NexGard Spectra vs Simparica Trio
A detailed comparison of NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio for dogs. Which is the better choice? We compare ingredients, dosing, price, and side effects.
NexGard Spectra
Monthly chewable covering fleas, ticks, intestinal worms, and lungworm. Made by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Simparica Trio
Monthly chewable covering fleas, ticks, roundworm, hookworm, and heartworm. Made by Zoetis.
Save on NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio at a UK pharmacy
UK registered pharmacies dispense the same prescription medications as your vet, often for less. Ask your vet for a written prescription, then fill it online.
Affiliate links 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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | NexGard Spectra | Simparica Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Afoxolaner + Milbemycin Oxime | Sarolaner + Moxidectin + Pyrantel |
| Form | Chewable tablet | Chewable tablet |
| Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Species | Dogs | Dogs |
| Price Range | £8–£18/month | £9–£19/month |
Key Differences
Lungworm
NexGard Spectra covers lungworm; Simparica Trio does not. This is a key differentiator in the UK.
Heartworm
Simparica Trio has a heartworm claim; NexGard Spectra does not (though rarely needed in UK-only dogs).
Tick speed
Simparica Trio kills ticks faster (8 hours vs 48 hours for NexGard Spectra).
Worm spectrum
NexGard Spectra covers whipworm; Simparica Trio does not.
Price
Very similar pricing — typically within £1–2/month of each other.
Pros & Cons
NexGard Spectra
Pros
- Covers lungworm — critical in high-risk UK areas
- Also covers whipworm
- Well-established brand with large safety dataset
- Palatable chewable most dogs take willingly
Cons
- No heartworm label (though milbemycin has activity)
- Slightly less rapid tick kill than sarolaner
- Does not cover tapeworm
- Prescription only
Simparica Trio
Pros
- Fastest tick kill of any oral product (within 8 hours)
- Triple-action: fleas, ticks, and worms in one
- Covers heartworm — useful for dogs travelling abroad
- Very palatable liver-flavoured chewable
Cons
- Does not cover lungworm — important in the UK
- Newer product with smaller long-term safety dataset
- Does not cover tapeworm or whipworm
- Prescription only
Compare Prices & Save
Both NexGard Spectra and Simparica Trio may be cheaper from a licensed online retailer than from your vet. Ask for a written prescription and compare prices.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before starting, stopping, or switching your pet's medication. Prices shown are typical UK ranges and may vary by product size, weight band, and retailer.
Alternative options to consider
Retailers we earn a commission from. It costs you nothing and never changes what we show.
Flea & Tick Treatments for Dogs
Vet-strength flea and tick treatments at pharmacy prices. Frontline, Advocate, Bravecto, Nexgard and more.
Pet Flea Treatments at Pharmacy2U
Frontline, Advantage and own-brand flea treatments at pharmacy prices. Trusted UK pharmacy since 1999.
VetBox Flea & Worm Protection for Dogs
Vet-founded monthly parasite subscription. Flea, tick and worm protection delivered to your door. Founded by Dr Will Woodley, protecting 30,000+ pets.
We may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you.