How long does Bravecto tick protection last?

Understanding Bravecto's Mechanism of Action

What is Bravecto?

Bravecto is a veterinary medication formulated to protect dogs and cats from ticks and fleas. The product contains the active ingredient fluralaner, a systemic insecticide and acaricide that interferes with the nervous system of parasites, leading to rapid death after ingestion or absorption through the skin.

In dogs, Bravecto is offered as a flavored chewable tablet; in cats, it is available as a spot‑on solution. Both formulations are designed for a single administration that provides continuous protection for a period of approximately three months, eliminating the need for monthly dosing. The long‑acting effect results from the drug’s high plasma protein binding and slow elimination, maintaining therapeutic concentrations throughout the interval.

Key characteristics:

Active ingredient: fluralaner (a member of the isoxazoline class)
Administration routes: oral chewable tablet for dogs, topical spot‑on for cats
Target parasites: adult ticks, immature ticks, adult fleas, flea larvae
Duration of efficacy: about 12 weeks per dose
Safety profile: approved for use in dogs ≥ 6 months and ≥ 4.5 kg; cats ≥ 8 weeks and ≥ 1.2 kg, with minimal adverse events reported in clinical studies

The extended protection period distinguishes Bravecto from many conventional tick preventatives that require monthly re‑treatment, offering a convenient solution for pet owners seeking sustained control of ectoparasites.

How Does Fluralaner Work Against Ticks?

Neurological Impact on Ticks

Bravecto is an oral chewable formulation for dogs that delivers fluralaner, a systemic acaricide with a protective period of approximately twelve weeks. After administration, fluralaner circulates in the bloodstream, reaching concentrations sufficient to affect any tick that feeds during this interval.

Fluralaner’s neurotoxic action on ticks includes:

Binding to γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA)‑gated chloride channels, preventing inhibitory signaling.
Antagonizing glutamate‑gated chloride channels, disrupting excitatory control.
Inducing uncontrolled neuronal depolarization, resulting in paralysis and rapid death.

Because the compound persists at effective plasma levels for the full twelve‑week window, ticks that attach at any point are exposed to the same neurotoxic mechanisms. The continuous presence of fluralaner ensures that:

Early‑stage feeding ticks receive a lethal dose within hours.
Late‑stage feeding ticks encounter the same neurotoxic effect, regardless of attachment time.
No re‑infestation can overcome the protective window without a new dose.

Consequently, the neurological disruption caused by fluralaner underpins the extended duration of tick protection offered by Bravecto.

Systemic Absorption in Pets

Systemic absorption refers to the process by which a medication enters the bloodstream after oral or transdermal administration, allowing it to reach target tissues throughout the body. In the case of Bravecto, the active compound fluralaner is absorbed quickly after a chewable tablet or spot‑on solution, bypassing the gastrointestinal barrier and entering the circulatory system.

After ingestion, fluralaner reaches peak plasma concentrations within 2–4 hours. The compound exhibits a prolonged elimination half‑life of approximately 12 weeks, maintaining therapeutic levels that are lethal to ticks for the entire dosing interval. Continuous systemic presence eliminates the need for re‑application, as ticks encounter lethal concentrations during feeding.

Key pharmacokinetic characteristics that determine the duration of tick protection:

Rapid gastrointestinal absorption (≈90 % bioavailability) after oral administration.
Peak plasma level achieved within 2–4 hours, ensuring immediate efficacy.
Sustained plasma concentration above the minimum effective concentration for up to 84 days.
Elimination half‑life of roughly 12 weeks, supporting a single dose for the full protection period.

These properties ensure that once fluralaner is absorbed, it remains active in the pet’s system for the entire interval during which tick control is required.

Duration of Bravecto Tick Protection

Bravecto Chewable Tablets: Protection Period

Factors Affecting Efficacy

Bravecto’s effectiveness against ticks depends on several variables that influence how long the medication remains protective.

Animal weight and dosage: The product is formulated for specific weight ranges; under‑dosing or overdosing can reduce plasma concentrations, shortening the protective window.
Age and health status: Young, healthy animals metabolize the drug predictably, whereas older or ill pets may process it faster, affecting duration.
Environmental exposure: High‑risk habitats with heavy tick populations increase the likelihood of reinfestation, making the apparent protection period seem shorter.
Concurrent medications: Certain drugs induce liver enzymes that accelerate Bravecto metabolism, potentially diminishing its lifespan.
Storage conditions: Exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity can degrade the active ingredient before administration, reducing efficacy.

Understanding these factors allows veterinarians and owners to optimize treatment schedules and maintain consistent tick control throughout the intended period.

Bravecto Topical Solution: Protection Period

Differences in Application and Absorption

Bravecto is available as an oral chew and as a topical spot‑on formulation. The two delivery methods differ markedly in how the active ingredient, fluralaner, enters the animal’s system and how it is retained.

Oral chew: Fluralaner is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 24 hours. Systemic circulation distributes the compound to skin and hair follicles, where it remains bioavailable for the entire protection period. The drug’s half‑life in plasma is approximately 15 days, supporting a single dose that protects against ticks for up to 12 weeks.
Topical spot‑on: The formulation is applied directly to the skin, where it spreads across the coat and penetrates the epidermis. Absorption occurs locally, with only a fraction entering the bloodstream. Peak plasma levels appear later, typically 48–72 hours after application, and the systemic half‑life is shorter, around 10 days. Protection relies on residual drug in the skin, which also extends for roughly 12 weeks but may be influenced by grooming or bathing.

The oral route delivers a higher and more consistent systemic concentration, reducing variability caused by external factors. The topical route provides direct skin exposure, which can be advantageous for animals that cannot tolerate oral medication, yet it introduces potential loss of efficacy due to environmental removal. Understanding these application and absorption differences helps veterinarians select the formulation that best aligns with the animal’s lifestyle and the desired reliability of tick control.

