Simparica TRIO vs NexGard Spectra

Date Posted: 27 May 2026 

Simparica TRIO vs NexGard Spectra

Simparica TRIO vs NexGard Spectra

Two of the most trusted all-in-one monthly chews for dogs, covering fleas, ticks, heartworm and intestinal worms. Here is how they actually differ, so you can make the best choice for your pet.

Simparica Trio · Zoetis NexGard Spectra · Boehringer Ingelheim Both · monthly oral chew From 8 weeks of age

If you are shopping for complete parasite protection for your dog, Simparica TRIO and NexGard Spectra will be the two main products on your shortlist. Both are once-a-month, flavoured chews that protect against fleas, ticks, heartworm and common intestinal worms in a single dose, replacing the need for several separate products.

They are more alike than different. The choice usually comes down to a handful of specifics: the exact tick and worm species each one covers, how fast they start working, the minimum weight your dog needs to be, suitability for breeding or pregnant dogs and price. Below we break down each of these, then answer the questions dog owners ask most.

The short answerWhich one should you choose?

Simparica Trio

Best for fast action & broad tick cover

Lean this way if speed and tick range matter most.

  • Starts killing fleas and ticks faster
  • Covers a wider range of tick species
  • Includes a labelled claim for Lyme disease prevention
  • Suits smaller dogs (lower minimum weight)
  • Better price point
NexGard Spectra

Best for the widest worm coverage

Lean this way if intestinal worm range matters most.

  • Adds whipworm protection (Simparica Trio does not)
  • Also helps against mange and ear mites
  • Can be used in breeding, pregnant & lactating dogs
  • Beef-flavoured chew
  • Slightly higher price

Side by sideFull comparison table

Feature Simparica Trio NexGard Spectra
Manufacturer Zoetis Boehringer Ingelheim
Active ingredients Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel Afoxolaner, milbemycin oxime
Form & dosing Monthly flavoured oral chew Monthly flavoured oral chew
Fleas Yes Yes
Ticks Broader range of tick speciesWider Common ticks incl. brown dog tick
Speed of flea/tick kill Faster onsetFaster Effective, slightly slower onset
Heartworm prevention Yes Yes
Roundworm & hookworm Yes Yes
Whipworm No YesExtra
Mange & ear mites No YesExtra
Lyme disease claim YesExtra No
Minimum age 8 weeks 8 weeks
Minimum weight 2.6kg 2.3kg
Breeding / pregnant dogs Not evaluated for breeding/pregnancy Can be usedSuitable

Exact weight ranges, pack sizes and species coverage are printed on each product’s packaging. Always match the pack to your dog’s current weight.

In depthHow they really differ

Active ingredients

This is the root of every other difference. Simparica TRIO combines sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel. NexGard Spectra pairs afoxolaner with milbemycin oxime. Both use an isoxazoline (sarolaner or afoxolaner) to handle fleas and ticks, then add ingredients for heartworm and intestinal worms. The differing worm-active ingredients are why their internal coverage is not identical.

Tick and flea coverage

Both control fleas and the common brown dog tick. Simparica Trio covers a broader set of tick species and tends to start killing fleas and ticks faster. In parts of Australia where ticks are a serious seasonal risk, that breadth and speed can matter, but the right choice depends on the ticks in your specific region, which is a good question for your vet.

Intestinal worm coverage

Here NexGard Spectra has the edge: it adds whipworm protection, which Simparica Trio does not cover, and it also helps against mange and ear mites. If your dog digs, roams or frequents dog parks where whipworm eggs persist in soil, this is a meaningful point of difference.

Suitability and safety

Both are suitable from 8 weeks of age. NexGard Spectra can be used in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs, whereas Simparica TRIO has not been evaluated for that group, an important consideration if you breed or may breed your dog.

Good to knowUsing them safely

Do not use both together. Simparica TRIO and NexGard Spectra have overlapping coverage and there is no need to use at the same time. Pick one product, give it consistently each month.

  • Dose by your dog’s current weight, weigh before buying a new pack, especially for growing puppies.
  • Give consistently on the same date each month for unbroken protection.
  • Watch for missed doses during tick season, when gaps carry the most risk.
  • If your dog has a history of seizures or other health conditions, check with your vet before starting either product.

Questions answeredFrequently asked

Can I give my dog both Simparica Trio and NexGard Spectra?
No. Both are broad-spectrum monthly chews with overlapping coverage and should not be given together. Choose one and use consitantly for best protection.
Which is better for ticks?
Simparica TRIO covers a broader range of tick species and starts working faster, while both control the common brown dog tick. Tick risk varies by region in Australia, so it is best to be aware of what ticks are common in your area, particularly if paralysis ticks are a local concern.
Does NexGard Spectra cover whipworm?
Yes. NexGard Spectra protects against whipworm, while Simparica TRIO does not. If whipworm is a concern for your dog, this is one of the clearest reasons to choose NexGard Spectra.
Are these treatments prescription only?
No, in Australia you do not require a prescription to use NexGard Spectra or Simparica TRIO.
Which is safe for puppies?
Both are suitable from 8 weeks of age.

Shop the rangeReady to buy?

Browse the full range of both treatments at PETZOO, with packs for every weight band and fast shipping Australia-wide.

Shop Zoetis Simparica Trio View all weight ranges → Shop Boehringer Ingelheim NexGard Spectra View all weight ranges →

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