The drug Bravecto is a new generation of insectoacaricides. The medication destroys ticks and fleas, and also prevents the dog from being reinfected with parasites. Official studies claim that the drug is highly effective and safe.
But is this really so? Moreover, there are many negative reviews about the drug. Let's figure it out together.
In the review: I looked at the pros and cons of Bravecto, indicated possible harm and side effects, the principle of action and features of use. At the end of the article you will find responses from real dog owners, a list of analogues and answers to your questions.
What's included
The trade name of the ectoparasiticide is Bravecto, the generic name is fluralaner.
Bravecto contains fluralaner, a systemic insectoacaricide. The medicine is produced for all breeds of different weight categories, therefore it has a different dosage of the active component.
Excipients of Bravecto tablets for dogs:
- meat flavoring;
- sucrose sweetener;
- sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid;
- disodium pamoate monohydrate;
- magnesium salt and stearic acid;
- food additive E951;
- glycerol;
- soybean oil;
- macrogol (PEG);
- food additive corn starch.
Manufacturer Brovekto – INTERVET GesmbH (Netherlands).
general information
The trade name of the drug is Bravecto.
The instructions indicate that the drug is available in tablets for oral use in 5 different versions depending on the weight of the dog.
The composition of the drug includes:
- fluralaner, which is the main active substance;
- sucrose;
- flavoring;
- sodium lauryl sulfate;
- aspartame;
- magnesium stearate;
- glycerol;
- polyethylene glycol;
- soybean oil;
- corn starch.
The drug "Bravecto" (manufactured by the Austrian company Intervet GesmbH) is available in the form of chewable tablets of brown color, from dark to light shades, slightly rough or smooth in shape.
The tablets are packaged individually in an aluminum blister and placed in cardboard packs along with instructions. The drug must be stored in a dry, dark place away from food at a temperature of 0°C - 30°C. However, it should not be easily accessible to children and pets. The drug remains valid for 2 years from the date of production.
Release forms
The insectoacaricide is available in tablet and liquid form (solution). Each release form is produced in 5 dosages.
| Animal parameters | Chewable tablets (mg) | Drops (mg) |
| Decorative (2-4.5 kg) | 112,5 | 112,5 |
| Small (4.6-10 kg) | 250 | 250 |
| Medium (10-20 kg) | 500 | 500 |
| Large (21-40 kg) | 1000 | 1000 |
| Very large (41-56 kg) | 1400 | 1400 |
Bravecto chewable pill with meat flavor is intended for internal use. It has a round shape and color from light to dark brown. Each unit of the medicine is packaged in a sealed blister package.
The package contains 1 pill, which is given to the dog once, not divided into several doses.
The liquid form of the drug is a clear solution that may have a clear or yellowish color. Available in pipettes packaged in laminated sachets.
Safety regulations
There are simple rules of personal hygiene that must be followed when working with the medicine. So, you should not drink, smoke or eat while you are giving the drug to your dog. In addition, be sure to wash your hands with soap after direct contact with the tablet.
If you have hypersensitivity or an allergy to any component of the drug, do not come into direct contact with it under any circumstances, but wear, for example, a medical glove. If you do have an allergic reaction, or the medicine somehow gets into your body, seek medical help immediately. Be sure to take the instructions for the drug with you.
Do not under any circumstances use Bravecto packaging for household purposes. It must be disposed of immediately after use along with other household waste.
Insectoacaricidal action and properties
Anti-tick tablets for dogs Bravecto are no less active against fleas. They contain a potent inhibitor that causes paralysis in ectoparasites, leading to their death.
Bravecto begins to act on dog parasites already in the first hours of taking the drug. It is rapidly absorbed (absorbed) both locally and orally.
It is recommended that dogs take Bravecto in tablet form with meals. Taking the medicine with food speeds up the absorption of fluralaner.
The duration of action of Bravecto is 84 days. The removal of the active substance from the body occurs gradually and slowly. The component is excreted along with feces and urine in an unmodified form.
How it works
Bravecto tablets and drops contain one active substance – fluralaner. This is a new generation acaricide and insecticide. It is effective against sarcoptic, ixodid and otodectal ticks, as well as against fleas.
Once in the body of the parasite, fluralaner disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, which causes paralysis and subsequent death of fleas and ticks. Moreover, the drug leads to death even before egg laying, which ensures the prevention of secondary infection.
