NexGard Spectra
Prices, Coverage & Alternatives
A tasty monthly chewable covering fleas, ticks and worms. One of the UK's most popular parasite treatments for dogs. Save up to 50% buying online.
Buy Nexgard Spectra at UK pharmacy prices
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same Nexgard Spectra your vet prescribes, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription (capped at £21 under the CMA Order, from 2027), then fill it online.
Affiliate link to The Pharm Pet Co., a UK registered veterinary pharmacy. We may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Always follow your vet's guidance on medication choice and dosing.
What is NexGard Spectra?
NexGard Spectra is a beef-flavoured chewable tablet manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim. It combines two active ingredients: afoxolaner (which kills fleas and ticks) and milbemycin oxime (which treats and prevents intestinal worms and heartworm).
Given once monthly, NexGard Spectra is absorbed into the bloodstream after ingestion. Fleas and ticks are killed when they bite the dog and ingest the active ingredient. Afoxolaner begins killing fleas within 6 hours and ticks within 48 hours of attachment, before they can transmit disease.
NexGard Spectra is particularly popular because it is an oral treatment rather than a spot-on. There is no greasy residue on the fur, no waiting period before bathing or swimming, and no risk of the product being rubbed off. Most dogs eat the chew willingly as a treat.
Kills all major UK tick species within 48 hours
Beef-flavoured tablet — no greasy spot-on mess
Does NOT prevent lungworm — need separate cover
NexGard Spectra Weight Bands
Side Effects & Warnings
Common Side Effects
- • Vomiting (most common, usually mild)
- • Diarrhoea or soft stools
- • Reduced appetite for 24-48 hours
- • Lethargy or drowsiness
Serious Side Effects (Rare)
- • Muscle tremors or twitching
- • Ataxia (unsteady gait)
- • Seizures (very rare, see warning below)
- • Skin reactions (itching, rash)
Important Warnings
Seizure risk: NexGard Spectra contains afoxolaner, an isoxazoline. Rare neurological events (tremors, seizures) have been reported. Dogs with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders should use alternative products. Discuss with your vet.
Not for puppies under 8 weeks: Or weighing less than 2 kg. Not for use in cats.
No lungworm protection: If your dog is at risk of lungworm (eats slugs/snails, lives in a high-risk area), you need additional treatment such as Advocate or a milbemycin-based wormer given at appropriate intervals.
NexGard Spectra Price Comparison
NexGard Spectra XS (2-3.5 kg) — 3 chews
NexGard Spectra S (3.5-7.5 kg) — 3 chews
NexGard Spectra M (7.5-15 kg) — 3 chews
NexGard Spectra L (15-30 kg) — 3 chews
NexGard Spectra XL (30-60 kg) — 3 chews
Alternatives to NexGard Spectra
Simparica Trio
Very similar coverage: fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms and heartworm. Uses sarolaner instead of afoxolaner. Monthly chewable. Similar price point. A direct competitor to NexGard Spectra.
Bravecto
12-week flea and tick protection in a single chewable tablet. Does not cover worms (need a separate wormer). Fewer doses per year may suit some owners. Around £30-£45 per chew.
Advocate + Seresto Collar
Advocate covers fleas, worms and lungworm. Adding a Seresto collar (lasts 7-8 months) gives tick protection. More products to manage, but covers lungworm which NexGard Spectra does not.
Frequently Asked Questions
NexGard Spectra covers fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and heartworm. It does NOT cover lungworm, tapeworms or mites.
A 3-chew pack costs £35-£65 at a vet practice depending on weight band. Online retailers sell the same product for £22-£45 with a prescription. Annual savings of £60-£80 are typical.
They cover different parasites. NexGard Spectra covers ticks but not lungworm. Advocate covers lungworm but not ticks. Choose based on your dog's specific risk factors.
Seizures are a rare but documented side effect of isoxazoline products including NexGard Spectra. Dogs with a history of epilepsy should use alternative products. Discuss the risk with your vet.
No. If lungworm is a concern, you need a separate product like Advocate or Milbemax alongside NexGard Spectra.
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