Bravecto for dogs - instructions for use, treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks

Popular drug Bravecto for dogs. Treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks. Composition and mechanism of action. How to use the drug correctly. Use of chewable tablets and solution. Advantages and disadvantages. Contraindications for use. Possible side effects. Reviews. Analogs of Bravekto.

We all know what kind of troubles blood-sucking parasites can bring to our pets. Most often, they are attacked by fleas and ticks, which are carriers of dangerous diseases. In addition, fleas cause painful bites that cause severe itching.

Severe infection affects the general condition of the animal, they cannot normally rest, play, sleep, which causes a decrease in appetite, as a result of weight loss, the immune system of the animal suffers. Pets scratch their bites hard, and wounds appear that easily get infected.

Ticks are no less dangerous, because they can transmit an infection that leads to the development of serious diseases and long and difficult treatment will be required. To avoid all these difficult situations, it is necessary to use specialized products that protect dogs from parasites.

One of these means is Bravecto, which is quite popular among dog breeders. Has a fairly wide spectrum of action, provides protection not only against ticks and fleas, but also other parasites. Next, we will take a closer look at the drug, learn about its features, advantages, contraindications, and also learn about the disadvantages.

What diseases do ticks carry?

The owner of the dog has to constantly deal with fleas. But such representatives of arthropods as ticks are active only in spring and summer. During this period, it is very difficult to prevent their attack on the four-footed friend. Moreover, the owner at this moment may not be near, then problems cannot be avoided.

These parasites are a headache for every dog breeder. They bring a lot of trouble, because it is very difficult to protect a pet from them. If, nevertheless, the tick dug into the skin of the animal, then every day the risk of developing a serious illness, and sometimes even death, increases. To protect your four-footed friend, it is recommended to use the "Bravecto" from ticks. Reviews of veterinarians indicate that the drug really destroys these insidious pests.

There are quite a few diseases caused by tick bites. Let's take a look at some of them:

Pyroplasmosis. With such a disease, the destruction of blood cells occurs. The main symptom of this disease is bloody urine. Be sure to treat your pet, otherwise you can lose it.
Ehrlichiosis. A dog with strong immunity is able to cope with the disease on its own. But if this bacterial infection occurs in an acute form, then you cannot do without the help of a veterinarian.
Borreliosis (Lyme disease). Mites, sticking to the skin of the animal, infect the body with bacteria. Signs of the disease appear only after a few months, therefore, if the dog begins to suddenly limp, then it is better to see a specialist. Other symptoms of borreliosis include lethargy, indigestion, and lethargy.
Itchy and auricular scabies.Blood parasite of microscopic size settles on the ears of a pet. With scabies, the animal's behavior changes: it rubs against everything with its ears, combing its head until it bleeds. Moreover, characteristic deposits appear in the auricles. Such a disease, without proper treatment, will spread throughout the body of the animal. These parasites can lead to otitis media and brain damage.
Encephalitis. This dangerous disease is extremely rare, but it should not be discounted.
Demodex. With such an ailment, the pet first affects the legs, tail and head. Then the coat begins to peel off, characteristic crusts of a pink or gray hue appear.

, reviews of which are different, assure consumers that this tool protects against parasites for three months. It helps to avoid the development of the listed diseases.

Description of drops

Drops are intended for external use, they are produced in the form of a transparent liquid, which is packaged in special pipettes for single use. Also, as is the case with tablets, the dosage is based on the specific weight of the dog. Also, it will not be superfluous to contact a veterinarian who will examine the pet, weigh it and give recommendations for admission.

Applying drops is very convenient and easy, and is often a good alternative for those pets who refuse pills. The cost of this form of release directly depends on the volume. But it should be said that drops are not as popular as tablets, so they cannot always be found in veterinary pharmacies.

The action of the drops is due to the active substance fluralaner. When the drops are applied to the skin, they enter the body and are carried through the bloodstream throughout the body. The active ingredient accumulates in the epidermis and wool. The substance is excreted from the body rather slowly, therefore, throughout this time, the pet is protected.

