Many dog owners wonder about the effectiveness of products like Nexgard in safeguarding their pets from Lyme disease. Lyme disease, a bacterial illness, can cause various health issues for dogs. Nexgard is effective against ticks, and while it reduces the risk of Lyme disease, it doesn’t offer absolute immunity.
What Nexgard Does for Your Pet
Nexgard is an oral parasiticide for dogs. Its active ingredient, afoxolaner, targets fleas and ticks by affecting their nervous systems. Once a dog ingests the chewable tablet, afoxolaner is absorbed into the bloodstream. When fleas and ticks bite the dog and ingest the blood containing afoxolaner, it causes hyperexcitation in their nervous system, leading to paralysis and death of the parasite.
This medication works by disrupting nerve signal transmission in parasites. It selectively binds to chloride channels in their nerve cell membranes, leading to uncontrolled activity and death of the fleas and ticks. Nexgard is formulated to kill these parasites after they bite, providing monthly protection against infestations.
How Lyme Disease Spreads
Lyme disease in dogs stems from an infection caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacterium is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also commonly known as deer ticks. These ticks acquire the bacteria by feeding on infected wildlife hosts, often small rodents, during their larval or nymphal stages. The bacteria then multiply within the tick, ready to be passed on during a subsequent blood meal.
Tick transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi generally requires a specific attachment time to the host. For the bacteria to transfer from the tick to the dog’s bloodstream, the tick typically needs to be attached and feeding for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Nexgard’s Role in Lyme Prevention
Nexgard plays a role in reducing the risk of Lyme disease by effectively killing black-legged ticks. It does not prevent ticks from attaching to a dog or from initially biting. Instead, the medication acts after the tick has attached and begun to feed, but before it can transmit the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria.
Nexgard starts to kill ticks within 48 hours of administration, with some studies showing effectiveness as quickly as 12 to 24 hours. This rapid action reduces the window of opportunity for Lyme disease bacteria to be transmitted, as the tick is killed before the necessary 24-48 hour attachment period for transmission is complete. In controlled laboratory studies, Nexgard has been shown to effectively prevent Borrelia burgdorferi infections by killing vector ticks. While effective, no tick preventative can guarantee 100% prevention of all tick-borne diseases, as very rapid transmission can sometimes occur.
A Holistic Approach to Lyme Protection
Regular tick checks are an important practice, especially after a dog has spent time in grassy or wooded areas. Prompt removal of any attached ticks within 24 hours can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission. Using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pulling it straight out is generally recommended.
Environmental management also contributes to reducing tick exposure. Keeping grass mowed, clearing leaf litter, and avoiding tall grass or dense brush where ticks often reside can help minimize risk. Additionally, Lyme disease vaccines are available for dogs and can provide another layer of defense against Borrelia burgdorferi. Veterinarians often recommend the vaccine for dogs living in or traveling to areas where Lyme disease is common.
Consulting with a veterinarian is recommended to develop a comprehensive prevention plan tailored to a dog’s specific risk level and geographic location. This personalized approach may combine parasiticides like Nexgard with vaccination and good management practices for the most effective protection.