Bravecto vs Comfortis

Keeping your furry friend free of fleas is a priority for both their health and yours. Luckily, finding the right flea treatment is easier than ever. Two of the most common treatments are Bravecto Chewable Tablets and Comfortis. The table and additional info provided below will help you make an informed decision on which treatment to provide to your dog.

What are the differences between Bravecto and Comfortis

For starters, you only have to administer Bravecto once every 3 months compared to the monthly dosage required for Comfortis. For some, the convenience alone is a game-changer for flea and tick treatment. However, puppies must be at least 6 months old before you can start them on Bravecto. Comfortis can be administered to dogs and cats when they are 14 weeks and older.

Bravecto also has a leg up on Comfortis in that it also kills ticks. If you live in an area where ticks are present, it's important for both your pets and your family to treat ticks to prevent diseases such as Lyme disease.

Both Comfortis and Bravecto rely on fleas (or ticks) to bite your pet to ingest the neurotoxins that cause death. Because the medications are swallowed and not topical, they don't repel fleas or ticks like some other flea and tick treatments. Comfortis uses Spinosad and begins to kill fleas within 30 minutes whereas Bravecto uses Fluralaner and begins to kill fleas in as little as 2 hours. If time to kill fleas is how you're judging products, then Comfortis wins.

Both Bravecto and Comfortis are safe for dogs when following directions. However, Comfortis has yet to be evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

To purchase Comfortis or Bravecto, you'll need a prescription from your vet. Your veterinarian can answer any questions related to side effects, precautions, or special care for your dog.

Final Thoughts on Bravecto vs Comfortis

Comfortis is slightly less expensive than Bravecto for a 3 month supply. However, Comfortis doesn't cover tick treatments so you'll have to purchase additional medication. Bravecto can't be given until 6 months so some owners opt to use something they can start earlier and then maintain that throughout the year. Some pet owners may switch to Bravecto to protect breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. Whether you choose Bravecto or Comfortis, you may rest assured that your furry friend will be flea free.

If you still have questions on which oral flea and tick treatment is best for your furry friend, our pharmacists are standing by to offer pet parent consulting.

Feature Bravecto Comfortis
Kills Fleas Yes Yes
Repels Fleas No No
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae Yes Not
Kills Ticks Yes No
Repels Ticks No No
Repels Mosquitoes No No
Prevents Heartworm No No
Protects Against Other Parasites No No
Waterproof Yes - taken orally Yes - taken orally
How Long to Work 2 hours to kill fleas and 12 hours to kill ticks Begins to kills fleas in 30 minutes
Taste Tasty flavor Beef flavored
Active Ingredient Fluralaner Spinosad
RX Required Yes Yes
Application Type Chewable Tablet Chewable Tablet
Dosing 1 tablet lasts up to 12 weeks 1 tablet per month
Age Dogs ages 6 months and up Dogs and cats 14 weeks and older
Manufacturer Merck Animal Health Elanco Animal Health
Safety Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use Not evaluated for safe use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.