When it comes to protecting your pets from the discomfort and health risks of fleas and ticks, Bravecto stands out as a popular and highly effective solution. Available in various forms such as chews and spot-on treatments, Bravecto provides long-lasting protection, making it a preferred choice for many pet owners. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Bravecto, answering some of the most frequently asked questions and shedding light on its key benefits.
What is Bravecto?
Bravecto is a flea and tick treatment available in different formulations for dogs and cats. Whether in chewable tablets for dogs or spot-on applications for both dogs and cats, Bravecto offers extended protection against parasites. It’s particularly known for its long-lasting efficacy, with a single dose providing up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and most tick species. For some tick species, the duration is eight weeks.
The active ingredient in Bravecto is fluralaner, which disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to their death. This ensures not only the removal of current infestations but also the prevention of future ones.
How Does Bravecto Work?
Bravecto works by entering the pet’s bloodstream after administration, either through oral ingestion (in the case of chews) or skin absorption (in the case of spot-on treatments). Once fleas or ticks bite the pet, they are exposed to fluralaner, which kills them before they have a chance to lay eggs, helping to prevent re-infestations.
How Quickly Does Bravecto Start Killing Fleas and Ticks?
One of the most common questions pet owners ask is how fast Bravecto works. For Bravecto Chews for Dogs, fleas start dying within 2 hours of ingestion, while ticks begin to perish within 12 hours. Bravecto Spot-On for Dogs works similarly, eliminating fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours.
Bravecto Spot-On for Cats is equally effective, starting to kill fleas within 12 hours of application and ticks within 48 hours. This rapid response time makes Bravecto a reliable choice when quick relief from parasites is needed.
How Long Does Bravecto Last?
A major advantage of Bravecto is its extended duration of protection. A single dose of Bravecto Chews or Spot-On for Dogs provides up to 12 weeks of continuous defense against fleas and ticks. This reduces the need for frequent reapplications, making life easier for pet owners. For certain tick species, such as the lone star tick, the duration of protection may be shorter, lasting about 8 weeks.
Bravecto Spot-On for Cats also provides up to 12 weeks of flea protection and helps control tick infestations for up to 10 weeks.
Is Bravecto Safe for My Pet?
Bravecto has been extensively tested for safety and is approved by veterinarians worldwide. In clinical trials, it has been shown to be safe for use in both dogs and cats, even in breeding, pregnant, and lactating animals. However, as with any medication, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before starting any new treatment, especially if your pet has underlying health conditions or is on other medications.
Side effects of Bravecto are generally mild and uncommon. Some pets may experience temporary issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. If your pet shows any unusual signs after receiving Bravecto, it’s recommended to contact your veterinarian for advice.
Can Bravecto Be Used Alongside Other Medications?
Bravecto can generally be used in combination with other medications or treatments, including heartworm preventatives. However, it's always wise to check with your vet before administering Bravecto, especially if your pet is already taking other flea, tick, or worm treatments. Your vet can help assess whether combining treatments is necessary or beneficial for your pet’s overall health.
What’s the Difference Between Bravecto Chews and Spot-On Treatments?
Both Bravecto Chews and Spot-On treatments provide the same duration and level of protection, but the method of administration differs.
Bravecto Chews: This is an easy-to-administer chewable tablet for dogs. Many pet owners prefer this option as it’s simple to give (especially if your dog loves treats), and the protection lasts for 12 weeks.
Bravecto Spot-On: This topical solution is available for both dogs and cats. It’s applied directly to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, and absorbed into the bloodstream to provide protection. For cats, spot-on treatment is the only option available.
Both forms are equally effective, so the choice depends on your pet’s preferences and what’s easiest for you as a pet owner.
What Happens if I Miss a Dose of Bravecto?
If you miss a dose of Bravecto, try to give it as soon as you remember. Bravecto is designed to provide long-lasting protection, so missing a dose by a few days may not result in an immediate loss of protection, but it’s always better to stick to the recommended dosing schedule to ensure continuous defense against fleas and ticks.
For chews, simply administer the missed dose and continue as normal. For spot-on treatments, reapply as soon as possible and adjust the following doses accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Bravecto is a trusted and convenient solution for keeping your pets safe from fleas and ticks. With its long-lasting protection, fast-acting formula, and ease of use, it’s no wonder so many pet owners turn to Bravecto. Whether you choose chews for your dog or spot-on for your cat, you can feel confident that your pet will be protected from harmful parasites for months at a time.
If you have more questions about Bravecto or want to determine the best treatment plan for your pet, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian.