Bravecto flea tablets: effectiveness and rules of use for dogs

The popular drug Bravecto for dogs. Treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks. Composition and mechanism of action. How to use the drug correctly. Use of chewable tablets and solution. Advantages and disadvantages. Contraindications for use. Possible side effects. Reviews. Analogues of Bravecto.

We all know what troubles blood-sucking parasites can bring to our pets. Most often they are attacked by fleas and ticks, which are carriers of dangerous diseases. In addition, fleas inflict painful bites that cause severe itching.

Severe infection affects the general condition of the animal, they cannot rest, play, sleep normally, which causes a decrease in appetite, as a result of weight loss, the animal’s immune system suffers. Pets scratch their bites vigorously, resulting in wounds that can easily become infected.

Ticks are no less dangerous, since they can transmit an infection that leads to the development of severe diseases and will require long-term and difficult treatment. To avoid all these difficult situations, it is necessary to use specialized products that protect dogs from parasites.

One of these products is Bravecto, which is quite popular among dog breeders. It has a fairly wide spectrum of action, providing protection not only against ticks and fleas, but also other parasites. Next, we will take a closer look at the drug, learn about its features, advantages, contraindications, and also learn about its disadvantages.

Advantages of the drug

The drug has many advantages, including high efficiency and rapid action. After the tablet enters the pet’s body, the active ingredients begin to act within 2 hours. A wide spectrum of action, which makes it possible to get rid of fleas and protect the dog from parasites.

It comes in a very convenient form, in the form of chewable tablets, which in most cases dogs eat with pleasure, as they smell appetizing and taste good. They are available for sale in different forms, each containing a certain amount of the active ingredient. This allows you to purchase tablets with the correct dosage for large and small breeds.

Reception can be started at any time of the year, regardless of the season. Regarding the period for preventive purposes, the remedy can be taken from spring to autumn without interruption, when there is a danger of infection. But it must be given according to the regimen specified in the instructions, as well as the veterinarian’s recommendations; changing the treatment regimen is prohibited. This remedy has a prolonged effect. After administration, protection is provided for 12 weeks.

Important!

But remember that despite the huge number of benefits, use should only be done after consulting a doctor.

How to use

The medicine is given along with food, either immediately after it, or immediately before eating. Thanks to its attractive taste, dogs readily eat Bravecto. If difficulties with administration still arise, the tablet is added to the food or placed on the root of the tongue.

Depending on the amount of the main component, tablets are available in five dosages:

• 112.5 mg fluralaner – for puppies and small breeds weighing 2-4.5 kg;
• 250 mg – animals up to 10 kg;
• 500 mg – medium dogs up to 20 kg;
• 1 g – dogs weighing up to 40 kg;
• 1.4 g – large pets weighing more than 56 kg.

According to the manufacturer's recommendations, per kilogram of animal body weight there should be from 25 to 50 mg of the main active ingredient. Tablets cannot be divided, so select the dosage by weight. As a last resort, you can combine tablets of different packaging. If you neglect this rule, the dose will either be too small and the treatment will not work, or will lead to negative results. A repeat course is possible only after 3 months.

Possible release forms

The product can be purchased not only in the form of tablets, but also as a solution. Each form has different types of release, which differ in the concentration of the active component and are presented in five different dosages. For small dogs weighing 4.6-10 kg, decorative 2-4.5 kg, medium 10-20 kg, large 21-40 kg, very large 41-56 kg.

Chewable tablets have an appetizing smell and taste of meat. They come in round shapes and are light or dark brown in color. Packed in blisters. One tablet is intended for one-time use. You cannot purchase a dosage for a large breed and divide it into portions for medium-sized ones. Used strictly for its intended purpose.

The solution is available in the form of a clear liquid, which may be colorless or have a yellow tint. The liquid is packaged in pipettes, which are also intended for single use.

Release form and composition of the drug Bravecto for dogs

Available in tablet form.

Capsules are intended for oral administration and chewing. They have a round shape, a smooth surface, a light yellow-brown tint with small dark inclusions. There is no specific smell or taste.

The drug Bravecto is available in several dosages of 112.5, 200, 500, 1000, 1400 mg.

Compound:

• Frulalaner is an active substance calculated in dosage;
• Flavoring for dogs – 20%;
• Sucrose – 7%;
• Sodium lauryl sulfate – 2%;
• Magnesium stearate – 0.75%;
• Disodium pamoate monohydrate – 2%;
• Aspartame – 0.25%;
• Glycerin – 7.5%;
• Stabilized soybean oil – 12.3%;
• Polyethylene glycol – 18.5%;
• Corn starch – 16.06%.

The medicine is packaged in foil blisters of 1 tablet. Single-piece packaging is placed in a cardboard package, supplied with instructions for use, marked with the production date and expiration date.

Packaged in foil blisters of 1 tablet

Composition and mechanism of action

Use is allowed only from the age of 8 weeks; in addition, the animal must weigh at least 2 kg. It is advisable to give the tablet with food. The main active component that has a detrimental effect on parasites is fluralaner. Once the parasite enters the body, it affects the nervous system. At first the parasite is paralyzed and cannot move, but soon dies.

The active substance is very dangerous for mammals, so its use must be carried out strictly according to the instructions for use. A single dose is calculated in such a way that it cannot harm the animal. Overdoses are very dangerous for the health and life of pets.

When a pet eats the medicine, it enters the stomach and quickly dissolves. The active substance accumulates in the tissues under the top layer of skin. When a pet is attacked by a flea or tick, poison inevitably enters their body. After administration, the active component is in the tissues and has an effect for 12 weeks. A flea, just like a tick, will die after the first bite.

Within 24 hours after administration, the maximum concentration of the substance is observed, which means that the dog is completely protected. The half-life is observed after 14 days, and remains at a constant concentration for 60 days, after which natural elimination begins, which continues for 14 weeks.

It is worth saying that the substance penetrates and accumulates not only in subcutaneous fat. They penetrate the kidneys, liver, muscle fibers and the maximum concentration is also observed in these organs. Therefore, the use of drugs with similar effects is prohibited, and in the case of the use of anthelmintic drugs, mandatory consultation with a veterinarian is required.

What is Bravecto for dogs?

The Intervet company (Netherlands) has developed an innovative drug that provides protection against 7 types of ticks and 2 types of fleas. Bravecto is intended for dogs and is created taking into account the biological characteristics of these pets. Chewable tablets are available in 5 dosages: 112.5, 250, 500, 1000, 1400 mg. The dose is selected individually depending on the size of the pet. In terms of the degree of impact on the body, the drug is classified as low-hazard and does not have mutagenic, teratogenic or embryotoxic effects.

Compound

Release form: flea and tick tablets for dogs. They come in light and dark brown colors. They have a pleasant smell and taste, so animals eat them with pleasure. The active substance is fluralaner. The drug also includes the following auxiliary components:

• Super Premium in Powder for Dog flavor;
• sucrose;
• sodium lauryl sulfate;
• disodium pamoate monohydrate;
• magnesium stearate;
• aspartame;
• glycerol;
• soybean oil;
• polyethylene glycol;
• corn starch.

Operating principle

Fluralaner blocks glutamate-dependent and GABA-dependent arthropod receptors, overstimulates neurons, disrupts the mechanism of transmission of nerve impulses, which leads to paralysis and death of parasites. Bravecto tablets are given orally, after which they are easily absorbed into the bloodstream. Within 1 day the maximum concentration of the active substance is observed, then for another 85 days an insectoacaricidal amount of fluralaner is present in the plasma. 100% of fleas die within 8 hours after ingestion, 99% of ticks die within 12 hours. Parasites do not develop resistance to the drug.

Advantages and disadvantages

The medicine Bravecto is a product of a leading European manufacturer. The company officially conducted research on more than 100 dogs, and the results were as follows:

• the drug is more effective than drugs based on permethrin, imidacloprid, fipronil;
• Bravecto can be given to puppies and lactating dogs;
• the medicine does not pose a threat to animals with a defect in the MDR-1 gene, brachycephals;
• allowed for puppies from 8 weeks in a five-fold dosage;
• begins to act within 2 hours after administration, protects the animal’s body from fleas and ticks for 12 weeks;
• Well tolerated by all breeds.

Any drug has its downsides, and Bravecto anti-tick tablets for dogs are no exception. Users note that the biggest drawback of the medicine is its high price. If you study real reviews, you can note that the tablet does not help all dogs and does not last as long as the manufacturer claims. After a while, the ticks “travel” through the animal and attach themselves to the skin. Some particularly picky pets do not want to eat Bravecto, so they have to force-feed the drug.

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Side effects

If you look at the information from the manufacturer, he assures that Bravecto can cause side effects only in very rare cases. But thanks to the reviews of those dog breeders who have already used the product, you can be convinced that the information from the manufacturer is not entirely true. Since many reviews say that there are a lot of side effects and quite often.

Quite often the dog experiences vomiting and loss of appetite. Less common is itching, hair loss, and diarrhea. The dog becomes lethargic, sleepy and tired, shows no interest in others, and refuses to play. Ulcers and scabs may appear.

