Bravecto is a prescription flea and tick preventative for dogs manufactured by Merck Animal Health. Its active ingredient, fluralaner, belongs to the isoxazoline class of parasiticides and is notable for its extended duration of action. The original Bravecto chewable tablet provides 12 weeks of flea and tick protection from a single dose, making it one of the longest-lasting oral flea and tick products available. In 2025, Merck introduced Bravecto Quantum, the first 12-month injectable flea and tick product for dogs, representing a major advance in convenience and compliance.
What Is Bravecto Used For?
Bravecto is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of flea and tick infestations in dogs:
- Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) — kills adult fleas and prevents infestations for 12 weeks
- Ticks — effective against multiple tick species including black-legged (deer) tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, and lone star tick for 12 weeks (8 weeks for lone star ticks)
- Demodectic mange (off-label) — fluralaner has demonstrated efficacy against Demodex canis mites
- Sarcoptic mange (off-label) — also effective against Sarcoptes scabiei
Bravecto does not prevent heartworm disease or treat intestinal worms. It is commonly paired with a heartworm preventive like Heartgard Plus.
Bravecto Quantum (FDA approved July 2025) is a fluralaner extended-release injectable that provides 12 months of flea and tick protection from a single injection administered at the veterinary clinic. Its label was expanded in March 2026 to include coverage against Asian longhorned tick and Gulf Coast tick.
How Does Bravecto Work?
Fluralaner works by inhibiting the nervous system of fleas and ticks. Specifically, it blocks glutamate-gated chloride channels (GABACls) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the parasite’s nervous system. This causes uncontrolled neuromuscular activity, paralysis, and death of the parasite.
After oral administration of the chewable tablet, fluralaner is rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It reaches effective concentrations in blood plasma within hours and maintains therapeutic levels for 12 weeks due to its long half-life in dogs. Fleas are killed within 2 hours and ticks within 12 hours of contact with a treated dog.
For Bravecto Quantum injectable, the extended-release formulation provides a slow, sustained release of fluralaner over 12 months, eliminating the need for quarterly re-dosing.
Dosage
Bravecto chewable is dosed by body weight. Your veterinarian will determine the correct product for your dog.
Bravecto Chewable (every 12 weeks)
| Dog’s Weight | Fluralaner per Chew | Product Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4.4-9.9 lbs (2-4.5 kg) | 112.5 mg | Very Small Dog |
| 10-22 lbs (4.5-10 kg) | 250 mg | Small Dog |
| 22-44 lbs (10-20 kg) | 500 mg | Medium Dog |
| 44-88 lbs (20-40 kg) | 1000 mg | Large Dog |
| 88-123 lbs (40-56 kg) | 1400 mg | Extra Large Dog |
Dogs over 123 lbs require a combination of chews as directed by your veterinarian.
Bravecto Quantum Injectable (every 12 months)
Bravecto Quantum is administered as a single subcutaneous injection by your veterinarian. Dosing is weight-based and determined by your vet at the time of injection. It is not available for at-home administration.
How to Give Bravecto to Your Dog
- Bravecto chewable should be given with food to maximize absorption.
- Give the entire chew at once — do not split or break the chew.
- Most dogs accept the flavored chew readily as a treat.
- Mark your calendar for 12 weeks out (not monthly) for the next dose.
- Bravecto Quantum injectable is administered by your veterinarian as a single subcutaneous injection. Schedule your annual appointment to maintain continuous coverage.
- If your dog vomits shortly after taking the chewable, contact your veterinarian about re-dosing.
Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects (Contact Your Vet) |
|---|---|
| Vomiting | Seizures |
| Decreased appetite | Tremors or muscle twitching |
| Diarrhea | Incoordination (ataxia) |
| Lethargy | Excessive drooling |
| Flatulence | Difficulty walking |
| Excessive thirst | Signs of allergic reaction (swelling, hives) |
FDA isoxazoline class warning: All isoxazoline products (Bravecto, NexGard, Simparica, Credelio) carry an FDA-mandated warning about the potential for neurologic adverse events including seizures, tremors, and ataxia. These events have been reported in dogs with and without a prior history of neurologic disorders. While these events are uncommon, dogs with a history of seizures may be at increased risk. Discuss your dog’s neurologic history with your veterinarian before starting any isoxazoline product.
Drug Interactions
- Other isoxazolines: Do not use Bravecto concurrently with other isoxazoline products.
- Seizure medications (phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam): If your dog is on anticonvulsant therapy, discuss the risks and benefits of isoxazoline use with your veterinarian.
- No other significant drug interactions have been identified in current labeling, but always inform your veterinarian of all medications and supplements your dog is taking.
Contraindications
- Puppies under 6 months of age or weighing less than 4.4 lbs (2 kg)
- Dogs with known hypersensitivity to fluralaner
- Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders
- Breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs — safety has not been established in these populations
Storage
- Store at controlled room temperature, 68-77degF (20-25degC).
- Keep in original packaging until use.
- Protect from moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Bravecto Quantum injectable is stored and administered at the veterinary clinic.
Cost & Availability
Bravecto is a prescription-only medication available through veterinary clinics and licensed pet pharmacies. There is no generic version available.
- Bravecto chewable: Approximately $100-$130 for two doses (24 weeks / ~6 months) for a medium-sized dog
- Bravecto Quantum injectable: Pricing varies by clinic; contact your veterinarian for current pricing (launched August 2025)
- Available forms: Flavored chewable tablets (5 size ranges); extended-release injectable (Bravecto Quantum, veterinary administration only)
- Manufacturer rebates are frequently available through veterinary clinics
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bravecto’s 12-week schedule compare to monthly products? Bravecto chewable provides the same flea and tick protection as monthly products but with fewer doses per year (approximately 4 doses versus 12). This can improve compliance since missed monthly doses are a common problem. Some pet owners find the 12-week schedule easier to remember, while others prefer monthly routines.
What is Bravecto Quantum? Bravecto Quantum is a breakthrough product approved by the FDA in July 2025. It is the first 12-month injectable flea and tick preventive for dogs. A single injection at your veterinarian’s office provides a full year of protection. In March 2026, its label was expanded to include protection against Asian longhorned tick and Gulf Coast tick.
Is Bravecto safe for dogs with seizures? All isoxazoline products, including Bravecto, carry an FDA class-wide warning about potential neurologic adverse events. If your dog has a history of seizures, discuss alternatives with your veterinarian. Some vets may still prescribe isoxazolines for seizure-prone dogs if the benefits outweigh the risks, but this is an individual clinical decision.
Does Bravecto also prevent heartworm? No. Bravecto covers fleas and ticks only. You will need a separate heartworm preventive. Many pet owners combine Bravecto with a product like Heartgard Plus or generic ivermectin/pyrantel for comprehensive parasite protection.
Sources & References
- FDA - Bravecto Product Information
- Merck Animal Health - Bravecto
- FDA - Isoxazoline Flea and Tick Products Safety Alert
- Merck Veterinary Manual - Fleas
- VCA Hospitals - Fluralaner (Bravecto)
Verification Notes
Bravecto pricing ($100-130 for ~6 months of coverage) is consistent with research data. The FDA approval date for Bravecto Quantum (July 2025) and the March 2026 label expansion for Asian longhorned tick and Gulf Coast tick are confirmed in the research corpus. The isoxazoline class warning is well-documented across FDA communications. The 12-month duration of Bravecto Quantum is verified as the first product of its kind.