Nexgard vs Bravecto Comparison
Nexgard vs Bravecto: Similarities
Nexgard and Bravecto are two highly effective oral flea and tick preventatives for dogs, providing powerful protection against these common parasites. Both products are available as chewable tablets, making administration easy and stress-free for dogs and their owners. Dogs typically find these chewable tablets tasty, which makes dosing simpler, and they are less likely to miss a treatment compared to topical solutions.
Both Nexgard and Bravecto are effective against fleas and multiple species of ticks, including those that transmit Lyme disease. By killing fleas and ticks quickly, these products help prevent infestations from establishing and offer long-term protection against parasitic diseases.
Another major similarity is that both Nexgard and Bravecto are waterproof. Since these are oral treatments, they remain effective even if your dog gets wet through swimming or bathing. This makes both products suitable for dogs that are regularly exposed to water.
Lastly, both products offer broad-spectrum parasite control in convenient, palatable formats that help simplify year-round flea and tick prevention, ensuring consistent protection for your dog.
What Are the Differences Between Nexgard and Bravecto?
The key difference between Nexgard and Bravecto lies in their dosing schedules. Nexgard must be administered once every month, while Bravecto only needs to be given once every 12 weeks, or every 8 weeks for protection against Lone Star ticks. This makes Bravecto a more convenient option for dog owners who prefer less frequent dosing, while Nexgard provides the benefit of more regular flea and tick control monitoring.
In terms of age requirements, Nexgard can be given to puppies as young as 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4 lbs, while Bravecto is only suitable for dogs 6 months of age and older.
The speed of action also differs between these two products. Nexgard starts killing fleas within 4 hours and ticks within 24 hours, while Bravecto kills fleas in just 2 hours and ticks within 12 hours. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle and level of flea or tick exposure, the speed of protection may be an important factor in choosing between the two products.
Another key difference is in the safety profiles. Bravecto has been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs, making it more versatile for dogs in these specific life stages. Nexgard, on the other hand, has not yet been evaluated for use in these groups, so caution should be used when considering it for breeding or pregnant dogs.
| Feature | Bravecto | Nexgard |
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | No |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | No | No |
| Waterproof | Yes – taken orally | Yes – taken orally |
| How Long to Work | 2 hours to kill fleas, 12 hours to kill ticks | 4 hours to kill fleas, 24 hours to kill ticks |
| Taste | Tasty flavor | Beef flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Fluralaner | Afoxolaner |
| Dosing | 1 tablet lasts up to 12 weeks | 1 tablet per month |
| Application Type | Chewable tablet | Chewable tablet |
| Age | Dogs 6 months and older | Puppies 8 weeks and older, weighing more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Merck Animal Health | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs | Not evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |
| Side Effects | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite | Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rare neurological effects |
| Duration of Effectiveness | 12 weeks | 30 days |
| Price | Generally higher per dose, due to longer duration | Moderate per dose |
| Clinical Studies | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials | Demonstrated high effectiveness in clinical trials |
| Storage Instructions | Store below 30°C (86°F) | Store at room temperature 30°C (86°F) with excursions permitted up to 40°C (104°F). |
To help pet owners make an informed choice, the following table provides pricing details for both Nexgard and Bravecto, including different dosages and quantities available at Anipetshop. This breakdown allows you to find the most cost-effective solution for your dog’s parasitic prevention needs.
| Product | Dosage | Package Size | Price |
| Bravecto | |||
| Bravecto Chew for Small Dogs (4.4-9.9 lbs) | 112.5 mg Fluralaner | 1 Chewable Tablet | US$56.00 |
| Bravecto Chew for Medium Dogs (9.9-22 lbs) | 250 mg Fluralaner | 1 Chewable Tablet | US$58.00 |
| Bravecto Chew for Extra Large Dogs (44-88 lbs) | 1000 mg Fluralaner | 1 Chewable Tablet | US$60.00 |
| Bravecto Chew for Large Dogs (22-44 lbs) | 500 mg Fluralaner | 1 Chewable Tablet | US$59.00 |
| Bravecto Chews for Dogs (88-123 lbs) | 1400 mg Fluralaner | 1 Chewable Tablet | US$65.00 |
| NexGard | |||
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 4-10 lbs | 11.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$61.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 10.1-24 lbs | 28.3 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$65.00 |
| NexGard Chewables for Dogs 24.1-60 lbs | 68 mg Afoxolaner | 3 Chews | US$59.00 |
Can Nexgard and Bravecto be used on cats?
NexGard and Bravecto are both designed specifically for dogs and cats, but they are not interchangeable.
- NexGard is available in a formulation for cats called NexGard COMBO, which is a topical treatment that protects against fleas, ticks, and certain intestinal worms. It is safe for cats over 8 weeks old and weighing more than 1.8 pounds. However, it should be used cautiously in cats with a history of seizures due to potential neurological side effects.
- Bravecto, on the other hand, is also formulated for cats and provides protection against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks with a single dose. It is generally considered safe for most cats but can cause side effects like vomiting or lethargy in some cases.
Which product starts working faster: Nexgard or Bravecto?
When comparing the speed of action between NexGard and Bravecto, NexGard starts working faster against fleas.
- NexGard begins to kill fleas within 4 hours after administration and demonstrates over 99% effectiveness at around 8 hours post-treatment.
- Bravecto, on the other hand, starts killing fleas within 2 hours, but it takes up to 12 hours to kill ticks.
In summary, while Bravecto acts quickly, NexGard shows a more rapid overall effectiveness against fleas specifically.
Where can I buy Bravecto or Nexgard?
At Anipetshop, you can buy Bravecto and NexGard without a vet prescription. Anipetshop is an online retailer that specializes in pet medications, including flea and tick treatments. We offer a variety of products for dogs and cats, sourced from reputable manufacturers. Their platform allows you to purchase products conveniently, without the need for a prescription, making it easier to access essential pet medications. Both Bravecto and NexGard are available in different dosages to suit the size of your dog
Lily Watson is an author specializing in veterinary care in Australia. With a profound passion for animal welfare and a solid foundation in veterinary science, Lily has dedicated herself to disseminating valuable knowledge and information for both pet owners and professionals in this field.