How long does Bravecto for ticks last? - briefly
Bravecto provides up to 12 weeks of continuous tick protection after a single oral dose. The efficacy remains consistent throughout this three‑month interval without additional treatment.
How long does Bravecto for ticks last? - in detail
Bravecto’s active ingredient, fluralaner, remains at therapeutic levels in canine plasma for approximately 12 weeks after a single oral dose. This period covers the entire life cycle of most tick species, preventing attachment, feeding, and reproduction throughout the interval.
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Pharmacokinetics: After ingestion, fluralaner is absorbed rapidly, reaching peak plasma concentration within 2–4 days. The compound binds to plasma proteins and distributes into skin and hair follicles, where ticks encounter it during feeding. Elimination occurs mainly via biliary excretion, with a half‑life of about 15 days, supporting the extended protective window.
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Efficacy timeline: Clinical trials demonstrate ≥95 % tick kill rates from day 1 through day 84. Efficacy declines gradually after week 12, and a new dose is recommended to maintain continuous protection.
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Factors influencing duration:
• Body weight: Dosage is calibrated for weight ranges; under‑dosing can shorten effective coverage.
• Health status: Liver or kidney impairment may alter drug metabolism, potentially reducing the protective period.
• Tick species: Some hard‑tick species with longer feeding cycles may be eliminated slightly later within the 12‑week span, but overall efficacy remains high. -
Administration schedule: One chewable tablet or topical formulation per dog every 12 weeks, regardless of season, ensures uninterrupted tick control. For dogs with high exposure risk, the interval may be shortened to eight weeks, though official labeling supports the 12‑week schedule.
In summary, a single dose of Bravecto provides reliable tick protection for roughly three months, with consistent kill rates throughout that timeframe, provided the product is administered according to weight‑based dosing guidelines and the animal’s health status does not impair drug metabolism.