It is crucial to find the best flea and tick treatment option for your cat or dog. The two most common treatment options for flea and tick infestations are Bravecto Chewable Tablets And Nexgard Chewable Tablets.
Each treatment option has its strengths and can help your furry friend protect against ticks and fleas. This table and the additional information below will assist you in making an informed decision about which product to purchase.
Flea and tick pills have changed over the years. There were not many options available in the past, but now there are many.
Pet parents now have the option to choose their preferred treatment.
Pet parents have many options. They can choose from spot-on, chewable, tablets, and chewable. Chewables are the most popular choice for pet owners today, as they are the easiest to administer.
Pet parents are often faced with a difficult decision about which chewable to choose. There are two options: Nexgard and Bravecto. Both are popular choices for pet owners around the world.
We must dig deep to determine which chewable is better. Let’s get right at it!
Flea dirt is the little black specks. Flea dirt can be described as flea poop. Flea poop is contaminated with blood. This can be proved by placing some specks on a piece of wet paper towel. The blood will turn reddish-orange.
It’s gross, right? It can also be very painful for your dog. These parasites can cause anemia in dogs with severe flea infestations. What can a dog lover do?
Bravecto Chews and NexGard Chewables Comparison
Two FDA-approved new products are on the market for dogs this year: Nexgard and Bravecto. Nexgard is manufactured by Merial and Bravecto by Merck. They are both part of the same chemical family.
These drugs cause uncontrolled activity in the nervous systems of ticks and fleas, which can lead to death. Bravecto was the next to be released onto the market, after Nexgard.
I would like to help you choose which product is best for your dog. Because it contains all the information you need, I will summarize the product insert.
Compare products
 Bravecto Chews Learn More |  NexGard Chewables Learn More | |
| Kills Fleas |  | |
| Repels Fleas |  | |
| Kills Flea eggs and Larvae | Bravecto also kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs. | Kills fleas before they can lay eggs |
| Kills Ticks | | |
| Repels Ticks | | |
| Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes | | |
| Prevents Heartworm | | |
| Other Parasites Information | | |
| Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness) | N/A | N/A |
| Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets | Safe for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. | The safe use of NexGard in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. |
| How long does it take to work | Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours. | NexGard kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours. |
| Taste | Tasty Chew | Beef-flavored chewable |
| Active Ingredient(s) | Fluralaner | Afoxolaner |
| RX Required | | |
| Dosage | ||
| Usage |  |  |
| Benefits | Bravecto | NexGard |
| Vet Review | An exciting new development in the fight against fleas and ticks is the long lasting chewable tablet called Bravecto, The active ingredient fluralaner, is a very effective ectoparasiticide, which acts on the nervous system of the parasite, without affecting the dog’s nervous system. When given to dogs, this product starts killing fleas within 2 hours, and ticks a short time after that. Protection will last for approximately 12 weeks for fleas, and 8-12 weeks for ticks. In fact, clinical experience has shown it to be effective in treating and controlling 4 species of ticks, many of which are involved in transmitting disease to both dogs and people. It is even safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals, as well as most pets over the age of 6 months. I would use caution in using this or any other pesticide in sick, geriatric or pets with chronic immune mediated disease. Another minor drawback is that the fleas or tick must be ingesting a blood meal or feeding on your pet before becoming effective, thus there is still a remote possibility of transfer of certain tick born illnesses on rare occasion. Unlike most topical products that can potentially be washed or bathed off, the added benefit of giving a pill minimizes pesticide exposure for human family members, as well as being effective within a very short period of time. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of use, and efficacy a 5 as well. | Within the past year there has been an exciting development in the battle against fleas and ticks.For years, veterinarians have relied on topical medications for control of fleas and ticks, however many formulations are greasy, as well as some sensitive pets may have an allergic reaction to contact some of them. Many clients also worry about the exposure of humans to topical flea and tick pesticides. That is why the exciting new product from Merial known as Nexgard has been such a welcome addition to our flea and tick treatment and prevention options. By using a the ingredient, afoxolaner, Merial has come out with a new product that most fleas and ticks are certainly susceptible. Dogs also LOVE the soft, beef flavored chewable, even without meals. It has also been shown to be safe at up to 5 times the recommended dose.The only down side to this product is that the parasites must bite the dog to be affected, and in some cases this may take up to many hours for this to occur. However, studies as well as clinical experience with this product show that is it very effective in preventing Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This makes it essential as part of any year round parasite prevention program in our dogs. The only rare side effects I have seen are mild digestive upset. I therefore give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an ease of use of a 5 out of 5. |
Nexgard vs. Bravecto – The Key Similarities
1. Type of treatment : Both Nexgard and Bravecto can be chewed, as we have already stated. Both treatments can be administered orally, and are very easy to administer.
