Pet parents totally understand how nasty parasites, like fleas and ticks, can be more than just an annoyance; they can trigger unbearable itching, cause allergic skin reactions, pose serious health risks, and make their dog’s life miserable. That is why flea and tick treatment has become a necessity for dogs. One of the most common vet-recommended treatment options is Bravecto for dogs, a long-lasting flea and tick treatment. In this blog, we’ve covered everything about the Bravecto product: how it works, various formulations, safety considerations, dosage, and more that pet parents should know before giving it to their dogs.

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What is Bravecto for Dogs?

Bravecto is an effective flea and tick treatment for dogs, which is widely used in veterinary practices. Manufactured by Merck Animal Health, all Bravecto products contain fluralaner, which treats and prevents flea infestations and treats and controls tick infestations in dogs.

Veterinarians explain that fleas and ticks can cause serious health issues for your pet, not just annoyance. A single dose of Bravecto provides extended flea and tick control, reducing the number of treatments needed throughout the year.

How Bravecto Works

Once administered, fluralaner enters the bloodstream. When fleas or ticks feed on the treated dog, they ingest the fluralaner, which causes paralysis and death in them.

What Does Bravecto Cover?

Bravecto is approved to treat and prevent flea infestations and treat and control various tick infestations. The exact parasites covered may vary slightly depending on the particular product formulation you use.

Bravecto provides comprehensive protection against multiple parasite species:

  • Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)
  • Black-legged ticks (deer ticks) (Ixodes scapularis)
  • American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis)
  • Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)
  • Lone Star ticks (Amblyomma americanum)
  • Asian longhorned ticks (Haemaphysalis longicornis)

As parasite prevalence varies by region, your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate flea and tick prevention program for your dog and living area.

Bravecto Formulations for Dogs

Bravecto for dogs is available in chew or topical formulation to suit various preferences while also delivering long-lasting flea and tick protection with just one dose.

Bravecto Chews for Dogs:

Bravecto (fluralaner) chews for dogs offer up to 12 weeks of flea and tick protection. It is available as a flavored chew formulation to encourage voluntary acceptance. It should be given to your dog by mouth with food.

Bravecto Topical for Dogs:

Bravecto (fluralaner topical solution) for dogs easily protects your dog against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks. For dogs that cannot take oral treatments, Bravecto Topical can be a solution. It comes in a convenient Twist’n’Use applicator for easy administration. It should be given by parting your dog’s fur and applying the product directly to the skin between the shoulder blades.

Bravecto 1-Month Chews for Puppies:

Bravecto 1-Month (fluralaner) chews are designed to protect puppies from fleas and ticks all month long. It comes in a flavored chew form that should be administered orally with food according to your veterinarian’s instructions.

How Long Does Bravecto Last?

It depends on the type of Bravecto product you use. But one of Bravecto’s unique features is its long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks with just a single dose. As per the most approved indications of Bravecto products:

  • Flea protection lasts up to 12 weeks.
  • Protection against common tick species, including black-legged ticks (deer ticks), brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, and Asian long-horned ticks lasts up to 12 weeks.
  • For certain tick species, such as lone star ticks, protection may be shorter, up to 8 weeks.
  • Bravecto 1-Month Chews for puppies provides protection against fleas and ticks for a month.

Bravecto products’ extended protection means many dogs require fewer treatments throughout the year compared to monthly flea and tick treatments.

What is the Bravecto Dosage?

Bravecto dosage mostly depends on your dog’s body weight. There are multiple dosage strengths available with different color-coded variants, so your dog can receive the appropriate amount of treatment.

†For dogs over 123.0 lbs, administer the appropriate combination of Bravecto Chew doses as directed by your veterinarian.

†For dogs over 123.0 lbs, administer the appropriate combination of Bravecto Topical doses as directed by your veterinarian.

Always administer the full dose and never split the dosage, and follow the instructions mentioned on the label carefully.

Bravecto Administration:

  • Weigh your dog to find the appropriate Bravecto dosage.
  • Use only the product designed for your dog’s current weight range.
  • Administer the dose (chewable/topical) as directed by your veterinarian.
  • Bravecto Chews: Administer orally with food and ensure your dog consumes the entire dose.
  • Bravecto Topical: Part the hair and apply the solution directly to the skin between the shoulder blades according to the product instructions.
  • To ensure the next dose is given on time, keep a record of the treatment date.

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Which Dogs Can Take Bravecto?

Eligibility of Bravecto, such as minimum age and weight requirements vary depending on the Bravecto product.

Bravecto Chews and Bravecto Topical are indicated for dogs and puppies 6 months of age or older that weigh at least 4.4 pounds. Bravecto 1-Month Chews are approved for dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older (6 months of age and older for treatment of lone star tick infestations) and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.

Safety: Dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders should be evaluated carefully by a veterinarian before using any Bravecto products.

Generally, your veterinarian may recommend Bravecto if:

  • You find a longer dosing interval convenient.
  • You live in some tick-prone areas.
  • Consistent year-round parasite protection is needed.

Routine vet check-ups also provide an opportunity to review parasite control and adjust prevention strategies if needed. Preparing for flea and tick season can further reduce your dog’s risk of infestation.

Your veterinarian can help determine which option is best based on your dog’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and your preference as a pet parent.

Final Thoughts

Bravecto is a vet-recommended flea and tick treatment designed to support the health and well-being of dogs. Like any other treatment, the extended dosing schedule and convenient form offer effective results for pet parents. To ensure treatment is used safely and effectively, you must follow approved dosing instructions and do regular vet check-ups. Have a chat with your veterinarian; they provide customized guidance for you and your dog. Bravecto helps you keep your pets healthy, happy, and active so you can get the most out of your time together.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bravecto for Dogs

1. Are there any chances that dogs can still get ticks while taking Bravecto?

Ticks may still attach to your dog before they are killed with Bravecto. You should do regular tick checks on your dog; it’s a good practice, especially after spending time in wooded or grassy areas with your dog.

2. How fast does Bravecto work?

According to the manufacturer, Bravecto starts killing fleas and ticks within hours of administration.

3. Does Bravecto kill existing fleas and ticks on my dog?

According to the manufacturer, Bravecto kills existing fleas and ticks. Please refer to the specific product guidelines.

4. Can Bravecto be given even if my dog is taking other medication?

In the field trials of Bravecto conducted by the manufacturer, there is no problem reported in dogs that received Bravecto alongside other commonly used medicines. However, it’s always best to discuss all your pet’s treatments with your veterinarian before administration.

5. Can the Bravecto chew be broken up or crumbled and given with food?

Bravecto chew should be given with food. If a chew is broken or crumbled, make sure your dog still receives the whole dose of Bravecto.

6. Is Bravecto topical water-resistant?

Bravecto topical remains effective after swimming or bathing once the product has been on the skin for 3 days.