Bravecto is an advanced parasitic treatment for dogs, targeting fleas and ticks with a single chewable tablet that provides up to 12 weeks of protection. Safe for puppies as young as 6 months old and weighing at least 4.4 pounds, Bravecto starts killing fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) within 2 hours and achieves nearly 100% efficacy within 8 hours. It also provides over 90% efficacy against several types of ticks, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks, within 12 hours, and maintains this efficacy for up to 12 weeks. Additionally, Bravecto Chew kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks. Regular use ensures your dog remains free from harmful parasites.
Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs reduces fleas by 99% within 24 hours and 100% within 48 hours, maintaining this level of control for 12 weeks. It kills 93.3% of black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks within 48 hours and maintains this efficacy for 12 weeks. For lone star ticks, the efficacy is 90% within 72 hours, lasting for 8 weeks.
Bravecto contains the active ingredient fluralaner, which inhibits the nervous system of parasites, leading to their rapid death. Fluralaner is absorbed quickly, starting to work within hours to provide fast and reliable protection against fleas and ticks.
Additionally, Bravecto is safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, making it a versatile choice for dogs at different life stages. This ensures continuous protection without concern, offering peace of mind for pet owners seeking comprehensive parasite management.
Regular administration of Bravecto ensures that your dog remains healthy, free from the discomfort and potential diseases caused by fleas and ticks. Its extended protection period reduces the need for frequent dosing, making it a convenient and effective solution for busy pet owners.
Directions
- Check your dog’s weight before starting treatment to ensure the correct dosage.
- Give the Bravecto chewable tablet directly to your dog or mix it with their meal.
- Ensure your dog consumes the entire Bravecto dose.
- The minimum dose starts with 112.5 mg of body weight for dogs
- Do not split the tablet; administer it whole to maintain the correct dosage.
- Bravecto can begin at any time during the year to provide year-round protection.
Dosage
Administer Bravecto according to the following dosage table:
| Dog’s Weight (lbs) | Bravecto Tablet Strength (mg) | Pack Color |
| 4.4 – 9.9 | 112.5 mg | Pink |
| 9.9 – 22.0 | 250 mg | Orange |
| 22.0 – 44.0 | 500 mg | Green |
| 44.0 – 88.0 | 1000 mg | Blue |
| 88.0 – 123.0 | 1400 mg | Yellow |
Benefits
- Provides up to 12 weeks of protection with one chewable.
- Starts killing fleas within 2 hours, achieving nearly 100% efficacy within 8 hours.
- Offers over 90% efficacy against several types of ticks within 12 hours.
- Safe for puppies as young as 6 months old and weighing at least 4.4 pounds.
- Safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, ensuring continuous protection across different life stages.
Safety
- Bravecto is strictly recommended for veterinary use only.
- Keep the product away from children.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke while administering the product.
- After treatment, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.
- Store at a controlled room temperature of 59-86° F (15-30° C).
Warnings
- Before starting the treatment, consult your vet if your dog has a history of epilepsy, seizures, ataxia, or muscle tremors.
- If your dog experiences vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, flatulence, or polydipsia, contact a vet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bravecto for Dogs
(Reviewed & written from a veterinary clinical perspective. Educational content – not a substitute for an in-person veterinary exam.)
- What exactly is Bravecto for dogs and how does it work?
Bravecto is a premium veterinary medication designed to eliminate fleas and ticks. Its active ingredient, Fluralaner, belongs to the isoxazoline class. It works systemically, meaning it enters your dog’s bloodstream and targets the nervous system of parasites the moment they bite.
- What forms does Bravecto come in?
It is available as chewable tablets and topical solutions for dogs.
- Which specific parasites does Bravecto control?
Bravecto is highly effective against fleas and various tick species (including the Black-legged tick, American dog tick, and Brown dog tick). Note: It does not treat heartworms or internal parasites like roundworms or tapeworms.
- How does the medication work inside the dog’s body?
After your dog eats the chewable, the Fluralaner is absorbed and circulates in the blood. When a flea or tick attaches and begins to feed, they ingest the medication. This triggers overactivity in their nervous system, leading to a quick and certain death for the parasite.
- Does Bravecto repel fleas and ticks?
No. Bravecto is not a repellent. It does not stop pests from jumping onto your dog. However, because it works so fast once they bite, they are killed before they can lay eggs or cause significant harm.
- How long does a single dose of Bravecto last?
One of Bravecto’s biggest advantages is its longevity. A single dose provides up to 12 weeks (nearly 3 months) of continuous protection, which is three times longer than most monthly treatments.
