Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance — they pose real health risks to your furry friend. They can transmit diseases, cause skin allergies, and lead to serious infections. As a responsible pet parent, providing year-round flea and tick protection is essential. Two of the most popular options on the market today are Bravecto and NexGard. Both are trusted by veterinarians worldwide, but which is the right choice for your dog?
In this guide, we’ll compare Bravecto vs NexGard in terms of effectiveness, convenience, safety, and cost, helping you make an informed decision for your pet.
Why Flea and Tick Prevention Matters
Fleas and ticks thrive in humid and warm climates but can survive year-round, especially indoors. Left unchecked, these parasites can lead to:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis
- Anemia (especially in puppies or small dogs)
- Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, and other tick-borne illnesses
- Tapeworm infections
Preventing infestations is much easier (and cheaper) than treating them later. That’s where Bravecto and NexGard come in.
Overview of Bravecto
Bravecto is an oral flea and ticks treatment available in a tasty chewable tablet.
Key features:
- Duration: Protects for up to 12 weeks (about 3 months) with one dose
- Active Ingredient: Fluralaner
- Controls: Fleas, ticks (including black-legged tick, lone star tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick)
- Suitable for: Dogs over 6 months of age and weighing more than 4.4 lbs
Benefits of Bravecto:
- Fewer doses are required per year (only 4 times a year)
- Starts killing fleas within 2 hours
- Kills ticks within 12 hours of attachment
- Ideal for pet owners seeking long-lasting protection with fewer doses.
Considerations:
- Slightly higher upfront cost per dose, but long-lasting
- Some dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset after taking Bravecto
Overview of NexGard
NexGard is another chewable flea and tick preventative designed for monthly use.
Key features:
- Duration: Provides 1 month of protection per dose
- Active Ingredient: Afoxolaner
- Controls: Fleas, ticks (including black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, and lone star tick)
- Suitable for: Recommended for dogs at least 8 weeks old and weighing over 4 pounds.
Benefits of NexGard:
- Easy-to-administer monthly chew
- Begins killing fleas within 4 hours
- Trusted brand widely recommended by vets
- A great option for pet parents who favor a consistent monthly schedule.
Considerations:
- Requires monthly dosing
- Like with Bravecto, some pets may experience mild side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Bravecto vs NexGard: Side-by-Side Comparison
You can use our comparison chart for the most popular flea and tick products.
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Kills Fleas
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Repels Fleas
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Kills Flea Eggs and Larvae
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Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs
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Kills newly emerged fleas before they can lay eggs
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Kills Ticks
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Repels Ticks
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Kills and/or Repels Mosquitoes
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Other Parasites
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Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Pets
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When does it starts working
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Kills 100% of fleas within 24 hours
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Starts to kill fleas in 2 hours
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Application
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Beef-flavored chewable
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Pork-flavored chewable
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Active Ingredient(s)
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Dosage
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Monthly
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Every 12 weeks
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Which Is Better for Your Dog?
The best choice depends on your preferences and your pet’s lifestyle:
Choose Bravecto if:
- You want long-lasting protection with fewer doses per year.
- You travel often and may forget monthly dosing.
- You prefer a quarterly routine.
Choose NexGard if:
- You prefer a consistent monthly schedule.
- Your dog is very young (8 weeks old, minimum age requirement).
- Your vet recommends monthly tick prevention due to local risks.
Bravecto and NexGard offer highly effective, safe protection when used as directed. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new flea and tick prevention regimen. When recommending products, your veterinarian will consider factors like your dog’s age, breed, medical history, and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose Bravecto or NexGard, maintaining consistent protection against fleas and ticks year-round is the most important thing. Skipping doses leaves your dog vulnerable to infestations and disease. Regularly using either of these products will keep your pet healthier and more comfortable, and your home flea-free.
