Comfortis Vs Nexgard - Which is best?
If you are a pet owner, particularly a dog owner, you would know what an enormous struggle it is to ensure your canine-friend remains safe and healthy. You need to be aware of multiple precautionary steps to ensure they are safe and protected from any physical or health issue. One of these preventative steps is to treat your pets, especially dogs, with effective flea prevention treatment and medicines.
As the importance of flea prevention has grown and become an integral part of any pet owner's routine, the variety of options of treatments has also increased in the market. You will come across various options for flea prevention treatment, out of which chewable medicines seem to be the most convenient and effective.
Most commonly, you will find Nexgard and Comfortis in the market, and you might find yourself being a bit confused and unsure when it comes to which one to choose for your beloved pet.
To help make things easier for you and allowing you to make an informed decision for yourself and your pet dog, here is a brief comparison between the two treatments.
Comfortis and Nexgard are both chewable medicines used for flea prevention in pets. A significant difference between the two treatments is that Comfortis is usable (administrable) for both cats and dogs, while Nexgard is specially made for flea prevention in dogs. Since both these treatments are chewable, you can use them for your pets by mixing them up in their food or presenting it to your pet as a treat.
Keep in mind; both options are used for prevention only from flea and ticks, and nothing else.
Comfortis
Comfortis is a flee protection medicine (chewable form). It has been composed to have a beef-like flavor, that lets your pet enjoy the taste while also allowing the drug to do its work. The chewable form of this medicine also makes it less messier to administer and thus, convienient.
Prescription
To buy Comfortis, you need to have a prescription from your vet. Without a prescription, it is nearly impossible to find this treatment for your pet.
Side effects
Like all medicines and treatments, Comfortis also has some side effects due to use. Comfortis is known for causing the following symptoms and reactions in cats:
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decrease in energy
In dogs, the side effects are:
- Decrease in appetite
- Loss of energy/lethargy
- Vomiting
- Seizures
Functions
Comfortis is widely known for its quick action. It is said to be functional and works on fleas in about 30 minutes. It prevents fleas from laying eggs.
All pets?
Comfortis has proven to be highly efficient and effective in killing and getting rid of fleas in pets cats and dogs. So, if you are a cat owner or a dog owner, Comfortis could be the treatment your pet needs.
Cats and dogs are fond of outdoor activities. And it makes sense for fleas to be found majorly in pets who stay outdoors often. Using this drug can help keep the flea problem away.
Restrictions
While Comfortis may seem like a good option if you are either a dog or cat owner (or you own both), it is highly necessary to know Comfortis is supposed to be used for pets in a certain age limit. Comfortis is only approved for use on pets that weigh 4.1 pounds or more, and are 14 weeks old or older.
You need to make sure these factors are in place (or met) before you go ahead and use this medicine on your pet.
How long does it work for?
Comfortis can be given to your pets once a month because it can stay effective (active) for at least one month.
Nexgard
As mentioned earlier, you can treat your dog with Nexgard by giving it to them through their usual food. Nexgard is readily available, doubling the convenience when it comes to finding medication for treating pets.
These chewable drugs are an excellent choice for dog owners.
Any restrictions?
Unlike Comfortis, Nexgard is a better option if you have a younger pet dog and want to treat it for flea and ticks immediately. Nexgard can be easily given to treat fleas and ticks in dogs that are 8-weeks old and weigh about 4 pounds.
Is a prescription needed?
Yes, for all flea and tick treatments, prescriptions are mandatory. It only helps ensure your dog is receiving the actual treatment it needs.
What is the ideal schedule of giving a Nexgard dose?
A dosage of Nexgard can remain effective (active) for up to 30 days. You can also decide on your dosage schedule by referring to the instructions on the pack which allow you to give the appropriate dosage based on the dog's weight. This can also be discussed with your vet if you need further details.
Side effects and cautions
As stated earlier, side effects are common with all kinds of treatments and medicines, whether for humans or pets. So, you need to be cautious about treating your pet when medication is supposed to be administered. When consulting a vet, do go over your pet's medical history and the diet or supplements you are giving them. Sharing the medical history of your pet dog is very important.
For example, if your dog has a history of seizures, then you need to mention it to your vet before using this medicine on your dog.
The possible side effects of using Nexgard on your pet canine can be:
- Vomiting
- Itchiness
- Decreased energy
How does it work?
Nexgard is known for its essential ingredient, Afoxolaner. It kills adult fleas, stopping them from continuing the reproduction cycle and allowing your dog to feel relieved.
CONCLUSION
Whether you are a dog owner or a cat owner, fighting ticks and fleas can be hectic if you don't know the proper ways to go about it. Today's market is packed with various options which are being promoted as being capable of fighting, treating, and preventing your pets from fleas.
While you can find multiple options, Nexgard and Comfortis are some of the most commonly known ones. However, for specifically dog owners, the FDA approved flea and tick treatment Nexgard is highly recommended by most vets and other pet owners.
