Bravecto vs Trifexis
The health of your furry friends is important. Flea infestations and heartworm are common issues that pet owners face. Bravecto Chewable Tablets and Trifexis are common options for treating fleas. Each treatment option offers different strengths for treating these common issues. 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 Trifexis
Trifexis not only kills fleas, but also prevents heartworm and controls whipworm, hookworm, and roundworm infections. Trifexis combines both internal and external protection to provide this protection. The combination of Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime accomplishes this in a once a month chewable. Bravecto is also administered orally but only protects against fleas. While Bravecto doesn't prevent heartworm, it does kill flea eggs and larvae which can help break the flea cycle quicker than Trifexis.
Bravecto only needs to be given to your dog once every 12 weeks whereas Trifexis will need to be given monthly. Bravecto shouldn't be administered to dogs and puppies younger than 6 months. Trifexis can be safely administered at 8 weeks as long as the puppy weighs at least 5 pounds.
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. Spinosad, the primary ingredient in Trifexis, begins to work in 30 minutes and is proven to kill 100% of all biting fleas.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions. However, unlike Bravecto, Trifexis has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. It is recommended to test your dog for heartworm before starting Trifexis.
Trifexis is 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.
Both Trifexis and Bravecto will require a prescription from your vet before you can buy online. 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 Trifexis
Overall, the costs for Nexgard and Bravecto are about the same when factoring in that Bravecto lasts for 3 months. However, Trifexis also covers heartworm prevention which will save you from having to purchase a separate heartworm medication. Both treatment options are safe, provide reliable results, and are loved by thousands of pet owners.
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 | Trifexis |
|---|---|---|
| Kills Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Repels Fleas | No | No |
| Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae | Yes | No |
| Kills Ticks | Yes | No |
| Repels Ticks | No | No |
| Repels Mosquitoes | No | No |
| Prevents Heartworm | No | Yes |
| Protects Against Other Parasites | No | Roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm |
| Waterproof | Yes - taken orally | Yes - taken orally |
| How Long to Work | 2 hours to kill fleas and 12 hours to kill ticks | Kills 100% of biting fleas in 4 hours |
| Taste | Tasty flavor | Beef flavor |
| Active Ingredient | Fluralaner | Spinosad and Milbemycin Oxime |
| 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 5 lbs |
| Manufacturer | Merck Animal Health | Elanco Animal Health |
| Safety | Breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs may use | Not yet evaluated for use of in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs |