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Why does my dog have ticks if he's on Nexgard? What can I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Golden Retriever | Male | unneutered | 6 months and 9 days old | 50 lbs

When brushing today I found (what I think is) a flee, actually I pulled 4 or 5 out with his brush. He has been on nexguard for about 3 months now so not sure how he got them. We gave him a salt water bath followed by washing him with shampoo that is supposed to get rid of flees, mites, and ticks. Hoping someone can help me identify what I found and give some advice on how to permanently get rid of them. We have all tile floors and only our couch is upholstery.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 13th, 2017

This is a tick. The picture is not detailed enough to identify the exact species of tick, but no need to worry about that at this time. Since you have given Nexgard (which should kill ticks), then there are two things that could have happened. 1). The ticks were dead when you removed them. If they were not wiggling around and came out easily, then they were dead. 2) The Nexgard didn't work. It happens sometimes that the product (for some reason) didn't work. In that case you can just try a different product that is labeled for ticks. Sorry, I can't recommend any single product. There are so many and none that I know to be better than the other. If you try a new product, then just make sure it is only applied after the Nexgard is next due. I hope that helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2017

    Unfortunately, Nexgard does not repel ticks. It is a wonderful product but it requires the ticks to bite the dogs before it kills them. Other products like Seresto and Advantix work by repelling and killing ticks. The tick season is especially bad this year and many people are having problems with these little buggers.

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