Activyl vs. Bravecto Chews for Dogs Comparison

Activyl

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Bravecto Chews for Dogs

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Vectra 3D

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

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

Prevents all flea stages (eggs, pupae, larvae, and adult fleas) from developing.

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Also kills biting and sand flies, live and mites for one month

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

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

How long does it take to work

Reapply Activyl every 30 days.

Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours.

Starts to reduce flea feeding in just 5 minutes

Taste

Applied to skin

Tasty Chew

Topical

Active Ingredient(s)

indoxacarb

Fluralaner

Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, Permethrin

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

Another recently available new topical flea preventative for dogs and cats. This new product works by being activated by only the flea's enzyme systems into a flea specific mechanism which paralyzes and kills the adult flea. The company claims that it does not get into the blood stream, but stays only in the superficial skin layers of the pet. Any adult fleas which come into contact with this product are quickly killed so that fleas do not have to actually bite the pet, which is tremendously helpful in those flea-allergic pets, where it only takes a few flea bites to set off an extensive itchy allergic reaction. Another wonderful benefit of this product is that it is waterproof, which is especially helpful in those active outside pets who are exposed to rain or like to swim. This effective product starts working within 12 hours of application, where over 90% of adult fleas are killed. Another excellent benefit of this product is that it also inhibits the development of flea eggs and larvae in the environment, which is a big bonus since much of the flea life cycle occurs in the home environment. While Activyl is very safe and effective for most pets, I have seen occasional rare reactions in sensitive pets, which most commonly is seen as irritation or excessive itchiness at the site of application. While the company says that it is odorless, some of my clients have said that they do sense an odor within the first several days of application, as well as leaving an occasional oily film for the first day or two following application. This film, however usually quickly disappears. The only other very rare reactions include digestive upset and/or drooling/neurological reactions, and certainly if a pet has any chronic digestive weaknesses or history of seizures, etc then the local veterinarian should be consulted before applying the product. I give this product an overall rating of 4, with an ease of use of 4.

An exciting new development in the fight against fleas and ticks is the long lasting chewable tablet called Bravecto, The active ingredient fluralaner, is a very effective ectoparasiticide, which acts on the nervous system of the parasite, without affecting the dog's nervous system. When given to dogs, this product starts killing fleas within 2 hours, and ticks a short time after that. Protection will last for approximately 12 weeks for fleas, and 8-12 weeks for ticks. In fact, clinical experience has shown it to be effective in treating and controlling 4 species of ticks, many of which are involved in transmitting disease to both dogs and people. It is even safe to use in pregnant and lactating animals, as well as most pets over the age of 6 months. I would use caution in using this or any other pesticide in sick, geriatric or pets with chronic immune mediated disease. Another minor drawback is that the fleas or tick must be ingesting a blood meal or feeding on your pet before becoming effective, thus there is still a remote possibility of transfer of certain tick born illnesses on rare occasion. Unlike most topical products that can potentially be washed or bathed off, the added benefit of giving a pill minimizes pesticide exposure for human family members, as well as being effective within a very short period of time. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of use, and efficacy a 5 as well.

For clients that prefer an outstanding topical medication that has thus far had an excellent record of efficacy against both fleas and ticks. This product includes 3 very powerful and synergistic flea/tick pesticides that work in slightly different ways, with one preventing development of flea eggs and larvae, while another ingredient quickly kills; killing probably the fastest of any products on the market, starting to act within 5 minutes. Ticks will take somewhat longer, but within 2 days most ticks are killed. The addition of the permethrin ingredient does add the benefit of this product in BOTH repelling and killing ticks, , as well as the additional benefit of killing and repelling mosquitoes, the main vectors of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. As with other topicals, occasionally pets will develop an irritation or sensitivity at the sight of application, with some pets being occasionally restless, agitated, or fidgety. On rare occasions vomiting and/or diarrhea may be seen but this has not been much of a problem in clinical practice, where most pets seem to tolerate the product quite well. While the trio of main ingredients in this product seem to provide additional efficacy and coverage of various stages of the external parasites, including the benefit of repelling them, I am always a bit cautious about combination products like this, which rarely may lead to unknown chronic side effects that we are not yet aware of. With that consideration, this product is still an excellent and effective choice. I give this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5.

Our expert panel consists of licensed veterinarians and the knowledgeable staff of PetMed Express, Inc. d/b/a 1-800-PetMeds. Neither the Company nor any of its employees or consultants make any warranties, expressed or implied, or representations about the accuracy or completeness of the content or the content of any site or external sites. Likewise, no legal liability or responsibility is assumed for the accuracy or completeness of any information, or usefulness of products discussed. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the qualities and characteristics of each product, which for the most part were taken directly from the websites of the manufacturers, we are not responsible for any errors. The information presented is for educational purposes only and is intended to be a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise and professional judgment of your veterinarian. The information is NOT to be used for diagnosis or treatment of your pet. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the treatment of your pet. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, allergic reactions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for your pet. It is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, and it does not replace the need for services provided by your veterinarian. Note: Any trademarks are the property of their respective companies.