How does Bravecto work for ticks on dogs?

Understanding Bravecto

What is Bravecto?

Active Ingredient: Fluralaner

Fluralaner, the sole active component of Bravecto, belongs to the isoxazoline class of ectoparasiticides. It interferes with ligand‑gated chloride channels in the nervous system of ticks, specifically blocking the γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors. This disruption leads to uncontrolled neuronal activity, paralysis, and death of the parasite.

After oral administration, fluralaner is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, achieving peak plasma concentrations within 2–4 hours. The compound distributes extensively into skin and hair follicles, where ticks attach, and exhibits a terminal elimination half‑life of approximately 12 weeks. This pharmacokinetic profile sustains therapeutic concentrations long enough to prevent reinfestation throughout the dosing interval.

Efficacy studies demonstrate that a single dose eliminates existing tick infestations within 12 hours and maintains ≥95 % efficacy against new challenges for up to 12 weeks. The product is formulated as a chewable tablet, dosed at 2 mg per kilogram of body weight, ensuring consistent exposure across a wide range of canine sizes.

Safety data indicate a high margin of tolerance; adverse events are infrequent and usually limited to mild gastrointestinal upset. Fluralaner does not interact with common veterinary vaccines and has no documented impact on blood chemistry when used according to label instructions.

Key characteristics of fluralaner in Bravecto

Isoxazoline insecticide targeting GABA and glutamate‑gated chloride channels
Oral bioavailability with rapid systemic distribution
Half‑life of ~12 weeks, supporting a single dose per quarter
Tick kill time ≤12 hours, ≥95 % efficacy over 12 weeks
Dosage: 2 mg kg⁻¹ body weight, chewable tablet form
Safety profile: low incidence of mild, transient side effects

These properties collectively enable Bravecto to provide reliable, long‑lasting protection against canine ticks.

Formulations: Chews and Topical

Bravecto is available as a flavored chewable tablet and as a liquid topical solution, each delivering the same active ingredient, fluralaner, to eliminate ticks on dogs. The chewable form is administered orally, absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, and distributed systemically via the bloodstream. Once in circulation, fluralaner binds to tick γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, causing rapid paralysis and death within 12 hours of attachment. The systemic presence provides continuous protection for up to 12 weeks, eliminating newly acquired ticks without additional dosing.

The topical formulation is applied directly to the skin, typically between the shoulder blades. The liquid spreads across the coat, penetrates the epidermis, and enters the systemic circulation in a similar manner to the oral tablet. This route offers the same 12‑week efficacy, with the added benefit of a visible application that confirms correct dosing. Both formulations rely on the same pharmacodynamic mechanism, differing only in the method of delivery and user preference.

Key comparative points:

Administration: chewable – oral ingestion; topical – skin application.
Absorption: gastrointestinal tract vs. epidermal penetration.
Onset of tick kill: within 12 hours for both.
Duration of protection: 12 weeks for each product.
Dosage flexibility: chewable dose based on weight; topical dose measured in milliliters per weight band.

These attributes allow veterinarians to select the formulation that best matches the dog’s lifestyle, owner compliance, and handling considerations while maintaining consistent tick control.

How Bravecto Targets Ticks

Mechanism of Action: Neurotoxic Effects

Fluralaner, the active component of Bravecto, penetrates the canine bloodstream after oral administration and is distributed to skin and peripheral tissues where ticks attach. The compound reaches the parasite through the host’s blood meal, delivering a dose sufficient to affect the tick’s nervous system without exposing the dog to harmful levels.

The neurotoxic action relies on selective inhibition of two ligand‑gated ion channels unique to arthropods:

γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA)‑gated chloride channels
Glutamate‑gated chloride channels

Binding to these receptors blocks chloride influx, preventing neuronal hyperpolarization. The resulting uncontrolled depolarization produces rapid muscle over‑activity, loss of coordination, paralysis, and death of the tick within hours of feeding.