These side effects are recorded by veterinarians, who are contacted by animal owners in case of side effects. An animal does not have all the symptoms at the same time; only 2-3 may be observed. If your pet has an individual intolerance to any components, side effects appear with the same symptoms.

It is worth saying that symptoms more often appear in small breed dogs when the dosage is incorrectly calculated. Most animals tolerate the product very well.

What are the myths about the drug?

Since the product contains a potent toxic substance that accumulates in the dog’s body and remains there for quite a long time, the owners are quite wary of this point.

On the one hand, the product can protect against dangerous parasites; it is highly effective and quick-acting. But on the other hand, now you can find a huge number of reviews that talk about the negative impact of the substance on the animal’s body.

In fact, for a long time, Bravecto tablets have been the cause of controversy and discussion. A huge number of users on the Internet left reviews about the serious consequences that the drug caused.

Groups have been formed and a petition has been launched to get these pills taken off the market. The American Veterinary Association did not ignore this scandalous moment and independent studies were conducted. Studies have shown that Bravecto is safe.

Of course, the manufacturer is trying in every possible way to prove that its product is not dangerous. He collected the most common myths and gives comprehensive explanations that completely debunk them.

Myth 1

Causes severe complications including liver failure, cancer and blindness

• These diseases have no connection with taking the drug and the proof is laboratory tests. Some dogs do develop side effects, but this is due to individual intolerance to the substances that are included in the composition.
• In addition, all side effects manifest themselves in the form of a gastrointestinal upset, which most often goes away on its own and very quickly, without veterinary care. Data shows that side effects occur in only 5%. Other health problems and especially diseases are in no way related to taking the drug.

Myth 2

Health problems, including side effects, appear after long and regular use

• As we have already said, side effects develop due to individual intolerance. In turn, individual intolerance either exists or it does not; it cannot appear due to long-term use.
• This is a reaction of the body that does not want to take this or that component and this manifests itself from the first dose. Situations where similar symptoms were observed after long-term use were considered individually, and each was easy to explain.
• Most often, the drug was combined with other medications, which caused a reaction in the body. In addition, there are cases when the dosage was incorrectly selected; dogs can gain and lose weight, which in turn requires individual selection. The manufacturer insists on consulting a veterinarian before each use of Bravecto. Be sure to contact a veterinarian when taking other medications is required.

Myth 3

The growth of affected animals is recorded annually

• The fact is that in this case, the American agency, which carries out quality control for all groups of pharmaceuticals, helped debunk this myth. The classification of Bravecto, which indicates the development of side effects, is recorded as rare, which means that no more than 5% experience undesirable reactions of the body, most of which go away on their own.
• Regarding the growth of animals in which adverse reactions of the body have been noticed, this is indeed true, but this is not at all connected with the drug and its effect, but only with the large number of dogs who were given the medicine. If we talk about numbers, from 2014 to 2021 sales increased by 17 million doses, which was the reason for the increase, but, as before, the number does not exceed 5%.

Instructions for use of the drug

Bravecto can be used in combination with external medications (collars, drops, shampoos). This is done in order to speed up the action of the tablets and prevent direct bites.

The medication itself is used once (usually once every 3-4 months). A blister with one tablet is unpacked (the dosage for a specific dog is pre-selected). The tablets have an attractive smell and pleasant taste, so pets usually eat them on their own. It is recommended to mix the pill into the food, or give it separately before or after meals.

You cannot break or knead the medicine, so as not to disrupt the integrity of the active ingredients, so you must strictly adhere to the proposed dosage based on the weight of the animal.

If the dog refuses to take the pill on its own, the drug must be administered forcibly. To do this, you need to open the animal’s mouth, tilt its head back, and place the tablet behind its cheek. Until the pet swallows the drug, the mouth should be kept closed.

Composition and pharmacological properties

The drug is produced in Austria. Bravecto tablets are round, dark or light brown in color with small inclusions. There are 5 release formats:

1. For the smallest breeds (weighing from 2 kg to 4.5 kg);
2. Small (from 4.5 to 10);
3. Medium (10-20 kg);
4. Large (20-40 kg);
5. The largest (40-56 kg).

The tablets are packaged one at a time in an aluminum blister and placed in cardboard boxes.

The main active ingredient of the medication is fluralaner (insecticide), which acts on fleas and ixodid ticks. In addition to it, the tablets include excipients: aspartame (sweetener); sucrose; sodium; glycerol; corn starch; magnesium; flavorings; soybean oil; ethylene glycol polymer.