The mechanisms of penetration and distribution in the body of drops and tablets are slightly different. Thus, Bravecto Spot-on is absorbed into the hair, skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue, from where it enters the systemic bloodstream. Chewable capsules are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then reach the vascular system.
Otherwise, the mechanism of action of the two types of drugs is similar. Fluralaner is distributed evenly throughout the body, reaching the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys, muscles and subcutaneous fat. The plateau effect occurs on days 7-63, after which the level of the active substance decreases. 90% of the drug is excreted in feces, and only 10% in urine.
The drug begins to act after 4 hours. So, after 8 hours fluralaner leads to the death of fleas, and after 12 hours it destroys ticks. And the slow elimination of the medication provides long-term prevention - up to 3 months.
Pay attention to our rating of drops against ticks and fleas.
The benefits and harms of insectoacaricide
Bravecto is a medicine for dogs that belongs to hazard class 4, according to GOST 12.1.007-76. The ectoparasiticide does not have a negative effect on the liver and nervous system of the animal in moderate doses.
The antiparasitic agent is not harmful to embryos, does not negatively affect their development and does not lead to mutagenic effects. Therefore, Bravecto can be given to pregnant dogs. Also, the medicine does not affect the reproduction of males and females.
Beneficial properties of ectoparasiticide:
- reduces the risk of infection with bezobasiasis;
- acts as a reliable barrier against ectoparasites for up to 3 months;
- prevents the development of allergic dermatitis.
The drug does not harm the animal if the dosage recommendations are followed.
In rare cases, the drug causes negative effects in the form of loose stools. No serious consequences of the drug have been observed in veterinary practice.
Fluralaner is safe for the liver, as it is absorbed through the intestines and excreted unchanged from the body.
Ectoparasites are not capable of developing resistance to insectoacaricide. Its high therapeutic effectiveness continues with further administrations.
The death of the pest occurs before it begins to feed. This reduces the risk of your dog contracting vector-borne diseases carried by infected ticks and fleas.
In what cases can a veterinarian prescribe the drug?
Definitely, with the arrival of the warm season (from spring to autumn), unpleasant external parasites awaken, which can bother not only the pet, but also its owner. Insects cause dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans. In some cases, external preparations do not help get rid of even 50% of pests.
The veterinarian prescribes the drug as a strong medicine against fleas and ticks, as well as diseases caused by hotel species: aphanipterosis, acarosis, allergic dermatitis. Treatment is carried out either once for one-time protection (about 12 weeks), or prophylactically for a whole year.
Dosage schedule
Bravecto for dogs instructions for use recommends using it according to the following regimen:
- For small toy dogs (from 2 to 4.5 kg) - 1 chewable pill or dropper with a dosage of 112.5 mg.
- For small breeds (weight from 4.6 to 10 kg), the dosage of Bravecto is 250 mg in the form of a tablet or dropper with an appropriate dosage.
- For medium breeds (11-20 kg) use 500 mg of the active substance in any release form.
- For large breeds (21-40 kg) 1 tablet or pipette of Bravecto 1000 mg is required.
- For very large dogs (41-56 kg) the maximum dose will be 1400 mg.
- For pets weighing more than 56 kg, the number of tablets or pipettes is increased: a combination of dosages is selected taking into account the animal’s body weight. For example, for a dog weighing 65 kg, a dosage of 1400 + 250 mg is used.
Fluralaner instructions for use do not prohibit use in lactating and pregnant bitches. However, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before use.
The drug can be used by puppies from 2 months old according to the above-described scheme in a dosage corresponding to the weight of the animal.
The medicine in the form of a chewable tablet is given along with the food. Can be used before meals or immediately after meals. If you refuse the medicine, the pill is given forcibly.
When using the solution, the dog should stand or lie down so that its back is horizontal to the floor.
The pipette tip is placed in the area of the back of the head and neck of the animal. Squeeze the entire contents of the pharmaceutical container directly onto the skin, and not onto the pet’s fur.
If the dog vomits within the first two hours after oral administration, the medication is given again after making sure that the periodic urge to vomit has passed.
After using fluralaner, fleas die within 8 hours. Ixodid ticks die after 12 hours.
Bravecto lasts for about 3 months, providing the dog with reliable protection against ectoparasites. The animal is re-treated no earlier than after 85 days.
