Bravecto Topical for Dogs vs. NexGard for Dogs Chewables Comparison

Bravecto Topical for Dogs

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NexGard for Dogs Chewables

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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.

Kills 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

N/A

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

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 NexGard in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs has not been evaluated.

How long does it take to work

Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours.

NexGard kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours.

Starts to reduce flea feeding in just 5 minutes

Taste

Applied to Skin

Beef-flavored chewable

Topical

Active Ingredient(s)

Fluralaner

Afoxolaner

Dinotefuran, Pyriproxyfen, Permethrin

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 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.

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.