Pet Advice

Bravecto Guide NZ: Complete Flea & Worm Protection for Cats and Dogs

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 guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Bravecto in NZ, including how it works, how long it lasts, differences between treatment types, safety, and where to buy genuine products.

What is Bravecto?

Bravecto is a parasite treatment brand developed by MSD Animal Health, offering powerful protection against fleas, ticks, and (in some variants) internal worms. It works using the active ingredient Fluralaner, which disrupts the nervous system of fleas and ticks, leading to their death.

It comes in different formulations:

A single dose provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and most ticks. Some tick species, like the lone star tick, are protected for around 8 weeks.

How Does Bravecto Work?

Bravecto enters the pet’s bloodstream — either through ingestion (chew) or skin absorption (spot-on). Once a flea or tick bites your pet, it is exposed to fluralaner and killed before it can lay eggs. This helps treat and prevent infestations.

How Fast Does Bravecto Work?

  • Dogs (Chew): Fleas begin to die within 2 hours, ticks within 12 hours
  • Dogs (Spot-On): Fleas within 8 hours, ticks within 12 hours
  • Cats (Spot-On & Plus): Fleas within 12 hours, ticks within 48 hours

Bravecto for Dogs

Bravecto for dogs is available as both a chew and a spot-on. It’s suitable for dogs over 8 weeks old and 2kg in weight.

  • Chew: Tasty, easy to administer, great for dogs who enjoy treats
  • Spot-On: Ideal for dogs who refuse oral meds or have food allergies

📘 Read the full Bravecto for Dogs Guide ➝

Bravecto for Cats

Bravecto for cats comes only in spot-on form. It is applied to the back of the neck and is safe for cats over 9 weeks old and 1.2kg.

  • Bravecto Spot-On: Fleas and ticks for 12 weeks
  • Bravecto Plus: Also controls roundworm, hookworm, heartworm, and ear mites

📘 Read the full Bravecto for Cats Guide ➝

Bravecto Chew vs Spot-On vs Plus

Format Pet Parasites Covered Duration
Chew Dogs Fleas, Ticks 12 weeks
Spot-On Dogs & Cats Fleas, Ticks 12 weeks
Plus Cats Fleas, Ticks, Worms, Ear Mites 12 weeks

Safety and Side Effects

Bravecto is extensively tested and vet-approved. It’s considered safe even for breeding, pregnant, and lactating pets.

Common side effects (rare):

  • Dogs: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
  • Cats: Mild irritation at the application site

Always consult your vet if your pet has health conditions or is taking other medications.

Using Bravecto with Other Treatments

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 Happens If I Miss a Dose?

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.

⏰ Set reminders every 3 months to stay on schedule.

Flea and Worming Schedule

  • Bravecto Chew/Spot-On (Dogs & Cats): Every 3 months
  • Bravecto Plus (Cats): Covers worms, no need for additional deworming
  • Dogs: May still need additional wormers like Drontal every 3 months if not using Bravecto Plus

Where to Buy Bravecto in NZ

To ensure safety and authenticity, only buy Bravecto from licensed New Zealand retailers. At Pet Supply, we offer the full range with fast delivery and local support.

🛒 Shop the Bravecto Range ➝

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Still unsure which Bravecto product is right for your pet?
Check out our treatment comparison guide or consult with your vet for tailored advice.

Explore our full dog flea treatments and cat flea treatments collections for more options.