Instructions for use and dosage
The dosage is calculated equally for drops and tablets and is 25-56 mg of fluralaner per 1 kg of animal weight. There is no need to independently select and calculate the required quantity: the manufacturer has taken care of convenience and produces dosage forms for dogs of different sizes. They are outlined in the table below.
If the dog's weight exceeds 56 kg, combine 2 pipettes or 2 capsules, in which the total content of fluralaner most closely matches the body weight. For example, for an animal weighing 60 kg, the best combination is Bravecto 1400 and 112.5, and for a dog weighing 63 kg, Bravecto 1400 and 250.
You cannot adjust the dosage by breaking the tablets or applying part of the drops from one pipette.
The mechanism for using tablets and drops is different. The spot is applied as follows:
- fix the pet on the floor or table in a standing position or lying with its back up;
- open the pipette - holding the tip up, turn the self-unscrewing cap counterclockwise until it clicks;
- spread the fur between the shoulder blades - the liquid must get on the skin, otherwise the effect will decrease;
- the solution is applied pointwise in several places along the spine - select areas that the dog cannot reach with his tongue;
- It is forbidden to apply drops in one place - they will flow down the fur and will not get on the skin.
For the best effect, it is not advisable to bathe your pet with shampoo a week before using the medicine and 3 days after.
Chewable capsules are fed shortly before or after meals or during feeding. They have a pleasant taste and aroma, so most animals are happy to eat the tablets themselves. But if the pet refuses to eat, the medicine is wrapped in a treat or administered forcibly as follows:
- fix the dog in a sitting or lying position and tilt its head back;
- open the jaws with one hand and place the tablet on the root of the tongue with the other;
- close their mouths and stroke under the neck, stimulating the swallowing reflex.
After giving the capsule, it is advisable to feed or give the dog something to drink - this will speed up the absorption of the medicine.
Repeated treatment is carried out no earlier than after 12 weeks.
How to get a dog to eat a pill
If the dog refuses to eat the pill, the drug is given forcibly. An experienced veterinarian will help you cope with this task.
When it is not possible to visit a veterinary clinic and the animal is not aggressive, you can try feeding the drug to the animal yourself.
It is less problematic to give medicine to small dogs. It is enough to secure the pet between your legs or swaddle it in a blanket, placing it on your lap. If the animal is large, you may need the help of a second person.
Before giving the dog a Bravecto tablet, tilt the pet's head slightly back. After this, they clasp the muzzle with one hand, squeezing the jaws at the base. As soon as the dog opens its mouth, the tablet is placed on the root of the tongue. A special peeler, which is sold in veterinary pharmacies, will help to facilitate this process.
After the pill is on the root of the tongue, the animal’s mouth is squeezed with one hand, and the throat is stroked with the other so that the pet makes a swallowing movement.
A more loyal way of giving is to wrap the tablet in the dog’s favorite treat. It could be cheese or a piece of meat.
Limitation of use
Despite the fact that the instructions indicate that the drug can be given to nursing and pregnant dogs, as well as puppies from 2 months, many veterinarians do not advise doing this. "Bravecto" for dogs - reviews indicate this - turns out to be not as harmless to animals as the manufacturer claims. Therefore, you should not give it to dogs that are soon expected to give birth, or to lactating bitches. It can be even more dangerous for puppies, since their gastrointestinal tract is still unable to digest certain substances by two months. Therefore, the tablet can cause severe poisoning and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
How to determine a dog's weight
Before taking Bravecto, small dogs can be weighed at home using a steelyard by placing the dog in a bag or sack. If the pet is small or medium in size and there are floor scales in the house, then proceed according to the following scheme:
- First, weigh yourself.
- Then the animal is picked up and placed on the scale.
- The second is subtracted from the first indicator.
The resulting difference in weight will be the body weight of the animal.
It is problematic to weigh large animals in this way. You can contact the nearest large store or warehouse and ask to weigh the animal on a vag.
If none of the presented options is suitable, then you can try to approximately determine the dog’s weight using a tape measure or tailor’s yardstick.
To do this, use a tape to measure the circumference of the chest behind the shoulder blades and the oblique length of the body (the distance from the shoulder joint to the croup). By correlating the girth of the chest and the oblique of the body, you can calculate the approximate weight of the animal using the table below.
