Bravecto Topical for Dogs vs. Simparica Comparison

Bravecto Topical for Dogs

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Simparica

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Bravecto also kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs.

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

N/A

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

Remains effective against fleas and Ixodes ricinus ticks following bathing or swimming (if dog hasn't bathed or swam less than 72 hours after application).

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

Safe for use in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs.

The safe use of Simparica has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

How long does it take to work

Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours.

Begins to kill adult fleas within 3 hours and ticks within 8 hours of administration.

Taste

Applied to Skin

Liver flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Fluralaner

sarolaner

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

The makers of the flea and tick preventative oral tablet Bravecto have come up with a new formulation to use topically. With the same main ingredient, Fluralaner, which selectively affects the nervous systems of fleas and ticks, the topical formulation continues to provide reliable protection with the ease of once every 3-month application. Even after bathing or swimming the product remains effective BOTH as a repellent and rapid killer of most stages of the flea life cycle, as well as the additional benefits of killing and repelling ticks. The topical formulation gets around the occasional digestive upset seen with the oral formulation. Rare side effects include itching/irritation at the site of application and even rarer neurological reactions. However, overall the product is quite effective with an overall rating of 4.5 with ease of application of 5.

Within the past few years, we have seen a surge of new flea and tick parasiticides for dogs and cats, especially important as we are discovering increased transmission of health-threatening disease to our animal companions. In the past year, the very trustworthy and reliable pharmaceutical company Zoetis has come out with a revolutionary liver flavored chewable tablet, Simparica, that is highly effective against fleas and multiple species of ticks. Compared to similar oral tablets, as well as other topical products, I find that Simparica works even more quickly than competitor products, starting to kill fleas within 3 hours, and ticks within 8 hours. Unlike other products labeled for monthly use, studies and my clinical experience show that Simparica is actually effective up to 35 days, not dropping off in efficacy as many other products do in killing fleas and ticks toward the end of the month. I also find that the many flexible dosing packages offer convenience to canine guardians, even in small dogs who weigh under 5 pounds. In addition to the efficacy against fleas and ticks, the product is also labeled effective against scabies mites. Many veterinarians and dermatologists are also now reaching for Simparica as a quick, safe and effective off-label treatment of demodex mange mites, which have long been very difficult to manage in veterinary medicine. I have found that in many cases one dose of Simparica will clear up many demodex mange cases within one month of the first pill. I have found that most dogs tolerate this product very well, especially when given with food. I have occasionally seen mild digestive upset in some sensitive pets, as well as rare neurological reactions. If a dog has a history of seizures, I would probably be cautious in using this product or ones of a similar class. Most dogs readily take this chewable tablet. I give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an efficacy of 4.5, and ease of use a 4.5.

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