Bravecto vs Nexgard
Finding the right flea and tick treatment for your dog or cat is important for both their health and yours. Two of the most popular treatment options are Bravecto Chewable Tablets and Nexgard Chewable Tablets. Each treatment option offers strengths and will ultimately help protect your furry friend from fleas and ticks. The table and additional information below will help you make an informed decision on which product to buy.
What are the differences between Bravecto and Nexgard
For starters, the dosage frequency for Bravecto is less. One pill lasts up to twelve weeks compared to the monthly dosage required for Nexgard. For some pet owners, the convenience of a once-per-quarter flea and tick treatment is worth it. However, puppies must be at least 6 months old before you can start them on Bravecto. Nexgard can be safely administered at 8 weeks.
Both Nexgard and Bravecto use a pesticide from the same "laners" class to treat fleas and ticks. Nexgard uses Afoxoflaner and kills 100% of fleas in 24 hours. Bravecto uses Fluralaner and begins to kill fleas in as little as 2 hours. Bravecto kills many types of ticks including the lone star tick for 8 weeks. Nexgard is the only FDA approved option for preventing infections that cause Lyme disease.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Bravecto, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Nexgard chewable tablets are not available for cats. However, Bravecto is available as a topical treatment - which provides an added benefit of being able to repel fleas and ticks.
Bravecto and Nexgard require a prescription from your veterinarian before they can be purchased. Your vet should be able to answer any questions related to side effects, precautions, or special care for your dog.
Final Thoughts on Bravecto vs Nexgard
Overall, the costs for Nexgard and Bravecto are about the same when factoring in that Bravecto lasts for 3 months. Since you can't start Bravecto until 6 months, some pet owners may start with Nexgard and then switch to Bravecto when able. Additionally, some pet owners may opt to switch over to protect breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.
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 | NexGard |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | Yes |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | 4 hours to kill fleas and 24 hours to kill ticks |
| Taste | Tasty flavor | Beef Flavored |
| Active Ingredient | Fluralaner | Afoxolaner |
| 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 | Puppies 8 weeks and older and weigh more than 4 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Merck Animal Health | Boehringer Ingelheim |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use. | Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. |