Nexgard vs Bravecto For Dogs: Which Flea and Tick Preventative is Best for Your Dog?

Nexgard vs Bravecto for dogs. As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog free from fleas and ticks is a top priority. Two popular options for flea and tick prevention are Nexgard and Bravecto. Both are effective, but they have different features that might make one more suitable for your dog than the other. In this article, we’ll compare Nexgard and Bravecto to help you make an informed decision.

What Are Nexgard vs Bravecto For Dogs?

Nexgard is an oral chewable tablet that protects dogs against fleas and ticks. It contains the active ingredient afoxolaner, which kills fleas before they can lay eggs and eliminates ticks, including the American dog tick, black-legged tick, and Lone Star tick. Nexgard is given monthly.

Bravecto is another oral chewable tablet, but it offers protection for up to 12 weeks. The active ingredient in Bravecto is fluralaner, which kills fleas and a variety of tick species, including the black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, and Lone Star tick.

Effectiveness

Both Nexgard and Bravecto are highly effective at killing fleas and ticks.

• Nexgard starts working within 4 hours of administration and can kill 100% of fleas within 24 hours. It continues to provide protection for a full month.
• Bravecto begins killing fleas within 2 hours and can kill 100% of fleas within 12 hours. Its protection lasts for 12 weeks.

Duration of Protection

One of the most important distinction between Nexgard & Bravecto is the duration of protection.

• Nexgard requires monthly dosing, which means you need to remember to give your dog the medication every 30 days.
• Bravecto provides protection for up to 12 weeks (3 months) with a single dose, making it a more convenient option for those who prefer less frequent dosing.

Administration

Both Nexgard and Bravecto are oral chewable tablets that are easy to administer. Most dogs find the beef-flavored chews palatable, making it simple to give them their medication.

Safety and Side Effects

Both medications are considered safe for most dogs, but, like all medications, they can cause side effects.

• Nexgard side effects may include vomiting, itching, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. In rare cases, more severe reactions like seizures have been reported.
• Bravecto side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite. As with Nexgard, seizures have been reported in rare cases.

It’s important to note that both Nexgard and Bravecto have been approved by the FDA and have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and efficacy. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication, especially if your dog has a history of seizures or other health issues.

Cost

The cost of flea and tick prevention is an important consideration for many pet owners.

• Nexgard is typically sold in packs of three or six tablets, covering three to six months of protection. The cost per month can vary, but it tends to be slightly higher on a monthly basis compared to Bravecto.
• Bravecto is sold in packs of one or two tablets, with each tablet providing up to 12 weeks of protection. Although the upfront cost per tablet is higher, the less frequent dosing means it can be more cost-effective over time.

Convenience

When it comes to convenience, Bravecto has a clear advantage due to its longer duration of protection. For busy pet owners or those who may forget to administer monthly doses, Bravecto’s three-month coverage can be a significant benefit.

Efficacy Against Different Tick Species

Both Nexgard and Bravecto protect against several common tick species, but there are some differences.

• Nexgard is effective against the American dog tick, black-legged tick, and Lone Star tick.
• Bravecto offers protection against a broader range of ticks, including the black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, and Lone Star tick.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Nexgard and Bravecto ultimately depends on your and your dog’s specific needs.

Choose Nexgard if:

• You prefer a monthly dosing schedule.
• Your dog has a known sensitivity to fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto.
• You want a quick-acting flea and tick preventative.

Choose Bravecto if:

• You prefer a less frequent dosing schedule (every 12 weeks).
• You are looking for a more cost-effective solution over time.
• Your dog is exposed to a broader range of tick species.

Conclusion

Both Nexgard and Bravecto are excellent choices for flea and tick prevention in dogs. They are effective, easy to administer, and safe for most dogs. The best choice for your dog will depend on your lifestyle, your dog’s health history, and your personal preferences regarding dosing frequency and cost. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the good option for your furry friend. With the right protection, you can ensure your dog stays healthy and free from the discomfort and potential health risks posed by fleas and ticks.