- How quickly will I see results after administration?
It starts working almost immediately. Fleas begin dying within 8 hours, and most ticks are eliminated within 12 to 24 hours.
- Will it kill the fleas and ticks already on my dog?
Yes! Any “unwanted guests” currently living on your dog will be cleared out shortly after they take their next meal from the treated dog.
- Can Bravecto help clear a flea infestation in my home?
Yes. By killing adult fleas before they have a chance to lay eggs, Bravecto effectively breaks the flea life cycle. For severe home infestations, you may still need to vacuum frequently or treat the environment initially.
- Is it necessary to use Bravecto year-round?
Veterinarians generally recommend year-round protection. Even in winter, fleas can survive in temperature-controlled homes, and certain tick species remain active even in chilly weather.
- Is Bravecto considered safe for all dogs?
Bravecto has been rigorously tested and is approved by major health authorities (like the FDA). When used according to the weight-based dosage, it has a very strong safety profile for the vast majority of dogs.
- What are the most common side effects to look out for?
Most dogs tolerate it well, but some may experience mild, temporary issues like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, or slight lethargy.
- I’ve heard rumors about seizures – is there a risk?
While rare, neurological reactions like tremors or seizures have been reported in the isoxazoline class of drugs. Most dogs with no history of such issues are perfectly fine, but it’s a point worth discussing with your vet.
- Can a dog with epilepsy take Bravecto?
This requires a professional consultation. For dogs with a history of seizures or epilepsy, veterinarians often weigh the risks carefully and may suggest an alternative class of medication.
- Does Bravecto cause damage to the liver or kidneys?
There is no clinical evidence suggesting that Bravecto is toxic to the liver or kidneys in healthy dogs. If your dog has a pre-existing organ condition, always consult your vet first.
- At what age can puppies start taking Bravecto?
Puppies can start Bravecto 1-Month chews from 8 weeks of age, as long as they weigh at least 4.4 lbs (2 kg).
The Bravecto 3-Month chew is recommended only for dogs 6 months of age and older. Always select the formulation that matches your dog’s age and weight.
- Is it safe for senior dogs?
Age isn’t a problem, but health is. Senior dogs often have more underlying health issues, so a quick check-up before dosing is always a smart move for “golden” dogs.
- Can I give Bravecto to a pregnant or nursing dog?
Yes! Bravecto is one of the few products specifically approved for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.
- Is it safe for sensitive breeds like Collies (MDR1 mutation)?
Yes. Safety studies specifically included MDR1-deficient breeds, and Bravecto was shown to be well-tolerated at the recommended dose.
- Is long-term use (over several years) safe?
Many dogs have used Bravecto for years without issue. Periodic wellness exams and blood tests during your annual vet visit are the best way to ensure your dog remains healthy while on any long-term medication.
- Why is it recommended to give Bravecto with food?
Fluralaner is absorbed much more efficiently when there is fat in the stomach. Giving it with a meal ensures maximum effectiveness and reduces the chance of an upset stomach.
- What should I do if my dog vomits after taking the dose?
If vomiting occurs within a few hours of dosing, the medication may not have been fully absorbed. Do not immediately re-dose; call your veterinarian for specific instructions.
- Can I split or crush the chewable tablet?
No. It is not recommended to split or crush Bravecto chewables to divide a dose between more than one dog, as the active ingredient may not be evenly distributed, which could result in inaccurate dosing. If the chew is broken into smaller pieces solely to help your dog consume it, ensure that your dog eats the entire dose at one time.
- Does bathing or swimming affect how well Bravecto works?
Oral Bravecto chews: No. Bathing or swimming does not affect oral Bravecto chews, as the medication works internally after being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Topical Bravecto (spot-on): Bathing or swimming does not significantly reduce effectiveness once the product has fully dried. However, avoid bathing or swimming for 48 hours before and after application to ensure proper skin absorption.
- Why is Bravecto prescription-only in the U.S.?
In the United States, Bravecto is classified as a prescription medication due to regulatory requirements, not because it is considered unsafe. The U.S. FDA requires certain flea and tick treatments to be dispensed under veterinary supervision so a veterinarian can evaluate a dog’s age, weight, health status, and potential drug interactions before use.
- What is Bravecto Quantum?
A newer annual injectable version providing 12-month protection. - Do I need a prescription to buy Bravecto?
No. You do not need a prescription when purchasing Bravecto from Anipetshop. Anipetshop is an online pet medication retailer based in Australia, where Bravecto products are legally sold without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription.