What injection is given to a dog for ticks? - briefly
«Bravecto® injectable (fluralaner)» is administered subcutaneously to dogs for tick control, offering protection for up to 12 weeks. Alternative long‑acting injectable acaricides, such as afoxolaner‑based products, provide comparable efficacy.
What injection is given to a dog for ticks? - in detail
The injectable product most commonly used for canine tick control is a fluralaner‑based preparation administered subcutaneously. It is marketed as a long‑acting solution that delivers systemic protection against a broad spectrum of tick species.
Fluralaner acts by binding to GABA‑gated chloride channels in arthropod nervous systems, causing uncontrolled neuronal activity and death of the parasite. After a single injection, the drug is slowly released from the injection site, reaching therapeutic plasma concentrations that persist for up to twelve weeks.
Key characteristics:
- Dosage – calculated on body weight (typically 0.5 mg kg⁻¹). The injection is given once every 12 weeks.
- Target species – effective against Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus and other common canine ticks.
- Safety profile – well‑tolerated in healthy dogs; mild transient swelling at the injection site may occur. Contraindicated in dogs with known hypersensitivity to fluralaner or related compounds.
- Administration – subcutaneous injection in the scruff of the neck; no need for oral dosing or additional topical products during the coverage period.
- Additional benefits – also provides flea control and may reduce the risk of tick‑borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
Veterinarians consider this injectable option when owners prefer a schedule‑free regimen, when oral compliance is uncertain, or when a rapid onset of protection is required. Proper weight assessment and adherence to the 12‑week interval are essential to maintain continuous tick protection.