Bravecto for Dogs: Keep Fleas and Ticks Away With This Preventative Medication

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Fleas and ticks are not only a nuisance for dogs and their human family members; they can also contribute to disease.

Fleas can trigger allergies in some dogs. They also spread tapeworms. Ticks transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. Because of these risks, parasite prevention plays a key role in veterinary preventive care.

Bravecto is one parasite preventative medication that fights fleas and ticks. This medication is sometimes used to treat other parasites too.

Read on to learn more about Bravecto and whether this medication may help your dog.

Bravecto for dogs at a glance

What is Bravecto for dogs, and how does it work?

Bravecto is an external parasite preventative medication for dogs. This means that it stops parasites like fleas and ticks from living on your dog's skin.

The active ingredient in Bravecto is fluralaner. This medication stops parasites' nervous systems from working. So, when parasites bite a dog that has been treated with Bravecto, the parasites die.

In the U.S., Bravecto is only FDA approved for the treatment of fleas and ticks. This is the most common use for Bravecto. However, in other countries, Bravecto is approved to treat other parasites, such as ear mites, demodex, and scabies. Veterinarians in the U.S. often use Bravecto off-label to treat these parasites if it's the best option for your dog.

How is Bravecto dosed and given to dogs?

Bravecto is only available with a veterinarian's prescription. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best form of Bravecto for your dog. Your veterinarian will let you know what dosage your dog needs based on their weight and age.

Bravecto is available in three forms for dogs.

Bravecto chews

This chewable tablet provides dogs with 12 weeks of protection against fleas and most species of ticks. This is the most commonly prescribed form of Bravecto for adult dogs.

Bravecto topical solution

This topical form of Bravecto is applied to your dog's skin. It is absorbed from the skin into the bloodstream. Like the tablets, Bravecto topical solution provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and most ticks.

Bravecto for puppies

This monthly Bravecto chew is made for puppies less than 6 months old. Puppies process fluralaner differently than adult dogs, so they need to take Bravecto every month. Once puppies reach 6 months old, they can switch to 12-week Bravecto chews.

What are the common side effects of Bravecto in dogs?

The most common side effects of Bravecto include:

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Decreased appetite

• Low energy

Fortunately, these side effects are rare. Most dogs do not show any side effects associated with Bravecto.

If your dog shows any side effects with Bravecto, contact your veterinarian. They may recommend a few tips, such as giving your dog's Bravecto with food. Or they may recommend switching to a different medication.

What are the most serious risks of Bravecto for dogs?

The most serious side effects associated with Bravecto are neurologic effects. There are several reports of dogs experiencing seizures and muscle weakness after taking Bravecto.

Fortunately, these kinds of effects are very rare. Veterinarians usually avoid giving Bravecto to dogs with a history of seizures or other neurologic disease. This helps reduce the risk of these serious side effects.

If your dog shows any signs of neurologic disease, including seizures or muscle weakness, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Does Bravecto interact with any other dog medications?

Do not combine Bravecto with other flea and tick medications unless your veterinarian has told you to do so.

Controlled studies have shown that Bravecto does not interact with other medications commonly given to dogs, including:

• Vaccines

• Heartworm prevention

• Antibiotics

• Pain medications

• Steroids

Still, it's important to make sure your veterinarian knows any prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, or supplements that your dog may be taking.

What should you do if your dog misses a dose of Bravecto?

If you miss giving your dog a dose of Bravecto, give the missed dose as soon as possible.

If you are more than a few days late giving your dog's Bravecto, adjust your dog's dosing schedule accordingly. For example, your dog may normally receive Bravecto every 12 weeks. If you are 3 weeks late giving your dog's dose, wait a full 12 weeks from the late dose before giving the next dose.

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