How long does Bravecto act against ticks in dogs? - briefly
Bravecto protects dogs from ticks for up to 12 weeks after a single oral dose, with killing activity beginning within a few hours. The efficacy remains consistent throughout the entire 90‑day period.
How long does Bravecto act against ticks in dogs? - in detail
Bravecto delivers systemic tick protection for dogs after a single oral dose. The active ingredient, fluralaner, reaches peak plasma concentrations within 24 hours and maintains concentrations above the minimum effective level for twelve weeks. Consequently, a single administration protects against infestations for approximately three months.
Efficacy studies have shown:
-
95 % reduction in tick counts within 48 hours of treatment.
- Near‑complete elimination of attached ticks by day 7.
- Sustained activity against Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis and other common species throughout the 12‑week interval.
Factors influencing the protection window include:
- Body weight – the dosage is calibrated per kilogram; under‑dosing can shorten the effective period.
- Health status – severe hepatic or renal impairment may alter drug metabolism, potentially reducing duration.
- Concurrent medications – drugs that induce cytochrome P450 enzymes can increase clearance of fluralaner.
Re‑dosing is recommended every 84 days to maintain uninterrupted coverage. If a dog misses a scheduled dose, administration should occur as soon as possible; the protection period restarts from the new dose, not from the missed interval.
Safety data indicate that Bravecto is well tolerated in dogs weighing 2 kg or more. Adverse events are rare and typically mild, such as transient gastrointestinal upset. The long‑acting nature of the formulation reduces handling frequency compared with monthly products, decreasing the risk of missed treatments.
In summary, a single oral Bravecto treatment provides continuous tick control for roughly three months, with consistent efficacy across major tick species, provided dosage guidelines and health considerations are observed.