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Flea and Worm Products (New Zealand)
Year-round parasite prevention is essential for itchy dogs — fleas and mites can cause or worsen itch. This guide summarises common products available in NZ and what they cover. Always use a product suited to your dog's weight and age; your vet can recommend the best option.
Why it matters for itch
- Fleas can cause or worsen allergic skin disease.
- Mites (Sarcoptes, Demodex, ear mites) cause intense itch.
- Documenting each dose date helps your vet assess compliance. Log in Track the Itch and set reminders if overdue (>35 days).
Oral / chewable products
| Product | Active ingredients | Fleas | Ticks | Mites | Worms | Frequency | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NexGard Spectra | Afoxolaner, milbemycin oxime | Yes | Yes | Yes (Demodex) | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, flea tapeworm | Monthly | 8 weeks+ |
| Simparica Trio | Sarolaner, moxidectin, pyrantel | Yes | Yes | Yes | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm | Monthly | 8 weeks+ |
| Bravecto Chew | Fluralaner | Yes | Yes | Yes (Demodex, Sarcoptes) | No | Every 3 months | 8 weeks+ |
Spot-on (topical) products
| Product | Active ingredient | Fleas | Ticks | Mites | Worms | Frequency | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto Spot-On | Fluralaner | Yes | Yes | Yes (ear mites, Demodex, Sarcoptes) | No | Every 6 months | 8 weeks+ |
| Advocate | Imidacloprid, moxidectin | Yes | No | Yes (Demodex, Sarcoptes, ear mites) | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, heartworm | Monthly | 7 weeks+ |
| Revolution / Neovela | Selamectin | Yes | No | Yes (ear mites, Sarcoptes) | Roundworm, hookworm, heartworm | Monthly | 6 weeks+ |
| Moxiclear | Moxidectin, imidacloprid (or similar) | Yes | No | Yes | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm | Monthly | 7 weeks+ |
| Advantage | Imidacloprid | Yes | No | No | No | Monthly | 7 weeks+ |
Worm-only products
Use if your flea product does not cover worms, or as directed by your vet:
| Product | Worms covered | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Drontal | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm | Tablet |
| Milpro | Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm | Flavoured tablet |
Other options
| Product | Format | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Seresto | Collar | Fleas, ticks (long-lasting) |
Choosing a product
- Flea + worm in one — NexGard Spectra, Simparica Trio, Advocate, or similar simplify dosing.
- Mite coverage — Important if your vet suspects Sarcoptes or Demodex. Isoxazolines (NexGard, Bravecto, Simparica) and some spot-ons (Advocate, Bravecto Spot-On) cover mites.
- Weight and age — Use the correct weight band; some products are not for very young puppies.
- Compliance — Log each dose in Track the Itch. Set a reminder if more than 35 days since last dose.
For your vet
Track the Itch reports include parasite prevention status and last dose dates. Use them to assess compliance and rule out flea/mite contribution to pruritus.