Effect of the drug

Absorption of the tablet elements occurs in the gastrointestinal tract (when interacting with food, the medicine is absorbed faster). Then the active substances enter the bloodstream and reach a state of maximum concentration in one day. The effect of the tablets lasts about 85 days, during this period the medication is able to influence parasites.

Fluralaner blocks insect receptors, causing disruption of the transmission of nerve impulses, overexcitation of neurons, leading to paralysis and death. It acts on fleas only after a direct bite. The insect loses the ability to release venom and infectious saliva. Fleas begin to die within 8 hours after application (before laying eggs), and ticks after 12.

The drug is excreted unchanged, but very slowly. Up to 90% is excreted in feces, the rest in urine. According to Russian GOST, the medicine is classified as low-hazard (class 4).

The effect of the drug is not affected by the length of the pet's fur or the frequency of hygiene procedures.

Indications for use

The drug is an anti-flea drug, and has recently been registered as a remedy for ixodid ticks. Prescribed as therapy for a large number of skin parasites, prevention against infection with diseases.

It is considered indispensable in the treatment of:

• Demodectic mange;
• Scabies;
• Anemic disorders caused by parasites;
• Allergic inflammation of the skin.

Interesting video about the drug

Dosage, methods and terms of use

The required dose is 25-25 mg of active substance per 1 kg of pet. Doses have been specially developed for dogs of different weights, which allows the integrity of the tablet to be calculated without disturbing the dose. Since there are 5 variations of tablets, the drug is prescribed in a specific form.

Treatment of the animal can be either one-time or year-round (once every 4 months). The appointment date must be written down so as not to disrupt the schedule. If you miss one therapy, you can start the course again.

Contraindications and side effects

The drug has no special contraindications.

• It is approved for puppies over 2 months old and weighing over 2 kg.
• Careful use is recommended for small ornamental breeds.
• Prevention with medication is allowed in lactating and pregnant bitches, animals with allergic and skin problems.
• Joint treatment with antibiotics, steroids, corticosteroids, and external disinfectants is not prohibited.

Not recommended in individual cases (intolerance to the constituent ingredients) and for breeding dogs from which offspring are expected.

According to official information from the manufacturer, no side effects are observed, only in the case of a five-fold overdose. However, dog breeders and veterinarians say the opposite. The medicine has a particularly negative effect on small dogs.

The main side effects caused by Bravecto tablets are:

1. Decreased appetite and apathetic state (in 20% of pets);
2. Vomiting (7-10% of pets);
3. Hair loss, itching, skin dermatitis (5%);
4. Diarrhea, bloody discharge (5%);
5. Excessive thirst (2%);
6. Ulcers and scabs (2%).

Most often, the problem is associated with exceeding the required dose among small animals, since even the smallest tablet contains too much active ingredient for an animal weighing less than 4 kg. In addition, dog breeders are bothered by the constant circulation of pesticides in the pet’s body.

special instructions

• When using the medicine, you must observe minimum hygiene rules: a person is not recommended to drink, smoke or eat before working with the drug; if you are hypersensitive, you should avoid direct contact with the tablets. After the procedure, it is important to disinfect the area where the drug was administered.
• If an allergic reaction occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor. If side effects are observed that do not go away longer than 1 day, the pet should be taken to the clinic.
• At the moment, there is no complex antidote that would stop the effect of the drug and speed up its removal from the body. Therefore, veterinarians most often recommend waiting until the medication expires (12 weeks).

Description of drops

Drops are intended for external use; they are produced in the form of a transparent liquid, which is packaged in special pipettes for one-time use. Just as in the case of tablets, the dosage is calculated for a certain weight of the dog. It would also be a good idea to contact a veterinarian, who will examine your pet, weigh it, and give recommendations regarding its intake.

Applying the drops is very convenient and easy, and is often a good alternative for those pets who refuse tablets. The cost of this form of release directly depends on the volume. But it is worth saying that drops are not as popular as tablets, so they cannot always be found in veterinary pharmacies.

The action of the drops is due to the active substance fluralaner. When the drops are applied to the skin, they penetrate the body and are carried throughout the body through the bloodstream. The active component accumulates in the epidermis and coat. The substance is eliminated from the body quite slowly, so the pet is protected throughout this time.

How does Bravecto work against ticks?

The principle of action of Bravecto anti-tick tablets for dogs is extremely simple. An acceptable dose of a toxic substance, in other words poison, accumulates in the blood. When the parasite enters the body, it provokes disruption of the nervous system, causes muscle paralysis, and quick death. In the case of fleas, all this happens very quickly; the ticks fall off within a few minutes.