2. Fleas are killed : Nexgard and Bravecto are powerful chewables that kill fleas while also providing flea re-infestation for up to weeks.
3. Ticks are killed : These chewables are highly effective at eliminating ticks, and provide protection for several weeks.
4. Both Nexgard as Bravecto can eradicate fleas before they lay eggs. They do this brilliantly.
Bravecto vs. Nexgard – The Key Differences
Bravecto and Nexgard Chewable both make excellent flea and tick oral treatment, but there are significant differences. Let’s take a closer look at each.
1. Active Ingredient : Fluralaner is the active ingredient in Bravecto, while Nexgard’s is Afoxolaner.
2. Age Suitability : Both products are suitable for different ages. Nexgard is safer for dogs older than 6 months. Bravecto is recommended for dogs over 6 months.
3. Dosage pattern : Both Nexgard and Bravecto can be taken in single doses. However, the time between each dose is different.
Bravecto’s dosage is every three months; Nexgard is given once a month.
4. Manufacturer : Bravecto is a product of Merck, while Nexgard is made by Merial/ Boehringer Ingelheim.
Preventatives against Flea and ticks
5. Both kill ticks and fleas but they are priced differently. You can also compare prices from different sources.
6. Safety : Both Nexgard and Bravecto are safe for puppies and dogs (up to a certain age limit), but not for pregnant, breeding, or lactating dogs.
Bravecto’s case shows that they are safe for breeding, pregnant, and lactating canines, but Nexgard has yet to evaluate their safety.
7. Bravecto chews can be described as tasty, but Nexgard chewables have a beef flavor and are more palatable.
8. Bravecto chews kill fleas within two hours of being administered. Nexgard, on the other hand eliminates fleas in 24 hours.
What are the differences between Nexgard and Bravecto?
Bravecto’s dosage frequency is lower. The average Bravecto pill can last for twelve weeks, compared to Nexgard’s monthly dose.
Some pet owners prefer the convenience of a one-per-quarter visit. Flea and tick treatment -> It is well worth the effort. Bravecto can only be started on puppies who are at least 6 months of age. Nexgard can safely be administered at 8 weeks.
Bravecto and Nexgard both use the same pesticide class from “laners” to control ticks and fleas. Nexgard uses Afoxoflaner to kill 100% of fleas within 24 hours.
Fluralaner is used by Bravecto to kill fleas within 2 hours. Bravecto can kill many ticks, including the one-star tick, for eight weeks. Nexgard is FDA-approved for Lyme disease prevention.
When used according to the directions, both products are safe for dogs. Approved by the FDA, To prevent and treat tick and flea infestations.
Nexgard, however, has not been evaluated as a breeding, pregnant, or lactating dog, like Bravecto.
Nexgard chewable tablets for cats are not available. Bravecto can be used as a topical treatment, which repels fleas and ticks.
Before Nexgard and Bravecto can be purchased, you will need to have a prescription from your vet. Any questions regarding side effects, precautions or special care for your dog should be addressed by your vet.