Brief description and benefits of the drug
Flea control is carried out all year round. Ticks are active only in summer, but it is very difficult to prevent them from attacking an animal. The owner may not be nearby at this moment, and then troubles, if not problems, are guaranteed.
Ticks are a scourge and a headache for the owner. They cause so much trouble, and it is very difficult to protect the dog. It cannot be ignored, insects multiply, live under the skin, and it is impossible to delay taking action.
Each missed day brings your pet closer to a serious illness, or even to death. There are a lot of diseases caused by tick attacks. Here are some of them.
- Lyme disease (borreliosis). Parasites attach themselves to the dog's skin and infect it with bacteria. Symptoms appear after a few months, and unexpected lameness of the animal is a reason to go to the veterinary hospital. In addition, the animal is lethargic, apathetic, the stomach is upset;
- Babesiosis (pyroplasmosis) is a blood disease. Bloody urine is a sure sign of this disease. There are also symptoms typical of dogs infested with ticks. It is necessary to treat if you do not want to lose a friend;
- canine ehrlichiosis. An animal with a strong immune system can defeat the infection on its own. However, if the disease is acute, then treatment is necessary;
Learn how to treat upper respiratory tract aspergillosis, ringworm, foot mite, and elbow bursitis in dogs.
- encephalitis is very rare, but it cannot be discounted either;
- ear and pruritic scabies. A microscopic mite settles on a dog's ears. If there is scabies in the ears, it is immediately visible. The dog’s behavior will leave no doubt: the animal rubs its ears against everything possible, so much so that it scratches its head until it bleeds. In addition, characteristic deposits are noticeable in the ears. Untreated scabies is guaranteed to spread throughout the body. Mites that occupy the ears will cause otitis media and brain damage;
- demodex. The legs, tail and head are affected first. Then the fur peels off and characteristic gray or pink crusts form.
Did you know? Ticks are one of the most resilient organisms on Earth. It turned out that they are able to survive even in a vacuum.
Every dog handler's arsenal of fighting bloodsuckers is quite large. Some remedies are very effective, others not so much. They claim that this remedy is effective for three months. And it’s very convenient: once you give the pill to the dog, you don’t have to worry.
As long as Bravecto lasts - a whole 3 months - the owner will not have any worries. Animals eat the tablet without any problems. Undoubtedly, the drug makes caring for your pet much easier.
Special instructions and precautions
Bravecto in solution form should not be used on areas of the body with damaged skin.
The animal should not be allowed to come into contact with the area where the drug was applied until it has completely dried.
After giving tablets or applying drops, it is recommended to wash your hands with soap.
The medicine should be kept away from heat sources, as the active ingredient Bravecto is flammable.
One tablet should not be divided and given to several animals - the dosage will be inaccurate. This in turn will lead to an overdose or vice versa - the drug will not have a therapeutic effect.
Contraindications and side effects
Tablets and drops are not suitable for all animals. Thus, they are prohibited from being used:
- cubs up to 2 months;
- pets weighing less than 2 kg (capsules) or weighing up to 1.2 kg (solution);
- dogs with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Do not apply drops to damaged areas of the skin and avoid contact with eyes.
General contraindications for all insectoacaricides are also taken into account: period of illness or recovery, weakened and exhausted state, dehydration, long-term drug treatment. Before giving it, be sure to consult a veterinarian: he will determine whether the medication will harm your dog and, if necessary, select a safe analogue.
Side effects occur in 2-15% of cases. Possible:
- redness of the skin at the site of application of the solution, less often - the formation of erosions and ulcerations;
- local hair loss;
- apathy, lack of appetite;
- hypersalivation - increased salivation;
- digestive disorders - vomiting, diarrhea;
- polydipsia – excessive thirst.
People also need to follow safety rules. After use, discard the packaging and wash your hands with soap. If the drug gets on the skin or eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water. If you accidentally swallow a medication, go to the clinic, and be sure to take the instructions with you.
Price and substitutes
The cost of Bravecto depends on the dosage of the active substance. One tablet against ticks costs 1400-1900 rubles.
Bravecto has many analogues of action that are much cheaper. In this case, the drugs act for a shorter period of time. These include medications based on fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin.
You can replace Bravecto with equally effective tableted ectoparasiticides:
- Frontline NexgarD;
- Comfortis;
- Simparica.