What are the tablets for dogs?

The active ingredient in the agent under consideration is fluralaner, a synthetic innovative ectoparasiticide. The drug is simultaneously capable of destroying ticks and fleas. One chewable tablet contains 125, 250, 500, 1000 or 1400 mg of this substance. The dosage depends on the weight of the pet.

The instructions and reviews for "Bravecto" also indicate auxiliary ingredients:

glycerol;
disodium pamoate monohydrate;
sodium lauryl sulfate;
aspartame;
soybean oil;
magnesium stearate;
polyethylene glycol;
sucrose;
cornstarch and flavoring.

General information

The drug produces (reviews confirm this) it is produced in the form of a brown chewable tablet (from light to dark shades) in round color with a rough or smooth surface, inclusions may be present. The drug is available in 5 different dosages, depending on the weight of the dog.

One carton contains one tablet, placed in an aluminum blister, and instructions for use.

"Bravecto" must be stored closed, away from food and animal feed, in a place protected from sunlight at a temperature of 0-30 degrees Celsius. The shelf life of the medicinal product is 2 years from the date of manufacture.

Pharmacological action of the drug

Bravecto tablets for dog ticks, the consumer reviews of which can be heard enthusiastic about, are already known to contain fluralaner, which kills parasites. Such a remedy for arthropods works as follows: it blocks the GABA-dependent and glutamate-dependent receptors of blood-sucking insects. In addition, the drug leads to overexcitation of neurons and a disorder in the transmission of nerve signals, as a result of which the parasite paralyzes, and it dies.

The agent, after penetrating the intestines of the animal, is instantly absorbed and enters the circulatory system. If it is given along with food, then this process will accelerate. The drug reaches its maximum plasma concentration on the first day of use, then the percentage begins to decrease. But all the same, it continues to act and remains dangerous for parasites for almost 3 months, since the active substance of the Bravecto tablets leaves the body very slowly, as a rule, with feces and urine.

After using the product, the ticks that are already on the pet die after 12 hours, and the fleas - after 8. Then, for another three months, it protects the dog from re-infection with parasites. To protect their dog from dangerous diseases transmitted by these insects, breeders often use drugs similar to Bravecto tablets. The considered remedy for blood-sucking insects, according to the degree of toxicity to the body, belongs to the 4th hazard class. In other words, it is a low-hazard substance.

Contraindications

Among the main contraindications are the following:

individual intolerance to the dog of the ingredients that make up the drug;
the drug is not intended for animals whose body weight does not reach a minimum of 2.25 kg;
"Bravecto" is not given to puppies that are not yet 8 months old;
Do not give the drug to dogs that suffer from chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder.

Pros of tick and flea pills

After reading the reviews about "Bravecto" for dogs, it becomes clear that this medicine helps to protect the animal from the attack of blood-sucking insects. The medicine begins to work 4 hours after ingestion, besides, it protects the pet from the tip of the nose to the tail.

In addition, the drug is active for 12 weeks, and the parasites on the animal die almost instantly. The death guarantee of these insects is almost 100%. The immune defense of ticks is powerless over the active substance of the "Bravecto" tablets. They are allowed to be given to dogs of various breeds.

The drug does not pose a danger to humans, but precautions must be taken when contacting the drug. It is forbidden to eat, drink and smoke while interacting with the tablets. After that, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.

For an allergy-prone dog owner, it is best to use gloves. If, for some reason, the agent has entered the body, then the person should immediately consult a doctor, providing instructions for the pills. The package of the medicinal product without contents should be discarded immediately.

The cost of the drug and analogues

As already mentioned, the cost will depend on the concentration of the active ingredient. But the place of sale also affects the cost, although there is no significant difference in price. The approximate cost of a tablet for a single use will be from 1400 to 1900 rubles.

The cost is not the lowest, especially when compared with other drugs with the same effect. But here you should take into account the prolonged action. After all, most drugs provide protection for 1 month, while bravecto lasts for 3 months.

