Bravecto is a popular and effective medication made to protect dogs from fleas and ticks for a long period. It’s an important part of keeping pets healthy by guarding them against illnesses spread by these parasites, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis from ticks, as well as flea allergies and tapeworms. With long-lasting coverage, Bravecto gives pet owners an easy way to help keep their dogs healthy and free from pests.
What Is Bravecto for Dogs?
Bravecto is a prescription medication used to prevent fleas and ticks on dogs. It comes as a chewable tablet or as a liquid you put on the dog’s skin, offering long-lasting protection compared to many other products that need to be given every month. This makes it a simpler choice for owners who want an easy routine.
How does Bravecto fight fleas and ticks?
Bravecto’s pest-killing power comes from its main ingredient, fluralaner, part of the isoxazoline group of drugs. When your dog takes the chew or the skin treatment, fluralaner gets into their body. When a flea or tick bites, it takes in the fluralaner. This affects the parasite’s nerves, causing paralysis and killing them. This way, Bravecto not only kills parasites that land on your dog but also stops further pest problems by breaking their life cycle.
Active ingredient in Bravecto
All Bravecto products use fluralaner as the main ingredient. Fluralaner works throughout the entire body, allowing long-lasting and strong protection against parasites.
What does Bravecto protect against?
Bravecto mainly guards dogs from fleas and a variety of ticks. Here’s a summary:
| Bravecto Product | Fleas | Ticks (12 weeks) | Lone Star Tick (8 weeks) | Other Parasites* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto Chews | Yes | Black-legged, American dog, brown dog, Asian longhorned | Yes | Ear mites, mange (off-label, vet guidance) |
| Topical Solution | Yes | Black-legged, American dog, brown dog | Yes | Ear mites, mange (off-label, vet guidance) |
*Ask your vet about other uses for Bravecto off-label.
Types of Bravecto for Dogs
Bravecto offers a few options to fit different dogs and owner preferences: chews and topical solutions. Both are made for strong parasite control.
Bravecto Chews
These are flavored chewable tablets that most dogs happily eat like treats. One chew gives up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection. To work best, give the tablet with food. The long-lasting effect means fewer treatments than monthly alternatives-helpful for busy pet owners.
Bravecto Topical Solution
For dogs who don’t like pills, Bravecto comes in a liquid form to put on the skin, usually between the shoulders. This spot-on medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream for 12 weeks of coverage. Be sure to apply it as directed and do not let your pet lick it, since it’s only made for external use.
Bravecto for Puppies and Small Dogs
For puppies 8 weeks and up (weighing at least 4.4 pounds), Bravecto 1-Month chew is available, designed for their smaller size. Once puppies turn 6 months old, vets may recommend switching to the regular Bravecto Chew, which lasts 12 weeks. Doses are based on weight to keep your puppy or dog safe and properly protected.
How to Give Bravecto to Dogs
Giving Bravecto is simple, but correct dosing and timing are key for proper protection. Since it requires a prescription, always follow your vet’s instructions.
Dosage by Weight and Age
The right Bravecto dose depends on your dog’s age and weight. Different strengths are made for different sizes. Young puppies (8 weeks-6 months) get Bravecto 1-Month. Older dogs can use the 12-week version. Giving an incorrect product or wrong dose can be dangerous, so always check the label and talk to your vet if you’re unsure.
| Dog’s Weight | Bravecto Chews (12 weeks) | Bravecto 1-Month (for small puppies) |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4-9.9 lbs | Used for older puppies/adults | For 8-week-old puppies |
| Other weights | Choose the correct chew or combine as advised | Ask your vet |
How Often Should You Give Bravecto?
- Bravecto Chews/Topical (most ticks, fleas): Once every 12 weeks
- Lone star tick protection: Every 8 weeks
- Bravecto 1-Month (puppies): Every month
Your vet might adjust timing based on your location and the tick types in your area.
What if You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, give it as soon as possible. If it’s been several days, call your vet for the best advice on how to get back on track. Skipping doses may leave your dog at risk for fleas and ticks until medicine is given.
Benefits of Bravecto for Dogs
Bravecto has several advantages that make it a good choice for many owners and vets.