Frontline Nexgard contains afoxolaner, which provides protection to the animal against helminths and ectoparasites for 30 days. The chewable tablets taste like beef, so dogs usually take them happily. One package contains from 3 to 6 chewable pills. The price of three tablets varies from 1000 to 2000 rubles.
Comfortis is intended to combat ectoparasites in dogs. The active substance spinosad has a similar effect to fluralaner. Unlike the latter, it is quickly eliminated from the body, so it does not provide a long-term protective barrier.
Simparika provides protection to your pet from pests for 35 days. Liver-flavored tablets contain the active ingredient sarolaner. The drug is excreted from the body unchanged. The cost of 3 tablets ranges from 1300-1800 rubles (depending on the dosage of the drug).
Drugs analogous to Bravecto in drops are the drugs Advocate, Stronghold, Advantix, Frontline, Combo, Insectal. These are cheaper substitutes, the effect of which lasts for 1 month. After their effect ceases, it is recommended to repeat the treatment of the animal throughout the entire season of tick activity.
Analogues of the drug
Bravecto is the only fluralaner-based insectoacaricide. Therefore, it is impossible to choose another, completely identical medicine. Analogs are selected from drugs containing other active ingredients: sarolaner, spinosad, afoxolaner, etc.
Analogues are better:
| Medicine | What's better? | Average price in rubles |
| Frontline NexgarD | The tablets begin to act after 30 minutes and provide full protection after 4 hours. | 500 |
| Simparica | Wider spectrum of action, no side effects except individual intolerance. | 375 |
| Frontline NexgarD Spectra | Chewable tablets are effective against 8 types of ticks, 2 types of fleas and 6 types of worms. | 600 |
| Stronghold | The solution helps against fleas, ticks and worms. Well tolerated by collies and related breeds. | 300 |
Analogues are worse:
| Medicine | Why is it worse? | Average cost in rubles |
| Comfortis | Effective only against fleas, belongs to hazard class 3. | 700 |
| Advantix | The preventive effect lasts 4-6 weeks and is classified as a moderately hazardous substance. | 350 |
Anti-tick tablets for dogs Bravecto quickly gained popularity in the Russian market.
Still would! The Internet is simply replete with positive reviews about the drug Bravecto!
Reviews from owners are based primarily on ease of use - one chewable tablet and the dog is protected from ticks for as long as 12 weeks! The dog does not need to be sprayed or smeared, keep track of the dates so as not to miss its next treatment in a month.
I just fed the pill and that’s it! You can continue to sleep with your beloved dog in the same bed; there is no need to prohibit children from playing together, because the animal has clean fur. The dog can be washed and bathed; there is no need to quarantine before and after treatment, as is the case with tick drops and sprays.
Today we will talk about something that is not usually advertised.
Bravecto tablets: reviews from veterinarians
When the drug first appeared, many veterinarians began to actively recommend Bravecto, arguing for its effectiveness. However, gradually, when dog owners began to bring their pets with poisoning and other side effects that occurred after taking the drug, experts changed their minds. It turned out that Bravecto can seriously harm a dog’s health and even cause death.
As for foreign veterinarians, who have been familiar with the drug for much longer, most of them opposed its use. The fact is that the research data provided by the manufacturer turned out to be controversial. For example, when comparing the internal organs of healthy dogs and test subjects, the manufacturer paid attention to their weight, and not to the concentration of toxic substances and tissue integrity. In addition, even during the tests, deaths were recorded, which does not increase confidence in Bravecto. Thus, according to experts, the drug has not yet been fully studied, and there is no evidence of how it can affect the animal’s body in the future.
Negative reviews
But there is a lot of negative talk about Bravecto tablets for dogs. Reviews on forums are replete with complaints and warnings. The most harmless of them indicate that the drug does not protect against ticks. There are no problems with fleas, but if you go with your dog to nature, where there are a lot of ticks, then there is a high probability of piroplasmosis (a disease caused by the Babesia blood parasites, transmitted through ticks).
But this is not the worst that a dog can expect. There have been cases of drug poisoning in both large and small breeds of dogs. Gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis, reflux esophagitis, and pancreatitis are also possible. In addition, problems with the liver and gall bladder may begin. And this is not to mention the fairly high price of such tablets.
