives on pets. The remaining 95% lives in the environment and that means your cat can pick up new fleas when they go out exploring. However, regular monthly treatment will keep your cat protected and prevent flea infestations happening in the home.

To apply NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats pull back the plunger slightly, remove the cap, place the tip of the applicator on the skin. Apply the contents directly on the skin in one spot on the midline of the neck between the base of the skull and the shoulder blades. Refer to the label insert before use.

NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats 0.3 mL can be used on kittens 8 weeks of age or older and weighing 0.8kg or more.

NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is available in two treatment volumes. A volume of 0.3 mL is for kittens and small cats 0.8-2.4 kg and 0.9 mL for cats 2.5-7.4 kg. Cats 7.5 kg or more must be given the appropriate combination of treatment volumes. Refer to the label insert for guidance

No. For accurate treatment, the correct dose should be applied as one full applicator.

The applicator design gives cat owners clear visibility ensuring complete and accurate dosing, and ensures the product is easy to apply.

Treat monthly for optimal parasite control. Monthly worming is recommended for cats that have access to the outdoors, and for cats that live with children, the elderly or immunocompromised.

If licking occurs shortly after application, a brief period of hyper-salivation may occur due to the taste of the product. This is normally short-lived with no long-lasting effects. 

NEXGARD SPECTRA for Cats is safe and effective in any breed of cat starting at 8 weeks of age and weighing 0.8kg or more.

NexGard for Dogs can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing 2kg or more. NexGard Spectra for Dogs can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing 1.35kg or more.

If your puppy keeps hiccupping, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as eating or drinking too fast, excitement, stress, or even normal digestive system development. Puppies are also more prone to hiccups when they're tired or right after vigorous play.

NexGard for Dogs and NexGard Spectra for Dogs rapidly kill adult fleas and are indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations for 5 weeks (35 days), ensuring protection for a full month.

In general, puppy flea treatments will be the same as treatments for fleas in adult dogs. For puppies, it is important to always check the minimum age and weight that a flea product can be used from. NexGard for Dogs can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing 2kg or more. NexGard Spectra for Dogs can be used in puppies from 8 weeks of age and weighing 1.35kg or more.

 

While occasional diarrhoea can be common in puppies, it is not considered normal. If your puppy’s diarrhoea lasts more than a day or they experience frequent bouts of diarrhoea, seek veterinary advice to identify the underlying cause.

Mild cases of diarrhoea in puppies typically resolve within a day or two. Persistent diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and other health problems, so monitor the duration and talk to your vet if the signs become more severe or other signs of illness are present.

A bland, low-fat diet is generally recommended when a puppy has diarrhoea. For example, small portions of plain boiled white rice mixed with boiled, skinless, and boneless chicken. Prescription diets for gastrointestinal issues are also available and may be recommended by your veterinarian.

A single dose of NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs is highly effective at treating ear mites in puppies. Most puppies feel better within a few days of treatment.  If the ear irritation persists, or a secondary ear infection requiring additional treatment is present, it’s best to consult with your vet.

Yes, puppies are particularly susceptible to ear mites due to their young immune system and contact with littermates.

It’s extremely rare for humans to catch ear mites from a pet but it is possible.  If you are concerned contact your doctor.

Demodectic mange is linked to an immature or weakened immune system and may take several months to fully control. However, symptoms often begin to improve within a few weeks.

Sarcoptic mange typically resolves after the second monthly treatment with NexGard for Dogs or NexGard SPECTRA for Dogs. Itchiness usually subsides within a couple of weeks, though hair loss and skin healing may take longer.

Early symptoms include itchy skin and patches of hair loss.

Demodectic mites are not contagious to other dogs or humans.

Sarcoptic mites, however, are highly contagious—both to other dogs and to people.

Yes, most puppies recover well with appropriate treatment. However, untreated infestations can lead to serious illness. If you're concerned, consult your veterinarian.

Worms can cause significant illness, but effective treatments are available. Routine deworming helps protect your puppy and your household.