If for some reason you are looking for a replacement for bravecto, there is a fairly large selection of drugs that can provide the same effect, but with a shorter period of time. Most often, agents with the active substances of imidacloprid, fipronil, permethrin serve as a substitute.

For example, you can purchase drugs that are also available in pill form, these include:

Frontline Nexgard D. In this case, the action is carried out thanks to the substance afoxolaner. This allows you to provide protection against ectoparasites and helminths for 30 days.Dogs most often eat pills with a meaty smell and taste without much persuasion. The approximate cost of packaging is 1000-2000 rubles.
Comfortis. Provides protection against ectoparasites, it contains spinosad, which has a similar effect as the substance in the composition of bravecto, but the difference is that it is excreted much faster, thereby not having such a long-term effect.
Simparica. Contains the substance sarolaner, which lasts 30-35 days. Produced with liver flavor. You can buy a package for 1300-1800 rubles, which contains 3 tablets.

There are also analogues of bravecto drops. These agents have the same mechanism of action, but provide protection for only 1 month. These include Combo, Stronghold, Insectal, Brovex, Advocate and others. Their cost is correspondingly less.

"Bravecto" for dogs: instructions and consumer reviews

The flea and tick repellent must be used in accordance with the recommended doses, otherwise, there may be a sharp decrease in its effectiveness. In this case, the tablets should not be broken to change the dosage.

Tablets "Bravecto" are allowed to be taken simultaneously with other drugs. They can be combined with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids, anthelmintics, while the development of complications and a decrease in the therapeutic effect is not observed.

The drug is recommended to be given in its entirety before or after a meal. The active substance in Bravecto tablets has a high selectivity against the nerve cells of ticks and fleas. Dogs tolerate the drug well when they reach 8 weeks of age, including animals with the MDR-1 genetic defect. A similar mutation is typical for the following breeds: Australian and Old English Shepherds, Short and Long-haired Collies, Shelties and some others.

Many breeders do not use drops and sprays to protect against ticks, since they are sure that these products are dangerous to human health, so they prefer Bravecto tablets for dogs. A huge number of people leave reviews about them today, most of them are satisfied with how the drug works. It is taken by oral administration 20 minutes before or after a meal.

According to the instructions, the drug should be used in a therapeutic dose of 25-56 mg of active substance per kilogram of animal weight. For example, a pet weighing 2-4.5 kg should be given a pill with a fluralaner dose of 112.5 mg. If the animal weighs more than 4.5 kg, a tablet containing 250 mg of the main substance is used.

The dosage should be selected from several pills without breaking them. The drug must be given once every 3 months, without missing the next dose, otherwise the beloved pet will be left unprotected.

Reviews of the Bravecto tablet indicate that it has an attractive aroma and taste, so dogs willingly eat it. To stimulate the swallowing reflex, you need to put a pill from blood-sucking parasites on the tongue, closer to the mouth. The owner must make sure that the dog does not vomit it.

By the way, judging by the opinion of some dog breeders, such a remedy for ticks is the most effective. They noted that after the use of "Bravecto" on the pet, not a single parasite was found, although they often rested in nature.

Possible forms of release

The tool can be purchased not only in the form of tablets, but also in solution. Each of the forms has different types of release, which differ in the concentration of the active ingredient and are presented in five different dosages. For small dogs weighing 4.6-10 kg, decorative 2-4.5 kg, medium 10-20 kg, large 21-40 kg, very large 41-56 kg.

Chewable tablets have a mouth-watering smell and taste of meat. They come in a round shape and are light or dark brown in color. Packed in blisters. One tablet is for a single dose.Do not purchase a dosage for a large breed and divide it into portions for a medium breed. It is used strictly for its intended purpose.

The solution is available in the form of a clear liquid, which can be colorless or have a yellow tint. The liquid is packaged in pipettes, which are also intended for single use.

