Bravecto by MSD Animal Health is a chewable tablet for dogs that protects against fleas and ixodid ticks for 12 weeks — about three months. The active ingredient is fluralaner, an isoxazoline. It starts working 4 hours after dosing: fleas die within 8 hours of attaching and ticks within 12 hours. Four tablets cover a whole year. The 112.5 mg strength is for small dogs of 2–4.5 kg; puppies can have it from 8 weeks.
What it is and who makes it
Bravecto is made by MSD Animal Health (the Netherlands per our catalogue), one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical companies. Fluralaner is eliminated slowly (a half-life of about 12 days), which is why one tablet lasts so long. It enters the bloodstream and parasites die when they feed, so bathing and rain don't affect protection.
Strengths
| Dog weight | Fluralaner per tablet |
|---|---|
| 2–4.5 kg | 112.5 mg |
| 4.5–10 kg | 250 mg |
| 10–20 kg | 500 mg |
| 20–40 kg | 1000 mg |
| 40–56 kg | 1400 mg |
| Over 56 kg | A combination of tablets by weight |
How to give it
- Weigh your dog and choose the tablet for its band.
- Give it at mealtime or shortly before or after — it's absorbed better with food.
- Don't break the tablet: give it whole.
- Make sure your dog swallowed the full dose. Most dogs eat it willingly; if not, offer it with some food.
- The next tablet is due in 12 weeks — note the date in your calendar.
Pros
- Three months of protection. 4 tablets a year instead of 12 monthly treatments.
- Fast action. Starts working in 4 hours; fleas die within 8 hours.
- Doesn't wash off. Swimming and bathing don't reduce protection.
- Nothing on the coat. Nothing to lick off or smear on furniture.
- For pregnancy and lactation. According to the manufacturer, use in these periods is allowed.
Cons and what to keep in mind
- High one-off price. One tablet costs more than a monthly one, though the monthly cost is closer.
- The tick has to attach. It doesn't repel ticks, so still check your dog after walks.
- Can't be split. Tablets aren't broken, so the strength must match the weight exactly.
- Restrictions. Not for puppies under 8 weeks or dogs under 2 kg; dogs with a history of seizures only after consulting a vet. No worm cover.
Bravecto or monthly tablets
Monthly tablets (Simparica, NexGard) are easier to adjust to a growing puppy's changing weight and the season. Bravecto suits adult dogs with a stable weight and busy owners who worry about forgetting monthly treatments. If a puppy is growing fast, weigh it again before the next dose. More on the monthly options in our NexGard and Simparica reviews.
Who it suits
Adult dogs with a stable weight, active dogs that swim a lot, and owners who prefer a tablet once a quarter. How to treat your home for fleas and what to do after a tick bite is in fleas and ticks in dogs. All products are in parasite control.
Verdict
Bravecto is the longest-lasting flea and tick tablet: one dose for 12 weeks, fast action and nothing on the coat. Choose the strength carefully by weight, don't break the tablet and don't forget the next dosing date.
If a dose is missed or the tablet comes back up
If you forget the next tablet, give it as soon as possible and count 12 weeks from the new date. If your dog brings the tablet back up right after dosing, contact your vet, who will advise whether a repeat dose is needed. To avoid this, give the tablet with food and skip active play straight afterwards. Store the product in its pack at room temperature, out of reach of children and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Bravecto last?
12 weeks (about three months) against fleas and ticks.
How fast does Bravecto start working?
4 hours after dosing; fleas die within 8 hours and ticks within 12 hours of attaching.
Can a Bravecto tablet be broken?
No, it's given whole. The strength is chosen by the dog's weight.
From what age can puppies have Bravecto?
From 8 weeks and 2 kg body weight.
Can I give Bravecto to a cat?
No, this tablet is for dogs.
