NexGard and Prescription Requirements in the USA
NexGard (afoxolaner) is a monthly chewable flea and tick treatment for dogs made by Boehringer Ingelheim. In the United States, NexGard is classified as a prescription-only veterinary medication — you need a valid script from a licensed vet to purchase it from any US-based pharmacy or veterinary clinic.
However, a large number of US dog owners now purchase NexGard without a prescription through Australian online retailers, where it's legally classified as an over-the-counter product. This guide explains exactly how that works, what's in NexGard, and what you need to know before ordering.
How Can Australian Retailers Sell NexGard Without a Prescription?
Australia's veterinary regulator — the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) — classifies NexGard as an OTC veterinary product. No prescription is required to buy or sell it in Australia. NexGard sold in Australia is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim to the same global formula. The active ingredient (afoxolaner), concentration, and efficacy are identical to what US vets prescribe. For a full explanation of why Australian prices are lower, see why pet medications are cheaper from Australia.
What Does NexGard Treat?
NexGard is a monthly oral chewable that protects dogs against:
- Fleas — kills adult fleas before they can lay eggs, breaking the flea life cycle
- Black-legged ticks (deer ticks)
- American dog ticks
- Brown dog ticks
- Lone star ticks
NexGard starts killing fleas within 8 hours and achieves full flea kill within 24 hours. It also kills ticks within 48 hours of attachment, reducing the risk of tick-borne disease transmission.
Note: NexGard does not prevent heartworm or treat intestinal worms. If you want all-in-one coverage, consider NexGard Spectra (which adds heartworm and intestinal worm protection) or Simparica Trio.
NexGard vs NexGard Spectra: What's the Difference?
NexGard contains only afoxolaner and covers fleas and ticks. NexGard Spectra adds milbemycin oxime, extending coverage to include heartworm prevention, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. If you want to consolidate into a single monthly chew, NexGard Spectra is the broader option. See our full NexGard Spectra vs Simparica Trio comparison for a side-by-side breakdown of all-in-one options.
NexGard vs Simparica
Choosing between NexGard and Simparica? Both are monthly flea and tick chewables but differ in speed of kill and minimum puppy age. Read our NexGard vs Simparica comparison for the full picture.
Choosing the Right NexGard Size for Your Dog
NexGard is dosed by body weight. Choose based on your dog's current weight:
- Extra small: up to 10 lbs (up to 4 kg) — Violet
- Small: 10.1–24 lbs (4.1–10 kg) — Blue
- Medium: 24.1–60 lbs (10.1–25 kg) — Green
- Large: 60.1–121 lbs (25.1–50 kg) — Red
NexGard is approved for puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 4 lbs (1.8 kg).
Is Personal Importation of NexGard Legal?
The FDA's personal importation policy generally permits US residents to import foreign medications in limited quantities for personal use on their own animals. For the detailed legal framework, see our article on whether it's legal to import pet medications from Australia.
Safety and Side Effects
NexGard is well tolerated by most dogs. The most commonly reported side effects are vomiting, dry or flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite — typically mild and self-resolving. As with all isoxazoline-class medications, use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurological conditions.
Where to Buy NexGard Without a Prescription
Smartway Pet Supplies stocks the full NexGard range for dogs, shipped directly to the USA and Canada in original Boehringer Ingelheim packaging. No prescription required.
Smartway Pet Supplies
Pet Care Specialist — Smartway Pet Supplies
A member of the Smartway team, writing practical guides to help US and Canadian pet owners choose the right parasite prevention products for their pets.
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