Pharmacokinetic properties support sustained efficacy:

Peak plasma concentration reached within 24 hours.
Elimination half‑life of approximately 12 weeks, maintaining therapeutic levels for up to 12 weeks after a single dose.
Minimal metabolism by canine hepatic enzymes; excretion occurs primarily via feces.

Selectivity for arthropod receptors ensures a wide safety margin. Mammalian GABA receptors exhibit markedly lower affinity for fluralaner, reducing the risk of neurotoxicity in the dog. Consequently, the product provides long‑lasting tick control while preserving the animal’s neurological integrity.

Systemic Absorption and Distribution

Bravecto is administered as an oral chewable tablet that is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Within 4 hours of ingestion, plasma concentrations rise to a measurable level, reaching peak values between 24 and 48 hours. The drug’s high lipophilicity facilitates passage through cell membranes, allowing efficient entry into systemic circulation.

After absorption, fluralaner binds extensively to plasma proteins (≈ 99 %). This binding prolongs circulation time and supports distribution to peripheral compartments. The compound is carried by the bloodstream to the skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, where ticks attach and feed. Concentrations in these tissues remain sufficient to kill attached arthropods for up to 12 weeks.

Key pharmacokinetic characteristics:

Bioavailability: > 80 % after oral administration.
Peak plasma concentration (Cmax): achieved 24–48 h post‑dose.
Elimination half‑life: approximately 15 days, providing sustained exposure.
Excretion: primarily via feces; minimal renal elimination.

Sustained systemic presence ensures that any tick feeding on the host encounters lethal drug levels, preventing attachment, feeding, and disease transmission throughout the treatment interval.

Killing Ticks Through Ingestion

Bravecto is an oral chewable tablet that delivers the active compound fluralaner systemically. After administration, fluralaner is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, enters the bloodstream, and distributes throughout the body’s tissues and fluids.

When a tick attaches to a dog, it begins feeding on blood that contains the circulating fluralaner. The tick ingests the drug, which then binds to GABA‑gated chloride channels and glutamate‑gated chloride channels in the arthropod’s nervous system. This binding blocks inhibitory neurotransmission, causing uncontrolled neuronal firing, paralysis, and death of the tick.

Key aspects of the ingestion‑based killing mechanism:

Rapid absorption of fluralaner (peak plasma concentrations within 3–5 hours).
Sustained plasma levels above the lethal concentration for ticks for up to 12 weeks.
Tick mortality observed within 12 hours of attachment for most species.
No need for external contact; efficacy is maintained regardless of tick life stage present on the host.

The systemic approach eliminates reliance on topical exposure, reduces the risk of resistance associated with repeated surface treatments, and provides continuous protection against new infestations throughout the dosing interval.

Efficacy and Safety

Speed of Action

Bravecto delivers rapid tick control after a single oral dose. The tablet is absorbed within 2–4 hours, reaching peak plasma concentrations at approximately 24 hours. Systemic circulation distributes the active ingredient, fluralaner, throughout skin and hair follicles, where attached ticks ingest the compound during feeding.

First 12 hours: Initial reduction in attached tick numbers; most newly attached specimens begin to be affected.
24 hours: Majority of existing ticks are immobilized or dead; laboratory studies show >90 % efficacy against common species such as Ixodes ricinus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
48 hours: Near‑complete elimination of established infestations; residual activity persists, preventing re‑infestation for up to 12 weeks.

The swift onset results from fluralaner’s high lipophilicity, facilitating rapid penetration of the tick’s cuticle. Once inside, it binds to γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate receptors, disrupting neural transmission and causing paralysis. This mechanism operates independently of the tick’s life stage, ensuring immediate effect on larvae, nymphs, and adults.

Overall, Bravecto’s pharmacokinetic profile guarantees that effective concentrations are achieved within a day, providing fast-acting protection that continues throughout the extended dosing interval.

Duration of Protection

Bravecto’s active ingredient, fluralaner, is absorbed systemically after oral administration and remains at therapeutic levels in the bloodstream for approximately twelve weeks. During this interval the drug targets the nervous system of attached ticks, causing rapid paralysis and death, while also preventing newly acquired ticks from establishing feeding sites.