Some worms can persist for years if not treated. Regular deworming is essential to prevent long-term health issues.

Your puppy could have their full set of adult teeth at approximately seven months of age, at which point mouthing may reduce, whereas play biting is a phase that, if managed carefully, can resolve while your puppy is still a young dog.

Aggressive puppy biting can be concerning and may indicate underlying issues. It is important to seek support early from a veterinarian or an accredited trainer if you notice signs of aggressive behaviour such as growling, baring teeth, stiffening or fixed staring. Some techniques they may suggest are:

• Teach commands: Train your puppy to respond to commands like "leave it," "drop it," and "sit" to help manage their behaviour.
• Positive reinforcement: Reward calm and gentle behaviour with treats and praise. Avoid using punishment, as it can increase fear and aggression.
• Controlled environment: Create a safe and controlled environment where your puppy feels secure. Use baby gates or playpens to manage interactions.

Puppies explore the world with their mouths and use biting to play and interact with their environment. Here are some key points to consider about normal puppy biting:

• Playful biting: Most puppies engage in playful biting with their littermates and owners, being usually gentle and accompanied by playful behaviour, such as tail wagging and relaxed body language.
• Teething: As puppies' teeth come in, they may bite more frequently to alleviate discomfort. Providing appropriate chew toys can help satisfy their need to chew and reduce biting on hands and furniture.
• Exploratory biting: Puppies use their mouths to explore new objects and textures, which is a normal behaviour, but should be directed towards safe and appropriate items.

Generally, hiccups in puppies aren’t bad, unless they are excessively frequent or are accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If this is the case, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Hiccups after eating are often caused by the puppy eating too quickly, leading to the ingestion of excess air that expands the stomach and irritates the diaphragm, triggering hiccups. Using slow-feeder bowls and providing smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the chance of having a puppy with hiccups.

Yes, it is quite common for puppies to get hiccups. In fact, they are more frequently seen in puppies than in adult dogs, given their high levels of activity, rapid eating habits, and the ongoing development of their digestive and respiratory systems.

For dogs greater than 60 kg, administer an appropriate combination of chews, e.g. for a 75 kg dog, administer one 30.1–60 kg chew together with one 7.6–15 kg chew. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA provides the MOST complete protection against fleas, worms, ticks, and mites for a full month, in one tasty beef-flavoured chew. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

Like NEXGARD Chewables, NEXGARD SPECTRA contains afoxolaner, providing the same excellent level of protection against fleas, ticks and mites. Additionally, it contains the active ingredient milbemycin oxime, which provides protection against intestinal worms, making it the most complete protection against fleas, worms, ticks, and mites in just one tasty chew. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA will protect your dog from fleas and ticks for a full month. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA kills fleas by over-stimulating their nervous system resulting in hyper-excitation and death.  NEXGARD SPECTRA has been shown to kill 100% of existing fleas in just 6 hours and over 98.5% of newly acquired fleas within 12 hours for a full month.  The rapid onset of action kills newly acquired fleas before they can lay eggs. Monthly use is recommended to combat reinfestation and prevent further contamination of the environment with eggs. 

As NEXGARD SPECTRA over-stimulates the flea’s nervous system resulting in hyper-excitation, you may see fleas rise to the top of your dog’s coat and appear more visible as they die.

Yes, NEXGARD SPECTRA kills fleas rapidly before they lay eggs, therefore preventing further infestation of the environment. If a moderate to heavy environmental infestation exists, fleas can continue to emerge into the surroundings for weeks to months because of the continuing development of flea eggs, larvae and pupae already present at the time of treatment. It may therefore take more than one monthly treatment to achieve control of moderate to heavy flea infestations. In areas where fleas are common year-round, monthly treatment should continue throughout the year without interruption. To minimise the likelihood of flea re-infestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with an approved flea control product. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA is an ideal choice for dogs with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) due to its rapid speed of flea kill and month long efficacy. For dogs with a flea allergy, monthly treatment should continue throughout the year without interruption. To minimise the likelihood of flea re-infestation, it is important to treat all animals within a household with an approved flea control product. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA treats and controls roundworm, hookworm and whipworm in dogs. Regular monthly use will prevent flea tapeworm infection. If an active tapeworm infestation is present, a product containing praziquantel should be used. 