Optimal Use and Considerations

Proper Administration of Bravecto

Dosage Guidelines

Bravecto is administered as a chewable tablet, with the dose determined solely by the animal’s body weight. The product is formulated for dogs weighing from 4.5 kg (10 lb) to 68 kg (150 lb). Dosage categories are:

4.5 – 10 kg: one 14 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)
10.1 – 15 kg: one 28 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)
15.1 – 22 kg: one 56 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)
22.1 – 30 kg: one 84 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)
30.1 – 45 kg: one 112 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)
45.1 – 68 kg: one 140 mg tablet (50 mg kg⁻¹)

The tablet is given orally with food, preferably at the same time of day each administration. A single dose provides continuous tick protection for a 12‑week interval; repeat dosing is required every three months to maintain efficacy. Adjustments are unnecessary unless the animal’s weight moves into a different dosage category.

Tips for Effective Application

Bravecto delivers up to twelve weeks of tick protection when administered correctly. Proper application is essential to maintain the full duration of efficacy and to prevent gaps in coverage.

Administer the chewable tablet on an empty stomach; food can delay absorption.
Use the exact dose prescribed for the dog’s weight; under‑dosing reduces plasma concentration.
Give the medication at the same time of day for each dose; consistent timing supports steady drug levels.
Store the product at room temperature, away from direct sunlight; extreme heat or cold can degrade the active ingredient.
Record the administration date in a pet health log; this prevents accidental early or late re‑dosing.
Verify the dog’s health status before dosing; illness or medication interactions may affect metabolism.

Following these procedures ensures that the tick‑killing effect persists for the intended twelve‑week interval, providing reliable protection throughout the period.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Common Mild Reactions

Bravecto provides a protection period of up to 12 weeks against ticks, but a small percentage of dogs experience mild, transient reactions after administration. Recognizing these responses helps owners differentiate normal drug effects from conditions that require veterinary attention.

Temporary gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, soft stools)
Mild skin irritation at the bite site (redness, itching)
Brief lethargy or reduced activity
Low‑grade fever lasting less than 24 hours

These signs usually appear within a few hours to two days after the dose and resolve without intervention. The gastrointestinal symptoms often subside with a small amount of bland food or water. Skin irritation can be soothed with a cool compress, while mild lethargy typically improves as the drug distributes throughout the body.

If any reaction persists beyond 48 hours, intensifies, or is accompanied by severe vomiting, persistent diarrhea, swelling of the face or limbs, or difficulty breathing, immediate veterinary evaluation is warranted. Prompt reporting of unusual symptoms contributes to safer use of the medication and ensures optimal tick‑control duration.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

Bravecto provides month‑long protection against ticks after a single oral dose. Owners should seek veterinary advice if any of the following occurs during the protection period.

Ticks remain attached for more than 24 hours despite treatment.
Signs of skin irritation, redness, swelling, or discharge appear at the bite site.
The dog exhibits unexplained lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea after the medication.
The animal has a known allergy to afoxolaner or other ingredients in the product.
The pet is pregnant, nursing, or has a concurrent illness that could affect drug metabolism.
The expected protection window expires earlier than anticipated, based on the manufacturer’s label.

Prompt consultation ensures appropriate management of potential adverse reactions, confirms the effectiveness of the tick control regimen, and allows the veterinarian to adjust the preventive plan if necessary.

Comparing Bravecto with Other Tick Preventatives

Similarities and Differences in Duration

Bravecto delivers a single‑dose tick control that remains effective for approximately twelve weeks. Both the chewable tablet and the spot‑on solution share this extended interval, eliminating the need for monthly re‑application.

The two formulations also share a broad spectrum that includes common tick species such as Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, and Amblyomma americanum. Each product achieves rapid kill of attached ticks, typically within 12 hours, and provides simultaneous flea protection throughout the same period.

Key distinctions are:

Administration route – oral tablets are given directly to the animal, while the topical solution is applied to the skin.
Absorption pathway – the tablet disperses systemically via the bloodstream; the spot‑on spreads across the skin surface before entering the systemic circulation.
Weight‑range specifications – tablets are marketed for dogs weighing 4.4 lb (2 kg) and above; the topical version covers a broader weight spectrum, starting at 2 lb (1 kg).
Species‑specific efficacy – certain tick species, such as the Asian long‑horned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis), show higher mortality rates with the oral formulation, whereas the topical product demonstrates superior performance against the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus).
Environmental considerations – the spot‑on may be less suitable for dogs that frequently swim or bathe, as water exposure can reduce efficacy; the tablet is unaffected by such conditions.

When compared with other long‑acting products (e.g., NexGard, Simparica), Bravecto’s twelve‑week protection exceeds the typical four‑week interval of those alternatives, but all share the principle of a single dose providing continuous tick coverage for the designated period.

Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience

Bravecto provides a single oral or topical dose that protects dogs for 12 weeks and cats for 8 weeks, eliminating the need for monthly administrations. The extended interval reduces the number of veterinary visits and the risk of missed doses, which directly impacts overall expense.

Average retail price per dose: $45‑$55 for dogs, $40‑$50 for cats.
Effective monthly cost: roughly $12‑$15 for dogs, $15‑$20 for cats.
Comparable monthly products (e.g., NexGard, Simparica) range from $8‑$12 per month, requiring three to four administrations within the same period.

The reduced dosing schedule translates into lower cumulative spending on prescriptions, veterinary labor, and pet owner time. Additionally, the convenience of a one‑time treatment simplifies compliance, particularly for owners who travel or have limited access to veterinary clinics. The combination of prolonged protection, predictable pricing, and minimal administration effort positions Bravecto as a cost‑effective solution for tick control.