On a note!

Bravecto against fleas and ticks does not have a repellent, contact effect. The death of parasites occurs only after a bite. This approach is not entirely clear, since dangerous diseases: piroplasmosis, borreliosis are transmitted precisely during a bite. To be completely confident in protecting your pet, you need to use additional repellents or drugs with contact action. Since in this case there is a risk to human health if several active components are ingested, it is advisable to use folk remedies.

Correct Application

Drops can be used for treatment and as prevention against parasites. It must be applied by drop method directly to the skin. It is advisable to buy the dog a day or two before the appointment, but not use shampoo. After application, the animal should not be bathed, as this will significantly reduce the effectiveness. Regarding shampoo, it is an alkali, which also reduces the effect of the active substance.

When applying, the body must be dry. It is also prohibited to apply when there are injuries and wounds on the body. To do this, you need to part the fur and apply a few drops to the skin. It is very important to apply in such a way that your pet cannot lick them off. Therefore, it is applied to the withers area, between the shoulder blades and along the spine.

When Bravecto is used for treatment, it is applied once. If these are preventive measures, remember that the substances remain in the body for 12 weeks and provide protection; during this time, repeated application is prohibited; after the expiration of the period, a repeat procedure can be carried out.

Features and principle of operation

"Bravecto" for fleas is a systemic insectoacaricidal drug. Fluralaner is active against ixodid ticks and fleas that live on dogs. The main active ingredient leads to hyperexcitation of neurons, blocks the ligand-dependent ion channel and ionotropic glutamate receptors of arthropods, and disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses. Ectoparasites that have ingested fluralaner die or become paralyzed.

When taken orally, the drug is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. The maximum concentration of fluralaner in plasma is observed 20 hours after administration. The insectoacaricidal effect will last for at least 85 days. The drug is excreted slowly, mainly in feces.

The death of parasites occurs in a short time:

• fleas – after 8 hours;
• ixodid ticks – 12 hours.

Important! Parasites do not have time to lay eggs, so contamination of premises by larvae is impossible.

Contraindications and side effects

Drops are considered safe drugs. Allowed for pregnant and lactating bitches. Puppies under 8 weeks of age are not allowed. Also, drops should not be used on animals whose weight is less than 1.2 kg. Contraindications also include individual intolerance to the components included in the composition.

Regarding adverse reactions of the body, they can occur due to individual intolerance. Itching, redness and irritation may appear on the skin. In such situations, the dog must be purchased using shampoo. If you experience any symptoms after bathing, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Cost of the drug and analogues

As already mentioned, the cost will depend on the concentration of the active component. But the price is also affected by the place of sale, although there is no significant difference in price. The approximate cost of a tablet for one-time use will be from 1,400 to 1,900 rubles.

The cost is not the lowest, especially when compared with other drugs with the same effect. But here you should take into account the prolonged action. After all, most drugs provide protection for 1 month, while Bravecto lasts 3 months.

If for some reason you are looking for a replacement for Bravecto, there is a fairly large selection of drugs that can provide the same effect, but with a shorter period of time. Most often, products containing the active substances imidacloprid, fipronil, and permethrin are substitutes.

For example, you can purchase drugs that are also available in tablet form, these include:

• Frontline NexgarD. In this case, the action is carried out thanks to the substance afoxolaner. This allows you to provide protection against ectoparasites and helminths for 30 days. Dogs most often eat tablets that smell and taste like meat without much coaxing. The approximate cost of packaging is 1000-2000 rubles.
• Comfortis. Provides protection against ectoparasites, it contains spinosad, which has a similar effect as the substance in bravecto, but the difference is that it is excreted much faster, thereby not having such a long-lasting effect.
• Simparica. Contains the substance sarolaner, which is effective for 30-35 days. Available in liver flavor. You can buy a package for 1300-1800 rubles, which contains 3 tablets.

There are also analogues of Bravecto drops. These products have the same mechanism of action, but provide protection only for 1 month. These include Combo, Stronghold, Insectal, Brovex, Lawyer and others. Their cost is correspondingly less.

Let's sum it up

If we take into account the numerous reviews that talk about the dangers and serious consequences after taking Bravecto, then this certainly causes a lot of concern among dog breeders.

But if you study reliable information, you can make sure that the drug is not so dangerous and cannot lead to serious consequences. It is worth noting the advantages that Bravecto has, and this is, first of all, high efficiency and degree of protection for pets.

Regardless of which remedy you choose, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Remember that these are toxic substances that are truly dangerous if used incorrectly. Source