Remedy for ticks "Bravecto" for pregnant dogs

Pills should not be given to puppy bitches without consulting a veterinarian to avoid negative reactions. Although the instructions for the drug indicate that it does not pose a danger to the dog during the gestation and feeding of puppies, most experts still disagree with this point. Veterinarians advise avoiding the use of pills for blood-sucking parasites during pregnancy.

If you believe some reviews, "Bravecto", the instructions for which can be found in the package, is not such a harmless drug. Its use during the feeding of puppies and during pregnancy can lead to problems with the gastrointestinal tract and even severe poisoning. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist before starting treatment.

Safety measures when taking the drug

There are several basic rules for taking Bravecto:

strictly follow the instructions and correctly select the dosage based on the pet's body weight;
can be prescribed to dogs expecting offspring and during lactation, but only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Personal safety measures:

avoid skin contact with the drug if there is an allergic reaction;
observance of individual hygiene in handling any medications;
when using the drug, smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited;
processing hands with a mild detergent after contact with the drug.

During the use of the drug, medical gloves should be used.

It is also mandatory to dispose of the packaging of the drug after use. Keep out of reach of children and keep packaging out of their reach. If allergic reactions appear during direct contact with the drug, seek medical attention immediately.

Side effects and overdose with Bravecto tablets

The manufacturer of this drug for ectoparasites notes the following negative reactions that may occur while taking it:

the appearance of vomiting;
profuse salivation;
loss of appetite;
lethargy;
poisoning of varying severity;
intestinal weakness;
diseases of the digestive tract.

If your pet vomits after taking the pill, do not re-feed the Bravecto tablet for dogs. In the reviews, veterinarians claim that the animal thereby cleans the stomach in order to save its health. In case of an overdose of a drug for ticks, a pet may experience a depressed mood or a decrease in appetite. Such symptoms should go away after a while on their own.

About the manufacturer

Bravecto was developed by employees of the international corporation Intervet GesmbH, which produces veterinary drugs and vaccines. The company was founded in 1949 in the Netherlands. During its existence, it has opened representative offices in 50 countries. Since 2009, it has become a part of the oldest pharmaceutical company Merck, in 2011 it changed its name to MSD Animal Health.

Bravecto tablets have been produced since 2014 at the Intervet GesmbH factories in Vienna. In 2020 they appeared in Russia. The drug is distributed by the Intervet LLC organization in the Naro-Fominsk district of the Moscow region. In 2020, Russia approved a solution for applying Bravecto Spot On to the withers, it is produced in the USA.

General Tips for Taking Blood Sucking Insect Pills

Reviews of "Bravecto" from ticks for dogs, left by customers, make it clear that the drug helps prevent infection with dangerous diseases transmitted by these parasites.It appeared on the Russian veterinary market quite recently, so some recommendations for its use will not be superfluous.

If the dog goes to the forest too often, it should additionally spray its stomach and paws with a spray to enhance the effect and scare off ixodid ticks. At the end of the protective period of the drug, if there is no urgent need for repeated administration, it is better to use external preparations against fleas and ticks for prophylactic purposes.

Tablets for ticks "Bravekto", according to reviews of veterinarians, are not capable of causing contact allergic dermatitis. This inflammatory skin disease is mainly characteristic of drops and collars. Another convenience of this tool lies in the fact that it is not dangerous for people, in contrast to external prophylactic drugs against ectoparasites.

What are the myths about the drug

Since the product contains a potent poisonous substance that accumulates in the dog's body and stays there for a long time, the owners are quite wary of this moment.

On the one hand, the agent is able to protect against dangerous parasites, it is highly effective and fast acting. But on the other hand, now you can find a huge number of reviews that speak of the negative effect of the substance on the animal's body.

In fact, bravecto pills have been a source of controversy and discussion for a long time. A huge number of users on the Internet left reviews about the severe consequences that the drug caused.

Groups were formed and a petition was filed for these tablets to be discontinued. The American Veterinary Association did not disregard this scandalous moment and independent research was carried out. Research has shown that Bravecto is safe.

