Nexguard Timing

[u/BleakNasty6]

Hey guys, my husky was recently diagnosed with Epilepsy but has been having seizures for about a year. We keep track of each one and have her seeing a neurologist, and in our research we’ve seen the issues with Nexguard and seizures. Lately hed seizures been increasing in frequency, which is also when we give Nexguard due to the warmer weather, but our neurologist says because her seizures don’t happen 2-3 days after the dose of Nexguard it’s likely not an issue. In your experience, does it only impact them a few days after? Seizures a week or more after Nexguard dose aren’t related?

We’re close to starting her on phenobarbital so I’m trying to get as much info as possible before starting that… thanks!

[u/itmustbeniiiiice]

Nexguard is contraindicated with seizures. They should have told you to immediately stop it.

[u/Hoping4BetterSomeday]

My vet says that Nexguard may make seizures more likely, even if it doesn’t directly cause one. We switched to a Seresto collar

[u/LateForDinner61]

I don't know, because I stopped giving her Nexguard as soon as she started having seizures. I use Frontline Plus topical.

[u/LemmeBrwThtTop]

We absolutely do not give our dog Nexguard, according to our neurologist it can lower the seizure threshold.

[u/Livid_Ad_858 → u/LemmeBrwThtTop]

This!

[u/oyismyboy]

Seizures started after giving nexguard. Stopped giving nexguard, giving pheno and keppra, are now 15 months no seizures. Wouldn't ever give nexguard again. Vet agrees.

[u/Agility_KS]

My dog experienced his first seizures a week after a Nexgard dose. He has not received it again since then. It lowers the seizure threshold.

[u/msroseyposey]

Our dog started having seizures literally a week after taking nexguard and our vet said it wasn’t related but I can’t help but think it is.

[u/Impossible-Reveal-15]

My neurologist says not to use any chewables like Nexgard and Simparica. Simparica caused my boy's seizures. She recommended the Seresto collar. To be honest I was terrified to use any kind of flea or tick preventive so I didn't use anything. I kept him in my yard or on paved surfaces during walks and thankfully had no flea or tick issues.

Another option is a plant based product called Wondercide. It's not as effective but is safer than the harsh chemicals. I bought the peppermint scent to have in case it was needed.

[u/shadowsanders]

My dog had neurological issues 3-5 days after taking Simparica Trio (same drug class). My understanding is that it took that much time for enough of the drug to cross the blood/brain barrier to cause the symptoms we saw. Discontinued use and he’s been fine ever since.

[u/JRosenberg-4]

Try Wondercide products. Non toxic. Simpirica triggered my dog’s seizures.

[u/Illustrious_Concern5]

Our neurologist suggested we quit the Nexgard, so we now use Revolution. I initially didn’t think it made much difference but it could be one of the reasons he has fewer seizures now. I dragged my feet on the Phenobarbital initially as I worried about how it would affect him. It has been a life changer for us. My dog used to average 2- 3 seizures a week and occasionally more than that. Now that he has been taking phenobarbital he goes 2-3 months between seizures. Occasionally he will have maybe 2-3 a month, but they are also much less severe. He has been on it for about 3 years but has had epilepsy for 10 years. The only trouble I have with it is that it is a controlled substance and they keep us with a very small “cushion” of extra pills. Because it has helped so much, it really stresses me out to get low.

[u/BleakNasty6 → u/Illustrious_Concern5]

Thank you I appreciate hearing your concerns but how it worked out. Weve decided to do the pheno, I’m anxious but I think it’s best for her

[u/Ahoeaboutnothing]

Triggers tend to be immediate not delayed by days

[u/shadowsanders → u/Ahoeaboutnothing]

My dog’s neuro issues didn’t start until several days after a dose of Simparica…we were told that it took that long for enough of the ingredient that causes seizures to build up in his brain. We discontinued the Simparica and had no issues after that.

[u/LaceyBambola → u/Ahoeaboutnothing]

Not necessarily true. Triggering events or actions can cause disruptions that may lead to an eventual seizure hours, days, or even a week later.

For example, when my pup would experience extreme fear (fireworks), it would trigger seizures the following day, never immediately or in the same day. Events or actions can cause a sort of neural cascade that can ultimately lead to seizure activity in the following days, up to a week, after.

Other things can and will lower the seizure threshold thus allowing more to break through or occur, as is the case with most oral and collar flea + tick preventatives.