NEXGARD SPECTRA is a soft beef-flavoured chew that is for oral consumption only. For ease of dosing, it can be given with or without food. Remove only one chew at a time from the foil-backed blister card. It is a highly palatable chew that is readily consumed by dogs when offered as a treat. Alternatively, it may be added to a small amount of dog food. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

Unlike some treatments, NEXGARD SPECTRA does not need to be given with food. You can choose to give the chew to your dog any time that suits you, with or without food.

NEXGARD SPECTRA can be given to your puppy from just 8 weeks of age, providing it weighs at least 2 kg. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA may cause gastrointestinal disturbances if ingested. In case of accidental ingestion, particularly in the case of children, seek medical advice immediately and provide the product label to the doctor. Alternatively contact the Poisons Information Centre on 0800 POISON (0800 764 766). See product label for user safety directions. To reduce the risk of accidental ingestion, keep out of reach of children, remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card and administer to the dog immediately after removal from the packaging. Any suspected human adverse events should be reported, regardless of the time frame, to Boehringer Ingelheim Technical Services on 0800 800 822.

NEXGARD SPECTRA is safe for all breeds and puppies from just 8 weeks of age and 2kg or more. If you have any concerns, please speak to your veterinarian.

NEXGARD SPECTRA is not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing – unlike some topical formulations or collars. You can be confident that your dog can exercise, play on furniture or with children straight after dosing!

NEXGARD SPECTRA is a vegetable-based chew with soy proteins. It does not contain animal meat protein, including the beef flavouring, and is gluten free. Use with caution in dogs with a known hypersensitivity to soy.

No. NEXGARD SPECTRA Chewables for Dogs must only be used for dogs. NEXGARD SPECTRA Spot-on Solution for Cats can be used on cats. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA does not currently have a registered label claim for use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on suitable treatment options. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

Specific studies investigating the concurrent use of NEXGARD SPECTRA with other medications have not been conducted. However, in field studies, the chew was well tolerated by dogs receiving a wide variety of concurrent medications, including anaesthetics, pain-killers, dewormers, antibiotics, cardiac medications, diuretics, anti-inflammatories, sedatives and vaccines. There are no specific warnings or contraindications on the product label regarding the use of NEXGARD SPECTRA with any other medications. If you have any concerns, please speak to your veterinarian. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

NEXGARD SPECTRA has been shown to be safe in all breeds of dogs (including Collie breeds) and in puppies 8 weeks of age and weighing 2kg or more. Afoxolaner, one of the two active ingredients, is part of the isoxazoline family of chemicals. Adverse reactions to this family of chemicals are rarely observed but may include vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of energy, reduced appetite and itching and very rarely, neurological signs including seizure and tremor. Most adverse reactions are self-limiting and of short duration. If you have any concerns, please speak to your veterinarian. See product label for full claim details and usage instructions.

If you believe your dog has reacted unexpectedly following administration of NEXGARD SPECTRA please speak to your veterinarian or contact Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Technical Services on 0800 800 822.

The active ingredient used to control tapeworms (praziquantel) is bitter and may compromise palatability and reduce compliance. The most common tapeworm species found in New Zealand dogs is the flea tapeworm. Effective flea control has been shown to reduce the likelihood of flea tapeworm infection. If you believe your dog has a high risk of exposure to other tapeworm species, please speak to your veterinarian.

NEXGARD SPECTRA chewables for dogs is not registered in cats and its safety in cats has not been evaluated. NEXAGRD SPECTRA Spot-on Solution for Cats is safe for use on cats. If your cat does ingest a chew, please contact your Veterinarian.