Bravecto Chews and Bravecto Topical are two popular flea and tick treatments for dogs. Although both of them contain the same active ingredient, fluralaner, and provide extended protection against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks, they have significant differences that may influence your choice.
This blog compares Bravecto Chews and Bravecto Topical for dogs and provides the information you need to make an informed decision about your pet’s flea and tick prevention routine.
Bravecto Chews vs. Bravecto Topical for Dogs: The Basics
Bravecto Chews is a tasty, oral flea and tick treatment for dogs. The easy-to-dose treatment contains fluralaner as its active ingredient and provides protection against fleas and several tick species for up to 12 weeks. It is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.
Bravecto Topical is a topical flea and tick treatment for dogs. It is also formulated with fluralaner as its active ingredient to protect dogs against fleas and several types of ticks for up to 12 weeks. It comes with a Twist ‘n’ Use applicator for hassle-free application. Like Bravecto Chews, Bravecto Topical is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.
What are the Similarities Between Bravecto Chews & Bravecto Topical for Dogs?
Before exploring the differences between Bravecto Chews and Bravecto Topical, let’s look at the features they share:
- Both treatments contain the same active ingredient (fluralaner).
- Both treatments provide long-lasting protection for up to 12 weeks.
- Both treatments are indicated for dogs from 6 months of age, weighing 4.4 pounds or greater.
What are the Differences Between Bravecto Chews & Bravecto Topical for Dogs?
Although both products offer similar flea and tick protection, there are three major differences to consider:
Both are administered through different routes.
Bravecto Chews is an oral treatment available as a tasty flavored chewable dose. On the other hand, Bravecto Topical is a topical solution applied directly to the dog’s skin using a Twist ‘n’ Use applicator.
Water exposure considerations differ between the formulations.
According to a European laboratory study referenced in the product label, Bravecto Topical Solution has been shown to maintain effectiveness against fleas and Ixodes ricinus ticks with bathing or water immersion after 3 days of application. Bravecto Chews is administered orally, so bathing and swimming do not interfere with its effectiveness.
Both treatments deliver fluralaner differently.
Both treatments contain fluralaner, an ingredient from the isoxazoline class that works against fleas and ticks through the same mechanism. However, Bravecto Chew delivers fluralaner into the blood stream through oral dosing, whereas, in the case of Bravecto Topical, fluralaner is absorbed through the skin and then distributed systemically.
When fleas and ticks feed on your dog, they ingest fluralaner. This active ingredient disrupts normal nerve system function, causing paralysis and death of the parasites.
Bravecto Chews & Bravecto Topical for Dogs: Side-by-Side Comparison
The following table provides a detailed comparison of Bravecto Chewable for Dogs and Bravecto Topical for Dogs:
Bravecto Chews or Bravecto Topical: Which One to Choose?
Both topical and chewable formulations of Bravecto offer effective protection against fleas and ticks. Your choice should ultimately depend on your dog’s preferences, your administration routine, and your veterinarian’s recommendation.
Choose the Bravecto Topical Solution if:
- Oral administration is challenging for your dog.
- You prefer applying a treatment to the skin.
Choose the Bravecto Chewable if:
- The dog readily accepts chewable treatments.
- You want to avoid topical application on your dog’s coat.
Most importantly, both these treatments contain fluralaner, an isoxazoline-class ingredient. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders, and consult your veterinarian before administering either product.