Dog Flea And Tick Prevention
What Dogs Can Take it?
Nexgard: Dogs at the very least 8 weeks, Age and weight at least 4 lbs.
Bravecto: Dogs at least 6 Months, Age and weight at least 4.4 lbs.
How do I give it?
Nexgard: A beef-flavored chewable tablet that is given once a month, with or without food. Dosage is dependent on the dog’s weight. 5 strengths are available.
BravectoA chewable tablet that is given once per twelve weeks (or every three months).With Food. It is important to give it every 8 weeks in order to control the lone star tick. Dosage is dependent on the dog’s weight. There are 5 strengths.
What does it work against?
Nexgard: Fleas; Black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis; American Dog tick Dermacentor variabilis; Brown Dog tick Ripicephalus sanguineus; and Lone Star tick Amblyomma Americanum
Bravecto: Fleas; Black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis; American Dog tick Dermacentor variabilis; Brown Dog tick Ripicephalus sanguineus and Lone Star tick Amblyomma Americanum
Is it safe?
Nexgard: In a field study with 415 dogs, vomiting, dry/flaky skin and diarrhea were all common reactions. These reactions were seen in less than 4% of dogs.
The study involved three dogs with seizures history. Two of the three experienced seizures after Nexgard was administered to them. Nexgard was administered at 3, 3 and 5x the recommended doses in the margin of safety study. Vomiting was not reported as an adverse effect. All dogs had normal lab results.
Bravecto: In a field study with 294 dogs, the reactions were vomiting, decreased appetite and diarrhea, lethargy, increased drinking, and lethargy. These reactions were seen in less than 7.1% of dogs.
Bravecto was administered at 1, 3 and 5x the recommended doses in the margin of safety study. There were no adverse reactions to the treatment, but diarrhea and vomiting were noted. All dogs had normal lab results.
To Give Or Not to Give?
If given the choice, most dog owners would choose to administer their dogs once a month or every three months. For dogs younger than 6 months, Nexgard might be an option.
I have been looking through messages on Veterinary Information Network and found that my colleagues are satisfied with the effectiveness of these drugs and they are experiencing minimal side effects. This is consistent with Merial’s data.
These drugs are relatively new to the U.S., but people in Europe have used them for many years without any red flags.
Bravecto’s pricing is comparable to Frontline’s 3-month supply. One veterinarian said that Bravecto was easy to swallow for her very picky dog.
Remember that these drugs can be systemic and will cause fleas or ticks to get on your dog’s skin. Your dog must bite in order to be exposed.
Nexgard and Bravecto do not repel ticks or fleas. Studies show that Nexgard and Bravecto kill fleas within 2 to 4 hours. Both kill ticks within 48 hours.
You should remember that not all flea/tick prevention methods or products are 100% effective.
Nexgard and Bravecto, I believe, are safe and effective options for dogs. They are also great alternatives to collars and topicals. Are you familiar with these products? Please comment to share your experiences with us!
Final Thoughts on Nexgard vs Bravecto
The costs of Nexgard and Bravecto are roughly the same, even when you consider that Bravecto is only 3 months long. Some pet owners might start their Bravecto journey with Nexgard, and then move to Bravecto as they are able. Some pet owners might also choose to switch to Bravecto to protect their breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Still unsure about which? Oral flea and tick treatment, Our pharmacists can offer pet parents consulting.
Nexgard and Bravecto: Last Thoughts
Both products are excellent in their own ways, and we have thoroughly reviewed them both. Each product has its pros and cons. Nexgard is slightly better than Bravecto, so it is a good idea to consult your vet before making a purchase.
Try our tick and flea quiz before you go.
1. What number of legs does an adult flea have in total?
Six
2. How many legs does an adult tick possess?
Eight
3. What are the different species of ticks?
850+
4. What are the estimated number of different flea species?
2000+
5. What are the life stages of ticks and fleas?
Four