Choosing between NexGard and Simparica Trio is one of the most common dilemmas Australian dog owners face when shopping for all-in-one flea, tick, and heartworm protection. Both are chewable, vet-grade tablets that dogs actually enjoy taking — but they differ in what parasites they cover and how they fit into your pet's routine. Let's break down the key differences so you can make a confident choice for your dog.
Quick Overview: What Each Product Covers
At first glance, NexGard and Simparica Trio look similar — both are monthly beef-flavoured chewables designed to kill fleas and ticks on dogs. The crucial difference lies in the breadth of protection each tablet provides out of the box.
NexGard (afoxolaner) targets fleas and paralysis ticks — including the deadly Australian paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) — plus treats and controls demodectic and sarcoptic mange. However, it does not cover heartworm or intestinal worms on its own. You'll need a separate product for those.
Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel) is a true all-in-one solution. A single chew covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm — making it one of the most comprehensive monthly tablets available in Australia.
Parasite Coverage: NexGard Compared with Simparica Trio
When comparing NexGard vs Simparica for parasite coverage, the simplest way to see the difference is side by side:
- Fleas: Both kill adult fleas within hours and break the flea life cycle with monthly dosing.
- Ticks: Both cover paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, and bush ticks — essential across Australia's east coast and tropical regions.
- Heartworm: Simparica Trio prevents heartworm disease. NexGard does not — you'd need an additional monthly preventative or annual injection.
- Intestinal worms: Simparica Trio treats and controls roundworm and hookworm. NexGard offers no intestinal worm coverage, so a separate worming tablet is required.
- Mange: NexGard treats demodectic and sarcoptic mange. Simparica Trio treats sarcoptic mange and demodectic mange as well.
For owners wanting a single product that handles flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in one chew, Simparica Trio clearly simplifies the routine. If your dog is already on an annual heartworm injection and a separate intestinal wormer, NexGard may slot in perfectly alongside those products.
Quick tip: In tropical and subtropical parts of Australia — think Queensland, the Northern Territory, and northern NSW — heartworm-carrying mosquitoes are active year-round. No matter which product you choose, maintain heartworm prevention every single month without gaps.
Ease of Use and Palatability
Both products are soft, beef-flavoured chewables given once a month. Most dogs take them willingly — no wrestling with spot-on tubes or messy application.
NexGard is suitable for puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 2 kg. Simparica Trio can be given to puppies from 8 weeks of age weighing at least 1.25 kg, giving it a slight edge for very small or young dogs.
Because Simparica Trio rolls flea, tick, and heartworm protection into a single tablet, there's one less product — and one less date — to remember each month. Fewer products generally means better compliance, and better compliance means fewer gaps in your dog's protection.
Which Suits Your Dog's Lifestyle?
Choose Simparica Trio if you want the simplest possible routine. One chew per month covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm. It's ideal for busy households, first-time dog owners, or anyone who wants genuine all-in-one flea, tick, and heartworm prevention without juggling multiple products. Browse the full Simparica Trio range to find the right weight band for your dog.
Choose NexGard if your dog already receives a separate heartworm preventative (such as an annual injection) and an intestinal wormer on a regular schedule. NexGard delivers fast, reliable flea and tick protection, and its track record in Australia is excellent. See all available sizes in our NexGard collection.
Either way, both products are trusted by Australian veterinarians and backed by rigorous safety data. The "better" option simply depends on your dog's current parasite prevention plan and how many products you're happy to manage.
If you're exploring the full range of flea, tick, and worm products for dogs, Sierra Pet Products stocks both brands alongside other vet-grade options — all at competitive prices with fast Australian shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give NexGard and a heartworm tablet together?
Yes, NexGard is commonly paired with a separate heartworm preventative. Many dog owners use NexGard for flea and tick control while relying on an additional monthly heartworm product or an annual heartworm injection.
Does Simparica Trio cover all intestinal worms?
Simparica Trio treats and controls roundworm and hookworm, but it does not cover tapeworm or whipworm. You may still need a separate all-wormer tablet every three months to ensure full intestinal worm coverage, particularly if your dog scavenges or hunts.
Are these products safe for all dog breeds?
Both NexGard and Simparica Trio have been tested across a wide variety of breeds and sizes. Both are available without a prescription, so simply select the correct weight band for your dog when ordering.
Ready to simplify your dog's parasite prevention? Shop our full collection of flea, tick, and worm treatments for dogs at Sierra Pet Products and find the right protection for your best mate.