Of course, the manufacturer is trying in every possible way to prove that his product is not dangerous. He collected the most common myths and provides comprehensive explanations that completely debunk them.

Myth 1

Causes severe complications, including liver failure, cancer, and blindness

These diseases have no connection with the intake of the drug and the evidence is the laboratory tests carried out. The development of side effects does indeed develop in some dogs, but this is due to individual intolerance to the substances that are included in the composition.
In addition, all side effects appear in the form of a gastrointestinal disorder, no more than that, which most often goes away on its own and very quickly, without veterinary assistance. As the data shows, only 5% of them appear to have side effects. Other health problems and especially diseases are in no way related to taking the drug.

Myth 2

Health problems, including side effects, appear after long and regular use

As we have already said, side effects develop with individual intolerance. In turn, individual intolerance is either present or not; it cannot appear due to a long intake.
This is the reaction of the body, which does not want to take this or that component, and this is manifested from the first intake. Situations when similar symptoms were observed after long-term use were considered individually, and each is easy to explain.
Most often, the drug was combined with other drugs, which caused the body to react. In addition, there are cases when the dosage was incorrectly selected, dogs can gain and lose weight, which in turn requires individual selection. The manufacturer insists on consulting a veterinarian before each bravecto intake. Be sure to contact your veterinarian when you need to take other medications.

Myth 3

The growth of affected animals is recorded annually

The fact is that in this case, the American agency, which exercises quality control, in relation to all groups of pharmaceuticals, helped to debunk this myth. The bravecto classification, which speaks of the development of side effects, is recorded as rare, and this suggests that no more than 5% are faced with unwanted body reactions, most of which go away on their own.
Regarding the growth of animals in which adverse reactions of the body are noticed, this is really true, but this is completely connected not with the drug and its action, but only with a large number of dogs that were given the medicine. In terms of numbers, from 2014 to 2020, sales increased by 17 million doses, which was the reason for the increase, but, as before, the number does not exceed 5%.

"Bravecto": reviews of veterinarians

Many experts do not speak badly about these anti-tick pills. In their opinion, the main advantage of the drug is its long action and productivity. Cases of babesiosis infection are rarely recorded, which indicates the effectiveness of "Bravecto". However, the pill should only be given to the pet after consulting a doctor.

Foreign veterinarians leave more negative reviews. They consider such a remedy for fleas and ticks to be poorly understood, therefore they are not prescribed it so often to dogs.

Positive reviews about the drug are left by the owners of animals who have already used pills to protect against parasites several times. The owners are confident that the product is safe for both humans and pets. Indeed, after contact with a dog treated with drops, it is imperative to wash your hands, since the substance remains on the wool for a long time, and the use of pills for ectoparasites allows you not to worry about your health.

Means "Bravekto" from ticks reviews, though ambiguous, but still in demand among dog breeders. This new drug has managed to prove itself on the positive side. However, it should be remembered that even the body of a healthy animal can react differently to pills. Therefore, it is best to visit a veterinary clinic before giving the drug to your dog.

Correct application

You can use drops for the purpose of treatment and as a prophylaxis against parasites. It is necessary to apply in a drip method directly to the skin. It is advisable to buy a dog before taking, a day or two in advance, but do not use shampoo. After application, the animal should not be bathed, as this will significantly reduce the effectiveness. Regarding shampoo, it is alkali, which also reduces the effect of the active substance.

The body must be dry when applied. It is also forbidden to apply when there are injuries and wounds on the body. To do this, it is necessary to move the coat apart and apply a few drops to the skin. It is very important to apply in such a way that the pet cannot lick them off. Therefore, it is applied to the area of the withers, between the shoulder blades and along the spine.

When used for treatment, bravecto is applied once. If these are preventive measures, remember that the substances are in the body for 12 weeks and protect, during this time, reapplication is prohibited, after the expiration of the period, a repeated procedure can be carried out.

