Bravecto for Cats vs. NexGard for Dogs Chewables Comparison

Bravecto for Cats

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NexGard for Dogs Chewables

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Trifexis

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Kills Fleas

Repels Fleas

Kills Flea eggs and Larvae

Kills fleas before they can lay eggs

Kills Ticks

Repels Ticks

Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes

Prevents Heartworm

Other Parasites Information

Treats and controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms infections.

Waterproof (shampooing once a week can reduce effectiveness)

N/A

Safe for pregnant or nursing Pets

The safety of Bravecto has not been established in breeding, pregnant and lactating cats.

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

Consult your veterinarian

How long does it take to work

Kills 100% of fleas within 8 hours of application.

NexGard kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours.

Starts to kill fleas within 30 minutes; kills 100% of fleas within 4 hours.

Taste

Applied to skin

Beef-flavored chewable

Beef Flavor

Active Ingredient(s)

Fluralaner

Afoxolaner

Spinosad/Milbemycin Oxime

RX Required

Dosage

Usage

Video

Coming soon

Vet Review

Flea control in cats is always challenging, not only in terms of safe products, but also in ease of application, and ultimately performance. Over the past several years the oral products like Bravecto and Nexguard have been highly effective for flea and tick control in dogs, as well as surprisingly other, unforeseen benefits such as treating, controlling and often curing previously frustrating Demodex mite infestations, and for much longer periods of time; 3 months of protection after one tablet. While the drug company has not come out with a similar oral formulation for cats, they have come out with a topical formulation, which also is labeled as effective for up to 3 months after one application. Obviously, handling one's kitty only once for a flea/tick treatment over 3 months is certainly welcome to most feline guardians. While I don't have lots of clinical experience with this product, reports from the field have found it highly effective in treated patients. As with many other products, it is also often important to treat the home environment, where 90 percent of the flea life cycle occurs. While the product is being reported as highly effective, I am concerned about using a product labeled for 3 months in cats after one use, especially if a sensitive feline patient suffers a reaction. Occasional reactions reported include transient irritation at the site of the product application, as well as occasional digestive and neurological reactions, which may be significant. While the product is highly effective for an extended period and easy to use, I would tend to reach for products that are shorter acting, although they will, of course, have to be applied or given more frequently.

Within the past year there has been an exciting development in the battle against fleas and ticks.For years, veterinarians have relied on topical medications for control of fleas and ticks, however many formulations are greasy, as well as some sensitive pets may have an allergic reaction to contact some of them. Many clients also worry about the exposure of humans to topical flea and tick pesticides. That is why the exciting new product from Merial known as Nexgard has been such a welcome addition to our flea and tick treatment and prevention options. By using a the ingredient, afoxolaner, Merial has come out with a new product that most fleas and ticks are certainly susceptible. Dogs also LOVE the soft, beef flavored chewable, even without meals. It has also been shown to be safe at up to 5 times the recommended dose.The only down side to this product is that the parasites must bite the dog to be affected, and in some cases this may take up to many hours for this to occur. However, studies as well as clinical experience with this product show that is it very effective in preventing Lyme, Anaplasmosis, Ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This makes it essential as part of any year round parasite prevention program in our dogs. The only rare side effects I have seen are mild digestive upset. I therefore give this product an overall rating of a 4.5, with an ease of use of a 5 out of 5.

An exciting and brand new product now available combines the main ingredient of Interceptor milbemycin with a powerful flea insecticide known as spinosad. Given as a once monthly heartworm preventative, this product also will control and prevent whipworms, hookworms and roundworms, in addition to preventing heartworms. The additional ingredient spinosad allows effective flea and these internal parasite control all in one pill, making it quite convenient for clients. As with any pesticide rare digestive tract and neurological side effects may occur but this has not been a major problem in clinical trials. Since it is relatively new I will have to see how this product performs on the fleas but it seems to have excellent potential. I give this product an overall rating of a 5 with an ease of administration a 5 as well, taste a 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.