Effective protection spans 84 days (≈12 weeks) from a single dose.
Tick‑killing activity begins within 2 hours of administration.
Efficacy exceeds 95 % throughout the full twelve‑week period in controlled studies.
Re‑dosing is required after the twelve‑week window to maintain continuous coverage.

The sustained plasma concentration results from fluralaner’s high lipophilicity and slow elimination, ensuring that tick populations are suppressed without the need for monthly treatments.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common Side Effects

Bravecto, a systemic chewable tablet, eliminates ticks by delivering a potent insecticide that persists in the bloodstream for up to 12 weeks. While highly effective, the product can produce a predictable set of adverse reactions that owners should monitor.

Typical reactions include:

Temporary loss of appetite
Mild vomiting
Diarrhea of short duration
Lethargy or reduced activity
Localized skin irritation at the gum line

Less frequent events may involve:

Transient elevation of liver enzymes
Allergic skin rash
Unusual tremors or seizures in susceptible individuals

Most side effects resolve without intervention. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant immediate veterinary assessment.

Contraindications and Warnings

Bravecto should not be administered to dogs under eight weeks of age, weighing less than 2 kg, or to animals with a known hypersensitivity to fluralaner or any component of the formulation. Dogs exhibiting severe liver or kidney impairment are also excluded because the drug’s elimination relies on hepatic and renal pathways. Concurrent treatment with other ectoparasitic products containing isoxazolines (e.g., afoxolaner, sarolaner) is contraindicated, as additive toxicity has not been evaluated.

Do not give Bravecto to pregnant or lactating females without veterinary supervision.
Avoid use in dogs receiving cytochrome P450‑inducing medications (e.g., phenobarbital, glucocorticoids) because altered metabolism may increase adverse‑event risk.
Monitor for signs of gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or neurologic disturbances (tremors, ataxia) after administration; discontinue and seek veterinary care if they appear.
Store the product at temperatures between 2 °C and 30 °C; exposure to extreme heat may degrade efficacy.
Keep the chew away from children and other animals to prevent accidental ingestion.

Veterinarians must assess health history, current medications, and breed‑specific sensitivities before prescribing Bravecto. Any deviation from recommended dosage or interval warrants immediate professional evaluation.

Bravecto vs. Other Tick Preventatives

Bravecto contains the active ingredient fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class that targets the nervous system of ticks. After a single oral dose, fluralaner is absorbed into the bloodstream and remains at therapeutic concentrations for up to 12 weeks. When a tick attaches, it ingests the drug, which blocks γ‑aminobutyric acid‑gated chloride channels, causing rapid paralysis and death. This systemic action eliminates the need for direct contact between the product and the parasite.

Compared with topical spot‑on treatments, oral Bravecto offers several distinct attributes:

Duration: Single dose provides protection for 12 weeks; most spot‑ons require monthly reapplication.
Application site: Oral administration removes the risk of uneven skin coverage or accidental transfer to humans or other animals.
Efficacy against resistant strains: Isoxazolines have demonstrated activity against tick populations that show reduced sensitivity to older compounds such as fipronil or permethrin.
Water resistance: Systemic distribution makes bathing or swimming irrelevant to efficacy, unlike many topical products that lose potency after exposure to water.
Safety profile: Clinical studies report low incidence of adverse events, with gastrointestinal upset being the most common; topical products can cause skin irritation at the application site.

Other oral preventatives, such as NexGard (afoxolaner) and Simparica (sarolaner), share the isoxazoline mechanism but differ in dosing intervals (monthly versus every 12 weeks) and specific tick species coverage. Bravecto’s extended interval reduces handling frequency, which can improve compliance in multi‑dog households.

In practice, selecting a tick control product involves weighing duration of protection, ease of administration, resistance considerations, and safety data. Bravecto’s long‑acting oral formulation distinguishes it from both topical and shorter‑acting oral alternatives by delivering sustained systemic activity with minimal handling requirements.

Administration and Usage

Proper Dosing for Dogs

Bravecto is administered as a single oral chewable tablet that provides up to 12 weeks of protection against ticks. Correct dosage depends on the dog’s body weight and must be matched to the product’s labeled strength.

