How does Bravecto work for dogs after a tick bite? - briefly
Bravecto’s active ingredient, fluralaner, is absorbed into the dog’s bloodstream and rapidly kills ticks that attach, halting pathogen transmission within a few hours. One oral dose protects the animal for up to 12 weeks, ensuring any subsequent bites are neutralized.
How does Bravecto work for dogs after a tick bite? - in detail
Bravecto contains the active compound fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class. After oral administration, the drug is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 24 hours. Systemic circulation distributes fluralaner to all body tissues, including the skin and hair follicles where attached ectoparasites feed.
Fluralaner acts by binding selectively to ligand‑gated chloride channels that are regulated by γ‑aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in arthropods. The binding blocks the normal influx of chloride ions, causing uncontrolled neuronal excitation, paralysis, and death of the tick. Because the compound is present in the dog’s blood, any tick that attaches and begins to ingest blood is exposed to a lethal dose within minutes.
Key points of the pharmacological response after a tick bite:
- Rapid kill – attached ticks are killed within 2‑4 hours of attachment, reducing the window for pathogen transmission.
- Broad spectrum – effective against multiple tick species, including Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus.
- Long‑lasting protection – a single dose maintains effective plasma concentrations for 12 weeks, preventing new infestations throughout the period.
- Systemic action – no topical residue required; the drug works from within the host, eliminating the need for repeated applications.
Metabolism primarily occurs in the liver via oxidative pathways; metabolites are excreted unchanged in feces and urine. The elimination half‑life of fluralaner in dogs ranges from 15 to 20 days, supporting the extended dosing interval.
Safety data show a high margin of tolerance. Adverse events are rare and generally limited to transient gastrointestinal upset. The product is contraindicated in dogs with known hypersensitivity to isoxazolines.
In practice, administering Bravecto after a confirmed tick attachment still delivers a rapid kill, mitigating the risk of diseases such as Lyme borreliosis, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. The systemic nature of the drug ensures that any subsequent ticks feeding on the same animal are exposed to the same lethal mechanism, providing continuous protection without additional treatments.