As pet owners, we are constantly vigilant about the well-being of our beloved companions. One of the most common and troublesome issues our pets face are external parasites like fleas and ticks. These pests not only cause discomfort but also pose serious health risks, such as transmitting diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and bartonellosis.
To keep these parasites at bay, many pet owners turn to Bravecto, a widely recognized and effective solution. This article delves into how Bravecto works to protect your pet from fleas, ticks, and other harmful parasites, and answers some frequently asked questions to help you better understand this treatment.
How Bravecto Can Keep Your Pet Safe from Fleas, Ticks, and More
What is Bravecto?
Bravecto is a brand name for an innovative flea and tick treatment manufactured by Merck Animal Health. It comes in the form of chewable tablets for dogs and topical solutions for both dogs and cats.
What sets Bravecto apart from other treatments is its long-lasting protection — one dose can protect your pet for up to 12 weeks. This is significantly longer than most flea and tick preventatives that typically need to be administered monthly.
Bravecto works by targeting the nervous system of fleas and ticks. The active ingredient, fluralaner, disrupts the neurotransmitters in the pests, causing paralysis and death.
Because it is absorbed into the pet’s bloodstream, it provides systemic protection, meaning it doesn’t just kill pests on the pet but also prevents them from attaching to your pet in the first place.
How Bravecto Protects Your Pet
1. Protection from Fleas
Fleas are one of the most common parasites that affect both cats and dogs. These tiny, wingless insects feed on your pet’s blood, causing intense itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. They can also lead to more severe problems, including flea infestations in your home and transmission of tapeworms.
Bravecto kills adult fleas within hours of ingestion or application, reducing the chances of flea infestations. Unlike some treatments that focus on killing fleas only when they bite your pet, Bravecto kills fleas before they have a chance to reproduce. The treatment also helps break the flea life cycle by killing fleas that are attempting to lay eggs.
2. Protection from Ticks
Ticks are another significant threat to pets, particularly in areas with a lot of wildlife or tall grasses. These pests are not only uncomfortable but also dangerous, as they can transmit various diseases. In dogs, ticks can spread diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis.
Bravecto provides reliable protection from several species of ticks, including the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), the American dog tick, the lone star tick, and the brown dog tick. The active ingredient in Bravecto works by killing ticks that attach to your pet’s skin and feed on their blood. This significantly reduces the risk of tick-borne diseases.
3. Other Pests
In addition to fleas and ticks, Bravecto also offers protection against other pests. For example, it can help control mites, such as the ones responsible for causing demodectic mange in dogs. Mites are microscopic creatures that live on the skin and hair follicles and can cause itching, hair loss, and skin infections.
Though Bravecto’s main focus is on fleas and ticks, its broad spectrum of action also makes it effective for other skin parasites, making it a versatile solution for keeping your pet safe from a range of external threats.
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How Bravecto Works: The Science Behind It
Bravecto’s active ingredient, fluralaner, belongs to a class of chemicals called isoxazolines. These compounds work by targeting the central nervous system of insects and arachnids like fleas and ticks. Fluralaner inhibits the GABA-gated chloride channels in these pests’ nervous systems, which leads to paralysis and death.
After ingestion or topical application, fluralaner is absorbed into the pet’s bloodstream, where it circulates and reaches the skin, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. When fleas or ticks feed on your pet’s blood, they ingest the active ingredient, leading to their demise. Because Bravecto provides systemic protection, it doesn’t just kill pests that bite your pet; it also prevents pests from attaching in the first place.
Advantages of Bravecto
1. Long-Lasting Protection One of the most significant advantages of Bravecto is its longevity. With just one dose, your pet is protected from fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks. This makes it much more convenient for pet owners compared to monthly treatments, reducing the risk of missed doses and ensuring consistent protection.
2. Convenient and Easy to Use Bravecto is available in two forms: chewable tablets and topical solutions. For dogs, the chewable tablet is generally preferred, as it’s easy to administer and can be given with or without food. Cats can also receive the topical solution, which is applied directly to the skin. Both options are highly effective, with no need for repeated applications.
3. Safe for Pets Bravecto is considered safe for most pets when used as directed. The treatment is FDA-approved and is typically well-tolerated by both dogs and cats. It can be used in pets as young as six months old and in dogs weighing at least 4.4 pounds (2 kg). Since the treatment is systemic, it poses minimal risk of irritation or side effects on your pet’s skin.
4. Effective Against Multiple Parasites Bravecto not only works against fleas and ticks but also provides protection against other parasites, including mites. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-parasitic infestations, ensuring that your pet stays safe from a wide range of threats.
Is Bravecto Safe for My Pet?
Yes, Bravecto is generally considered safe for both dogs and cats. As mentioned, it is FDA-approved and has undergone extensive testing to ensure its efficacy and safety. However, as with any medication, there may be some risks or side effects. Common side effects are mild and typically include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) and occasional lethargy.
Before administering Bravecto, consult your veterinarian, especially if your pet is pregnant, nursing, or has any existing health conditions. Additionally, some pets with a history of seizures may need further evaluation before receiving this treatment. Always follow your vet’s recommendations and the product’s instructions to ensure safe use.
FAQs
How often should I give Bravecto to my pet?
Bravecto only needs to be administered once every 12 weeks (3 months). This makes it much easier to maintain regular protection compared to monthly treatments.
Is Bravecto safe for pregnant or lactating pets?
While Bravecto has been shown to be safe for most pets, its use in pregnant and lactating animals should be discussed with your veterinarian to assess potential risks.
Can I use Bravecto for puppies and kittens?
Bravecto is approved for puppies and kittens as young as 6 months old. However, always check with your veterinarian before starting a treatment regimen.
How soon will Bravecto start working?
Bravecto begins to work within hours of administration, and it starts killing fleas and ticks almost immediately. Full protection from fleas and ticks is usually achieved within 24 hours.
Can I use Bravecto alongside other medications?
Bravecto is generally compatible with other medications, but always check with your vet to ensure there are no potential drug interactions, particularly if your pet is on other treatments for chronic conditions.
What if my pet vomits or spits out the Bravecto chewable?
If your pet vomits or spits out the Bravecto chewable within a few hours of ingestion, you should contact your veterinarian to discuss whether you need to administer a new dose. If the tablet was fully ingested, there is no need for concern.
Does Bravecto protect my pet from heartworms?
No, Bravecto is not designed to prevent heartworm disease. It specifically targets fleas and ticks. If you live in an area where heartworm disease is a concern, consult your veterinarian about adding a heartworm preventive treatment to your pet’s regimen.