4.4–9.9 lb (2–4.5 kg): 1 mg/kg tablet (approximately 11.4 mg of fluralaner)
10.0–22.0 lb (4.5–10 kg): 2 mg/kg tablet (approximately 22.8 mg)
22.1–44.0 lb (10–20 kg): 4 mg/kg tablet (approximately 45.6 mg)
44.1–88.0 lb (20–40 kg): 8 mg/kg tablet (approximately 91.2 mg)
88.1–176 lb (40–80 kg): 16 mg/kg tablet (approximately 182.4 mg)

The tablet must be given with food to ensure absorption. Dogs younger than 8 weeks or weighing less than 4.4 lb are not eligible for treatment. For breeds with known sensitivities to fluralaner, consult a veterinarian before administration. Repeat dosing occurs exactly 12 weeks after the initial dose; any deviation reduces efficacy and may allow tick infestation.

Administration Guidelines

With Food (Chew)

Bravecto chew is a systemic acaricide that eliminates ticks after a single dose. The tablet contains fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which interferes with the nervous system of arthropods by blocking GABA‑ and glutamate‑gated chloride channels. When the dog ingests the chew, the compound is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 24 hours, and distributes throughout the body, including skin and hair follicles where ticks attach.

Administering the chew with food enhances bioavailability. Fatty components of a meal increase the solubility of fluralaner, leading to higher plasma levels and more consistent therapeutic exposure. Consistent exposure ensures that ticks feeding on the dog encounter lethal concentrations within the first 12 hours of attachment, preventing disease transmission.

Key points of the fed‑chew administration:

Dose: one chew per 8 kg of body weight, given every 12 weeks.
Timing: give the chew together with a regular meal; do not fast the dog before or after dosing.
Absorption: food‑enhanced uptake yields plasma concentrations 1.5–2 times higher than fasting administration.
Efficacy: kills existing ticks within 12 hours and prevents new infestations for the full dosing interval.

The combination of systemic action, prolonged half‑life, and food‑mediated absorption provides reliable tick control for dogs without the need for topical applications.

Application Technique (Topical)

Bravecto is delivered as a spot‑on solution that spreads across the skin after a single dose, providing systemic protection against ticks for up to 12 weeks. The topical application follows a precise sequence to ensure optimal absorption and efficacy.

Verify the dog’s weight; the product is calibrated in milligram‑per‑kilogram increments, and each tube contains a dose for a specific weight range.
Open the sealed tube without contaminating the tip.
Part the hair at the base of the neck, between the shoulder blades, exposing the skin.
Press the tip against the skin and dispense the entire contents in one or two small drops directly onto the exposed area.
Allow the solution to dry for a few minutes before the animal moves; avoid rubbing or washing the spot for at least 24 hours.
Refrain from bathing, swimming, or applying other topical products for the same period to prevent dilution of the medication.

Correct placement on a clean, dry spot maximizes transdermal absorption, allowing the active ingredient to enter the bloodstream and reach ticks attached anywhere on the body. The systemic distribution eliminates feeding ticks within hours and maintains lethal concentrations throughout the treatment interval.

Frequency of Treatment

Bravecto is administered orally or topically at intervals that maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations sufficient to kill attached ticks and prevent new infestations. The product’s labeled dosing schedule is every 12 weeks (approximately three months) for both adult dogs and puppies older than eight weeks and weighing at least 2 lb (0.9 kg). This interval aligns with the drug’s pharmacokinetic profile, which shows a half‑life that sustains effective levels throughout the dosing period.

Key points for scheduling:

Standard regimen: One dose every 12 weeks, regardless of breed or size, provided the minimum weight requirement is met.
Puppies: Begin treatment at eight weeks of age; continue the 12‑week interval as the animal grows.
High‑risk environments: Veterinarians may advise a shorter interval (e.g., 8 weeks) for dogs with heavy tick exposure, but this deviates from the label and requires professional guidance.
Missed dose: Administer the missed dose as soon as possible; the next dose should still follow the original 12‑week schedule, not a shortened interval.