Lasts Up to 12 Weeks
One main benefit is strong, long-lasting protection. With just one dose, dogs are covered for up to 12 weeks, much longer than most flea and tick products that only last a month. This means fewer treatments to remember, and more peace of mind for dog owners.
Works Fast
Bravecto doesn’t just last long; it also acts quickly. The chewable tablet starts killing fleas within two hours. This helps get rid of any pests your dog already has and helps stop new populations from growing around your home.
Easy for Owners
Because Bravecto needs to be given less often, it’s easier for owners to keep track of treatments. No need to remember monthly doses-helpful for anyone with a busy schedule.
Bravecto vs Other Flea and Tick Medicines
| Product | How Often |
|---|---|
| Bravecto Chews | Every 12 weeks |
| Standard Chews (NexGard, Simparica, Credelio) | Every month |
| Standard Spot-Ons | Every month |
Because of its longer coverage, Bravecto often means fewer doses needed each year.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Bravecto is safe for most dogs, but sometimes side effects can occur. Make sure to talk with your vet about any questions or health concerns, especially since the main ingredient (fluralaner) is an isoxazoline, a group known for rare nerve-related reactions.
Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Less appetite
- Itching
- For topical use: Hair loss or rash at the spot of application
If you see any of these, tell your vet. Sometimes giving the chew with food helps with an upset stomach.
Rare but Serious Issues
Very rarely, some dogs may have serious nerve problems, like shaking, trouble walking, or seizures. This has been reported in dogs taking isoxazoline drugs, even if they’ve never had these issues before. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately. Dogs with seizure history may need other options.
Other Medicines
Bravecto has been shown to be safe when taken with many common dog medicines, such as vaccines or antibiotics, but always tell your vet every product your dog is using. Don’t use other flea and tick drugs at the same time unless your vet says it’s necessary.
Pregnant or Breeding Dogs
Bravecto’s safety for pregnant or breeding dogs has been studied, and while generally considered safe, some problems have been reported. The injectable version, Bravecto Quantum, has not been tested in these dogs. Your vet will weigh the benefits and risks for your situation. Tell your vet if your dog is or might become pregnant.
Common Questions about Bravecto for Dogs
Can Bravecto be used with other parasite preventatives?
Yes, Bravecto is usually safe to use with heartworm medicine and most other dog medications, but should not be combined with other flea and tick medicines unless your vet says it’s okay. Always keep your vet informed about what your dog is taking.
How fast does Bravecto work?
- Chew starts to kill fleas within 2 hours
- Topical gets rid of 99% of fleas in 24 hours, and all in 48 hours
Will Bravecto get rid of current fleas and ticks?
Yes, Bravecto kills fleas and ticks already on your dog. Once they bite a treated dog, they die. For bad infestations, you might need to treat your home as well.
What Vets and Owners Say
Why Do Vets Recommend Bravecto?
- Long-lasting – less likely to forget a dose
- Proven to protect for 12 weeks
- FDA-approved, wide protection (including hard-to-treat ticks)
- Convenient for owners and more likely to prevent missed treatments
What Do Pet Owners Report?
- Major drop or full clearing of fleas/ticks-even in high-risk areas
- No need to remember monthly treatments
- Dogs like the chew, so it’s easy to give
Where to Buy Bravecto for Dogs
Veterinarian Offices and Pet Pharmacies
Bravecto needs a prescription, so you must get it through your veterinarian or a licensed pet pharmacy. The vet will check your dog’s health and help choose the right dose.
Buying Online
- Use only online pet pharmacies that require a prescription
- Be careful of sites selling Bravecto without a prescription-these could be unsafe or fake
- Always make sure an online source is accredited and verifies your prescription with your vet
Bravecto Cost and How to Save
Typical Pricing By Dog Size
Price depends on the size of your dog. Larger dogs cost more since they get a higher dose. But since you only need one dose every 12 weeks, the yearly cost is often close to or less than monthly treatments. Ask your vet for current pricing for your dog’s weight.
Ways to Save
- Check for coupons or rebate offers from the manufacturer
- Buying multiple doses at once may qualify for savings
- Your veterinarian or pharmacy can tell you about current deals
Looking for offers can help lower the total cost for your dog’s ongoing parasite control.
