Bravecto Vs Nexgard

Flea and tick prevention is a crucial aspect of pet care to protect our furry companions from the discomfort and health risks associated with these parasites. Bravecto and NexGard are two widely used medications that offer effective solutions for flea and tick control in dogs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of Bravecto and NexGard, considering factors such as effectiveness, duration of protection, safety, and administration.

Active Ingredient	Fluralaner	Afoxolaner
Application	Chewable tablet	Chewable tablet
Administration Frequency	Once every 12 weeks	Once every 30 days
How long does it take to work	Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours and 12 hours to kill ticks	4 hours to kill fleas and 24 hours to kill ticks
Effectiveness	Effective against fleas and ticks	Effective against fleas and ticks
Tick Species Coverage	Broad-spectrum coverage, including lone star ticks and American dog ticks	Coverage includes black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick
Flea Prevention Duration	Provides 12-week protection against fleas	Provides 30-day protection against fleas
Tick Prevention Duration	Provides 12-week protection against ticks	Provides 30-day protection against ticks
Availability	Available for both dogs and cats	Available for dogs only
Age Restrictions	Approved for dogs at least 6 months old	Approved for dogs at least 8 weeks old
Waterproof	Yes, remains effective even after swimming or bathing	Yes, remains effective even after swimming or bathing
Side Effects	Possible side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy	Possible side effects may include vomiting, dry/flaky skin, or diarrhea
Safety	Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use.	Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

Bravecto vs NexGard: Which one is better?

The choice between Bravecto and NexGard ultimately depends on the specific needs and preferences of your pet, as well as the recommendations of your veterinarian. Both Bravecto and NexGard are effective flea and tick preventatives with their own unique features. Here are a few factors to consider when comparing the two:

Effectiveness: Both Bravecto and NexGard are highly effective in eliminating fleas and ticks. Bravecto, with its active ingredient fluralaner, starts killing fleas within 2 hours, while NexGard, containing afoxolaner, achieves 100% flea eradication within 24 hours. Both medications also provide efficient tick control, but Bravecto has shown broader coverage against various tick species.

Duration of Protection: One of the significant advantages of Bravecto is its longer-lasting protection. A single dose of Bravecto provides up to 12 weeks of flea and tick prevention, whereas NexGard requires monthly administration. For pet owners seeking convenience and fewer dosing intervals, Bravecto’s quarterly treatment may be more appealing.

Safety: Bravecto and NexGard are generally considered safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. However, individual sensitivities and reactions may occur. It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the safety of your specific pet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or are on other medications.

Special Considerations:

1. Breeding, Pregnant, and Lactating Dogs: Consultation with a veterinarian is crucial for the use of any flea and tick medications in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Bravecto has been evaluated and considered safe for use in breeding dogs, while NexGard has not yet undergone specific evaluation for this population.
2. Tick-Borne Diseases: NexGard is the only FDA-approved option for preventing infections caused by ticks carrying Lyme disease. If you reside in an area with a high risk of Lyme disease, NexGard may be a more suitable choice.

Administration: Bravecto comes in the form of chewable tablets, while NexGard is available as soft, beef-flavored chewable treats. Some dogs may have a preference for one form over the other, so considering your pet’s preferences can make administration easier.

Active Ingredients: Bravecto contains fluralaner, while NexGard contains afoxolaner. Both ingredients effectively kill fleas and ticks, but some pets may respond better to one ingredient over the other.

Age Restrictions: Bravecto is safe for dogs 6 months of age and older, while NexGard can be used in dogs as young as 8 weeks. If you have a younger puppy, NexGard may be the better option.

Availability: Bravecto is available for both dogs and cats, whereas NexGard is specifically formulated for dogs.

Side Effects: Both medications have potential side effects, but they are generally well-tolerated. It’s important to closely monitor your pet after administering the medication and consult your veterinarian if you notice any unusual reactions.

Conclusion

Both Bravecto and NexGard offer effective flea and tick control for dogs. Bravecto stands out with its longer-lasting protection and broader tick coverage, making it a convenient option for pet owners. NexGard, on the other hand, provides rapid flea elimination and is specifically approved for preventing Lyme disease. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable medication for your pet based on their individual needs, health status, and your geographical location.