Bravecto or NexGard? Choosing the Best Flea & Tick Protection for Your Pet This Summer

Introduction

Summer is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend, but it’s also the season when fleas and ticks thrive. These pests aren't just annoying—they can transmit serious diseases to dogs, such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and tapeworms. That’s why choosing an effective flea and tick preventative is crucial during the warmer months. Two of the most trusted options on the market are Bravecto and NexGard. But which one is right for your pet?

In this guide, we’ll compare Bravecto and NexGard in detail—looking at their ingredients, effectiveness, dosage, side effects, and cost—so you can make an informed decision for your dog’s summer protection.

1. Overview of Bravecto and NexGard

Bravecto and NexGard are both prescription-only oral chewable medications designed to protect dogs from fleas and ticks. Veterinarians widely recommend both and have been proven effective, but they work differently in terms of duration and active ingredients.

• Bravecto: Protects for up to 12 weeks with a single dose.
• NexGard: Offers monthly protection, requiring one chew every 30 days.

2. Active Ingredients

• Bravecto contains fluralaner, which kills fleas and ticks by interfering with their nervous system. It starts working within two hours and protects for 12 weeks.
• NexGard is formulated with afoxolaner, a rapid-acting ingredient that starts eliminating fleas within 4 hours and targets ticks within 8 hours after being given.

Both ingredients belong to the isoxazoline class and are considered safe and effective when used as directed.

3. Effectiveness and Coverage

Flea Protection:

• Bravecto eliminates adult fleas and helps stop new infestations from occurring for as long as 12 weeks.
• NexGard also kills adult fleas but requires monthly dosing.

Tick Protection:

• Bravecto protects against black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, and American dog ticks for 12 weeks, and lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
• NexGard protects against the same ticks but must be given every 30 days.

Summer Advantage:

During the high-risk summer months, consistent and long-lasting protection is key. Bravecto’s extended coverage may be more convenient for busy pet owners who don’t want to worry about monthly reminders. NexGard, however, offers flexibility for those who prefer more frequent dosing and closer monitoring.

4. Safety and Side Effects

These two treatments are FDA-approved and typically well-tolerated by most dogs. Still, like all medications, there is a possibility of side effects.

Bravecto:

• Possible side effects: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite
• Approved for use in dogs aged 6 months and above, with a minimum weight of 4.4 pounds.

NexGard:

• Possible side effects: vomiting, dry/flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy
• Suitable for dogs that are at least 8 weeks old and weigh a minimum of 4 pounds.

Dogs with a history of seizures or neurological issues should use either product under veterinary guidance.

5. Dosage and Administration

• Bravecto is given once every 12 weeks. That means just 4 doses per year.
• NexGard must be administered every month, totaling 12 doses per year.

Bravecto may be more appealing for pet owners looking for a low-maintenance option, while NexGard allows for more frequent check-ins on your dog’s health and reaction to the medication.

6. Cost Comparison

Prices may vary depending on your location, online pharmacy, or veterinary clinic. Generally:

• Bravecto tends to be slightly more expensive per dose, but since it's given quarterly, the annual cost may be similar or even less than NexGard.
• NexGard is usually cheaper per chew, but since it requires monthly administration, the total yearly cost can add up.

Always consider subscription savings, bundles, or vet-offered discounts when choosing a product.

7. Convenience and Lifestyle Fit

You can use our comparison chart for the most popular flea and tick products.

Kills Fleas
Repels Fleas
Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae	Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs	Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs
Kills Ticks
Repels Ticks
Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes
Other Parasites	-	-
Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Pets
When does it start working	Kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours	Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours
Application	Beef-flavored chewable	Pork-flavored chewable
Active Ingredient(s)	Afoxolaner	Fluralaner
Dosage	Monthly	Every 12 weeks

8. Which Should You Choose for Summer?

Your ideal choice will vary based on your dog’s age, overall health, daily routine, and what suits you best as a pet owner.

Choose Bravecto if:

• You prefer fewer doses and longer-lasting protection.
• You want something hassle-free during summer travels or vacations.
• Your dog tolerates fluralaner well.

Choose NexGard if:

• You prefer monthly monitoring and dosing.
• Your puppy is under 6 months old.
• You want more flexibility in stopping or switching treatments.

9. Veterinarian Recommendation is Key

Regardless of your choice, always consult your vet before starting any flea or tick medication. They can assess your pet’s medical history, weight, lifestyle, and risk factors to suggest the most appropriate solution for your furry friend.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to summer flea and tick protection, both Bravecto and NexGard are top-tier options. Bravecto wins on long-lasting convenience, while NexGard offers reliable monthly defense. With the right product, your pet can enjoy summer adventures without the nuisance—or danger—of fleas and ticks.