Choosing between NexGard and Simparica Trio is one of the most common dilemmas Aussie dog owners face when shopping for all-in-one flea, tick, and heartworm protection. Both are monthly chewables, both taste good enough that most dogs wolf them down — but they cover different parasites and suit different lifestyles. Here's a straight-up comparison to help you pick the right one.
Quick Side-by-Side Comparison
Before we dive into the detail, here's the headline difference. NexGard (afoxolaner) targets fleas and ticks. Simparica Trio (sarolaner + moxidectin + pyrantel) targets fleas, ticks, heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm — making it a genuine all-in-one solution for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention in a single chew.
Both are beef-flavoured monthly chewables designed for dogs only. Neither requires fasting, and both start killing fleas within hours of administration.
- NexGard: Fleas and ticks (paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks).
- Simparica Trio: Fleas, ticks (same species), heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm.
If your dog is already on a separate heartworm preventative, NexGard pairs nicely with it. If you'd rather simplify your routine, Simparica Trio rolls multiple treatments into one tablet.
What Each Product Actually Covers
Australia's warm, humid climate — especially along the eastern seaboard from Far North Queensland down to the Illawarra — means paralysis ticks are a year-round threat. Both NexGard and Simparica Trio kill paralysis ticks for a full 35 days, giving you a comfortable buffer around the monthly dosing schedule.
Where they diverge is internal parasite coverage. NexGard is an ectoparasite specialist: it handles fleas and ticks only. You'll need a separate product (like a heartworm preventative or an intestinal wormer) to cover the rest.
Simparica Trio adds heartworm disease prevention plus treatment of roundworm and hookworm. For many owners, that significantly reduces the number of products they need to manage. Keep in mind, however, that Simparica Trio does not cover tapeworm or whipworm, so you may still need an additional intestinal wormer on a quarterly schedule.
Quick tip: In tropical and subtropical parts of Australia — think Cairns, Townsville, and the Gold Coast hinterland — mosquito pressure is high nearly all year. If you're using NexGard alone, make sure you add a dedicated heartworm preventative. Simparica Trio already has you covered on that front.
Which Dogs Suit Which Product?
Both products are approved for puppies from 8 weeks of age (with minimum weight requirements). They're safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs at recommended doses, though individual circumstances always vary.
NexGard may be the better fit if:
- Your dog is already on a heartworm and intestinal worm program you're happy with.
- You prefer to choose each parasite treatment individually.
- Budget is tight and you only need external parasite control right now.
Simparica Trio may be the better fit if:
- You want the convenience of a single monthly chew covering fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
- You tend to forget separate dosing schedules (no judgement — it's common).
- You want built-in roundworm and hookworm coverage between quarterly worming treatments.
Browse our full range of flea, tick, and worm treatments for dogs if you'd like to compare other options alongside these two.
Taste, Size & Ease of Dosing
Both NexGard and Simparica Trio are soft, beef-flavoured chews — and both have strong acceptance rates. Most dogs treat them like a monthly snack. If your dog is a fussy eater, you can crumble either chew into food without affecting efficacy.
Chew sizes are weight-banded, so you give one appropriately sized chew per dose. There's no splitting tablets or mixing liquids. Dosing day genuinely takes about five seconds, which is a big reason chewable parasite prevention has become so popular across Australia.
One practical note: because Simparica Trio contains moxidectin for heartworm prevention, your dog should ideally be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting. This is standard practice for any heartworm preventative and something your usual clinic can handle quickly.
Making Your Choice: Key Factors
When weighing up NexGard versus Simparica Trio, it really comes down to coverage scope and convenience.
If you value simplicity and want all-in-one protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm in a single dose, Simparica Trio is hard to beat. It reduces the mental load of juggling multiple products and multiple schedules — especially handy in multi-dog households.
If you already have a heartworm and worming routine locked in and just need reliable external parasite control, NexGard is a proven performer that's been trusted by Australian dog owners for years.
Cost-wise, Simparica Trio's per-chew price is higher, but once you factor in the heartworm and worming products you'd buy separately alongside NexGard, the total spend is often comparable. It's worth doing the maths for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch my dog from NexGard to Simparica Trio?
Yes, switching is straightforward. Simply give the first Simparica Trio chew on the date your next NexGard dose would have been due. If your dog hasn't been on heartworm prevention, a heartworm test is recommended before starting.
Do either of these products protect against tapeworm?
No. Neither NexGard nor Simparica Trio covers tapeworm. You'll need a separate all-wormer (containing praziquantel) on a quarterly schedule to handle tapeworm and, in the case of NexGard users, other intestinal worms as well.
Are these chews safe for puppies?
Both products are approved for puppies from 8 weeks of age, provided they meet the minimum weight requirement for the smallest chew size. Always check the weight range on the pack before dosing a young pup.
Ready to grab your dog's next round of protection? Shop Simparica Trio or NexGard at Pacific Pet Supplies — and if you're unsure which option best suits your dog's health profile, have a quick chat with your vet at the next check-up.