Risk factors

With the onset of spring, blood-sucking insects become active. Among the most dangerous are ticks, the bite of which leads to serious health consequences and sometimes death. The high activity of ticks in the warm season is explained by the peculiarities of their life cycle and reproduction.

More about habitats, external signs, developmental and behavioral features of the tick, how the process of infection occurs.

For dogs, the following types of ticks are common:

Ixodid tick (ticks of the genus Ixodes carry many infectious diseases, including Babesiosis);
Scabies mite (mites of the genus Sarcoptes scabiei form "passages" in the skin of pets, most often they inhabit less hairy parts of the body)
Subcutaneous mite (overgrowth of Demodex mites inside the hair follicle, leading to baldness and purulent skin lesions);
Ear mite (mites of the genus Otodectes cynotis are the cause of otitis externa).

Dangerous tick species for dogs - risk factors and symptoms
The parasites live on the outside and inside of the dogs and usually go unnoticed by the owners. There are many types of ticks, fleas and worms that are dangerous to dogs. These parasites have one thing in common - sooner or later, their presence can lead to health problems or discomfort. In addition to dogs, many parasites can also harm their owners, especially children.

In what form is it produced

Medication for feline breeds is made in the form of drops for external use. There are Bravecto tablets, but they are used to treat dogs. Dosages by weight for cats are not calculated.

The medicine in the form of drops, poured into laminated pipettes, is produced according to the size of the cats: for small, medium and large breeds.

The larger the animal, the higher the single dosage. Pipettes differ not only in volume, but also in the quantitative content of the active compound: with a volume of 0.4 ml - 112 mg, 0.8 ml - 250 mg, 1.8 ml - 500 mg. The solution is colorless and has a specific odor.

With prolonged storage, a yellowish tint appears, but this does not mean that it is unusable.

Bravecto is intended for single use only. Each bottle is closed with a cap, packed in cardboard boxes, 1-2 pcs.

Possible side effects

According to official information, side effects when using Bravecto occur only with a fivefold overdose. But veterinarians and breeders deny this and point out that the drug often has a negative effect on pets, mainly small breed dogs.

Most often, dogs have the following side effects when taking Bravecto tablets:

apathy and decreased appetite (in 20% of dogs);
vomiting (in 7-10 cases);
hair loss and itching (in 5% of dogs);
diarrhea and spotting (in 5% of cases);
intense thirst, ulcers and scabs (in 2% of pets).

When using Bravecto drops, skin reactions are observed in dogs, namely redness and rashes. If any of the listed symptoms are found, the pet should be taken to the veterinary clinic for examination. If a negative reaction to drops appears, the dog should be washed with a specialized shampoo and then shown to the veterinarian.

Complex treatment with antibiotics and steroids is not a contraindication for taking Bravecto, but despite this, side effects are sometimes observed in dogs while using these drugs at the same time. For this reason, additional consultation with a specialist is necessary, who will select the correct dosage and help to avoid the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

The Bravecto for Dogs manual explains the pharmacokinetics of Fluralaner in statistical terms, allowing veterinarians to tailor additional treatments (if required). Despite the fact that the manufacturer does not prohibit giving a dog that has taken Bravecto, additional anthelmintics, it is better to consult a specialist.

Fluralaner is very rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. The maximum concentrations of the active ingredient Bravecto are observed 24 hours after administration. The average half-life of a pesticide is 14-15 days.

Attention! The bioavailability of Bravecto is significantly reduced if the drug is given on an empty stomach.

After the half-life of Fluralaner, the concentration in the subcutaneous tissue does not change for about 60 days, after which it begins to be excreted from the body for 14 days. The highest concentrations of the pesticide are found not only in subcutaneous fat, but also in the liver, kidneys, and muscle fibers of the animal. Almost 100% of the active ingredient Bravecto binds to blood proteins, which means that drugs with similar pharmacokinetics should be abandoned.

The drug is excreted in the form of an unchanged parent molecule, mainly with feces (90% of the administered dose). Less than 10% is excreted in the urine, which indicates the effect of the pesticide on the kidneys.