NexGard Chewables

Why it is listed

NexGard is the original monthly afoxolaner chew: FDA-approved for fleas, several US tick species, and Lyme prevention via black-legged tick kill. It is easy to give and remains widely prescribed. It scores lower than Trio because it does not include heartworm or intestinal worms, and it carries the same isoxazoline neurologic warning.

Pros & cons

Pros

• DailyMed / NADA 141-406: beef-flavored monthly chew; fleas plus black-legged, American dog, lone star, brown dog, and longhorned ticks; Lyme prevention as a result of killing Ixodes scapularis.
• Dogs and puppies 8 weeks+, 4 lb+; can be given with or without food (manufacturer dosing text).
• Same company sells NexGard PLUS (adds heartworm/worms) — not scored here because this row is the classic flea/tick chew.

Cons

• Isoxazoline (afoxolaner): FDA neurologic class warning; NexGard label: use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
• Does not prevent heartworm. Households that want one chew for HW + fleas/ticks should discuss Simparica Trio or NexGard PLUS with a veterinarian (PLUS not ranked this pass).
• Dogs only. Safe use in pregnant/breeding/lactating dogs has not been evaluated per the label.

Score breakdown