Adhering to the 12‑week cycle ensures continuous protection against Ixodes, Dermacentor, and Rhipicephalus species, reduces the likelihood of tick‑borne disease transmission, and minimizes the need for frequent re‑applications.

Important Considerations

Environmental Factors and Tick Control

Environmental conditions dictate tick activity. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and dense vegetation create optimal habitats for ixodid species. Seasonal peaks correspond with spring and autumn in temperate zones, while tropical regions experience year‑round activity. Wildlife reservoirs, such as rodents and deer, sustain tick populations and facilitate spread across residential yards.

Dog exposure aligns with these factors. Outdoor excursions during peak periods increase the likelihood of attachment. Areas with leaf litter, tall grass, or shaded brush serve as primary questing zones. Moisture retention in soil and leaf cover prolongs tick survival, extending the risk window for companion animals.

Effective tick management integrates several actions:

Landscape modification: reduce tall grass, clear leaf litter, and maintain short mowing cycles.
Habitat treatment: apply acaricide sprays or granules to perimeter zones, focusing on shaded and humid microhabitats.
Wildlife control: limit access of deer and rodents to the property through fencing or deterrents.
Regular grooming: inspect coat after outdoor activity, remove attached specimens promptly.
Systemic medication: administer oral products that circulate in the bloodstream, delivering lethal doses to feeding ticks.

Systemic oral agents, such as the flavonoid‑based formulation used for canine tick control, provide continuous protection independent of external conditions. After ingestion, the compound reaches therapeutic concentrations in plasma within hours and remains effective for several weeks. Feeding ticks ingest the drug during blood meals, resulting in rapid paralysis and death, thereby interrupting disease transmission cycles. When combined with environmental interventions, systemic treatment reduces overall tick burden and mitigates the impact of climatic and ecological variables that favor tick proliferation.

Consulting Your Veterinarian

When considering Bravecto for tick control on a dog, a veterinarian’s guidance is essential. The professional evaluates the pet’s health status, confirms that Bravecto is appropriate, and determines the correct dosage based on weight and age.

Key discussion points with the vet include:

Confirmation that the dog has no contraindications such as liver disease, severe allergies, or recent use of other ectoparasitic drugs.
Explanation of the drug’s absorption pathway, systemic action, and expected duration of protection.
Instructions on administration technique, timing relative to scheduled veterinary visits, and monitoring for adverse reactions.
Clarification of any required follow‑up examinations or blood tests to assess safety.
Advice on integrating Bravecto with other preventive measures, such as regular grooming, environmental control, and vaccination schedules.

By obtaining a veterinary assessment, owners ensure that Bravecto is used safely, maximizes efficacy against ticks, and aligns with the dog’s overall health plan.

Monitoring for Tick-Borne Diseases

Bravecto contains fluralaner, a systemic ectoparasiticide that circulates in the bloodstream after oral administration. When a tick attaches and feeds, the drug binds to ligand‑gated chloride channels in the parasite’s nervous system, causing uncontrolled neuronal activity and death within 24 hours. The prolonged plasma concentration maintains efficacy for up to 12 weeks, eliminating newly attached ticks throughout the treatment interval.

Effective disease control requires ongoing surveillance for pathogens transmitted by ticks. Monitoring protocols include:

Visual inspection of the dog’s coat and skin at least twice weekly for engorged or attached ticks.
Monthly physical examinations by a veterinarian to assess for signs of anemia, fever, joint swelling, or neurologic changes.
Blood sampling at baseline, then at 4‑week intervals, with serologic testing for common agents such as Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia spp.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of whole blood or tissue samples when clinical suspicion arises, providing species‑specific identification.
Documentation of tick exposure history, including geographic location and season, to correlate with regional disease prevalence.

Prompt detection of infection enables early therapeutic intervention, reducing the risk of chronic complications despite the presence of an effective tick‑killing agent. Regular data collection and veterinary review form the backbone of a comprehensive tick‑borne disease management strategy.