Can You Take Nexgard If Your Dog Has Seizures?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For dogs with a history of seizures: consider carefully. Simparica, NexGard, Bravecto & Credelio

may not increase the number of seizures, but the risk is real

. Whether you use it will depend on how likely it is that your dog will get a tick and your confidence in other methods of prevention.

What flea and tick medication is safe for dogs with seizures?

If your dog does have a history of seizures, it is advised to use different flea and tick medications than those mentioned above. Topical medications such as

Advantage, Vectra, Revolution, or Frontline

are good choices. Some dogs may have a localized reaction to topical medications.

How common are seizures with Nexgard?

Documents show

1315 seizures reported for Nexgard in the five years

since it was approved by the FDA as safe and effective for the majority of dogs. There are 720 reported seizures for Bravecto in four years, 557 for Simparica in three years, and six seizures for Credelio in the first six months after is was approved.

Does Nexgard cause neurological problems?

(The first isoxazoline product, NexGard, was introduced five years ago.)

About 5,400 of the reports cite one or more neurologic signs, such as ataxia, muscle tremors and/or convulsions

. Other, more common, side effects cited on product labels include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and skin reactions.

What flea medicine can cause seizures in dogs?

Health officials are alerting pet owners and veterinarians that certain flea and tick treatments might put dogs and cats at an increased risk of neurologic issues, including seizures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the drugs are in the isoxazoline class and include

Bravecto, Credelio, Nexgard and Simparica

.

Can topical flea meds cause seizures?

FDA Warning About Flea & Tick Treatments

The affected products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including muscle tremors, ataxia (the loss of full control of bodily movements), and

seizures in some dogs and cats

, the FDA reports.

Does Nexgard cause seizures?

Four flea and tick products

may cause seizures, tremors, and lost coordination in some cats and dogs

. Food and Drug Administration officials have received thousands of reports of adverse events connected with three products—Bravecto, Nexgard, and Simparica—containing drugs in the isoxazoline class.

What can you do for a dog that has seizures?

  1. Keep Yourself Calm. …
  2. Sit Near Your Dog. …
  3. Time Your Dog’s Seizures. …
  4. Carefully Move Your Dog to a Safer Location. …
  5. Speak in Comforting Tones. …
  6. Lower Your Dog’s Body Temperature. …
  7. Wrap and Comfort Your Dog. …
  8. Let Your Dog Sleep.

Which is safer Nexgard or Frontline?

The answer to this question is the inverse of the answer given for fleas, which is to say that both are equally effective at killing ticks, but in this case,

Nexgard kills them quicker

. Nexgard can eliminate the little bloodsuckers in just eight hours, whereas it takes 24-48 hours for Frontline to work.

Can dogs with seizures take Capstar?

Adverse Reactions

Laboratory and clinical studies showed that

Capstar Tablets are safe for use in dogs and cats, puppies and kittens 4 weeks of age and older and 2 pounds of body weight or greater

.

Is Nexgard bad for dogs?


The safety studies for NexGard had a good outcome with a very small percentage of dogs experiencing minor adverse effects

. The most frequently reported adverse reaction was vomiting; less frequent reactions included dry skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and anorexia.

Is Nexgard safer than Bravecto?

Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease.

Both products are safe for dogs when following directions

and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations.

Does revolution cause seizures in dogs?

In addition to the aforementioned clinical signs that were reported in pre-approval clinical trials, there have been reports of pruritus, urticaria, erythema, ataxia, fever, and rare reports of death.

There have also been rare reports of seizures in dogs

(see WARNINGS).

Does Sentinel cause seizures in dogs?

It is true that

Sentinel can cause seizures in animals

. It is just one of the many side effects; vomiting, depression, lethargy, itchiness, hives, diarrhea, weight loss, poor coordination, seizures, hypersalivation, and weakness.

What’s the side effects of NexGard?

  • Dry and flaky skin.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Lack of energy.

What can trigger a seizure in a dog?

  • Epilepsy.
  • Heat Exhaustion.
  • Nutritional imbalances such as thiamine deficiency.
  • Low blood sugar levels.
  • Liver disease.
  • Tumors.

Can fleas cause dogs to have seizures?

Bartonella. Bartonella is a common flea-transmitted illness in dogs and especially cats.

It is often associated with numerous conditions including heart disease, eye inflammation and seizures

.

Does Frontline Plus cause seizures in dogs?

Frontline Plus for dogs is generally safe to use and causes few side effects. Mild skin irritation may occur but should clear up quickly.

Additional side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizure

. However, these side effects are extremely rare and tend to affect smaller dogs.

What is the safest flea and tick treatment for dogs?

  • Frontline Plus is an OTC product that uses fipronil and (S)-methoprene to attack fleas and ticks at every life stage. …
  • Trifexis employs spinosad and milbemycin oxime to keep dogs protected from heartworms and intestinal parasites as well as fleas, but it does not work against ticks.

Does Capstar cause seizures?

Capstar Side Effects for Dogs


The most common side effects that affect dogs include lethargy or hyperactivity, incoordination and trembling or seizures

, and nervousness. Dogs may also experience excessive panting, vomiting, itching, inappetence, and diarrhea.

Does Heartgard cause seizures?

The following

adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation

.

Can ticks give dogs seizures?

Canine Anaplasmosis, also called dog fever or dog tick fever, is transmitted from the deer tick. Symptoms are similar to other tick diseases including fever, loss of appetite, stiff joints and lethargy, but also can include vomiting, diarrhea.

In extreme cases, dogs may suffer seizures

.

What can I use instead of NexGard?


Simparica Trio

works against the same ticks as Nexgard and also protects your dog from heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms. Waxman and Brooks both recommend it. Like Nexgard, Simparica needs to be given to your dog every month. It’s available for dogs from 2.8 pounds all the way up to 132 pounds.

What can I give my dog after a seizure?

After dogs come out of a seizure,

a little all-natural vanilla ice cream, honey, or natural maple syrup

will help to raise their sugar levels back up. Follow with a protein such as little kibble, cheese stick, a spoonful of cottage cheese, chicken, etc. to help stabilize those sugar levels.

What not to feed a dog that has seizures?

Things to Avoid


Chemical preservatives, such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin

may increase seizure activity, as well. At least initially, organ meats such as livers and kidneys should be avoided. An article in Whole Dog Journal suggests that the diet of a dog with seizures should be free of gluten.

Should I put my dog down if he has seizures?


If your dog only experiences one seizure and is otherwise healthy, then you don’t need to consider putting it down

. However, if your dog is having multiple seizures and does not respond well to treatment, then euthanasia may be the best decision for both you and your pet.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.