By Dr. Dinesh Moliya, BVSc & AH | MVSc & AH | 16 Years Clinical Veterinary Experience

Published: May 2026  |  MomasPets Veterinary Blog  |  Medically Reviewed

Yes, Bravecto (fluralaner) works. Clinical studies show 99.9% flea kill efficacy within 8 hours and 12 weeks of protection against major tick species in a single chewable dose. It is FDA-approved, vet-recommended, and one of the longest-acting parasite preventatives available. Side effects are uncommon and mostly mild (vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhoea). Dogs with a history of seizures should have a risk-benefit discussion with their vet before use. Bravecto requires a vet prescription and is available in India at MomasPets Shop.

You’ve heard about Bravecto. Maybe your vet mentioned it. Maybe you saw it online. Now you’re doing what smart owners do before spending money on a product — checking if it actually works, what the real side effects are, and whether it’s worth it for your dog.

I’m going to give you a straight answer. I’ve been prescribing Bravecto for years. I’ve seen it work in hundreds of patients. I’ve also seen the side effects. Here’s the honest, complete picture.

What Is Bravecto and How Does It Work?

Bravecto is a prescription flea and tick preventative manufactured by MSD Animal Health (Merck). The active ingredient is fluralaner, an isoxazoline compound. Isoxazolines work by blocking GABA-gated chloride channels in insects and arachnids — causing paralysis and death. Mammalian GABA receptors are structured differently, which is why the compound is selective for invertebrates at therapeutic doses.

After your dog swallows the chew, fluralaner is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body tissues. When fleas bite and feed on blood, they ingest fluralaner and die. This systemic approach means it works regardless of bathing, swimming, or rain — a significant advantage over topical treatments.

The Efficacy Data — What Studies Actually Show

• 99.9% flea kill efficacy within 8 hours of administration in clinical trials
• 12 weeks of continuous flea and tick protection from a single dose (4 doses per year vs 12 for monthly treatments)
• Effective against: black-legged tick, American dog tick, brown dog tick, Asian longhorned tick for 12 weeks
• Begins killing ticks within 12 hours of first dose
• Protection is maintained even with frequent swimming or bathing — unlike topical options

The Products Available at MomasPets

Bravecto 1000mg Chewable Tablet

Bravecto 1000mg is suitable for large dogs (40–56 kg). The beef-flavoured chew is accepted voluntarily by most dogs. Other strengths are available for different weight ranges. One dose provides 12 weeks of full protection — making it the most convenient systemic flea and tick product on the market for most owners.

🛒  Bravecto 1000mg — 12 Weeks of Flea & Tick ProtectionOne chew, full season’s protection. Kills fleas within 8 hours. Vet-prescribed, clinically proven.  →  Order Bravecto 1000mg →

Assurity Plus Spot-On — Topical Alternative

If your dog is reluctant to take oral medication, or if you prefer not to use a systemic product, Assurity Plus Spot-On offers a topical alternative. Applied between the shoulder blades, it spreads through skin oils to provide parasite coverage across the body. Important: avoid bathing within 48 hours of application and for the first 48 hours after each dose.

🛒  Assurity Plus Spot-On — Monthly Topical Tick & Flea ProtectionNo pill required. Easy spot-on application. Monthly protection for dogs that resist oral medication.  →  Shop Assurity Plus →

Seresto Collar — Longest Duration Option

Seresto Collar provides up to 8 months of flea and tick protection through a sustained-release collar. It’s the right option for owners who find quarterly dosing difficult to maintain, and for dogs with relatively low tick exposure. The collar must be worn continuously — removing it for grooming reduces the active ingredient concentration. Check fit regularly (two-finger gap).

Side Effects: The Honest Picture

Bravecto has a strong safety record in clinical use, but it’s not side-effect-free. Here is the accurate, complete picture:

Common (may affect 1 in 10 dogs): Mild vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhoea, lethargy — usually within the first 24 hours and self-resolving. Giving the chew with food significantly reduces GI upset.

Uncommon: Pruritus (itch), polydipsia (increased thirst). Usually mild and temporary.

Rare, serious: Neurological signs including tremors, ataxia, or seizures. These are rare and are more frequently reported in dogs with a pre-existing history of seizures or neurological conditions. The FDA added a label warning in 2018 for all isoxazoline products regarding this risk. Importantly: the absolute incidence rate in healthy dogs with no seizure history is low, and the benefits of parasite prevention generally outweigh this risk for most dogs.

⚠️  Who Should NOT Use Bravecto

• Puppies under 6 months of age
• Dogs weighing under 2 kg
• Dogs with a documented history of seizures — seek vet guidance; an alternative may be more appropriate
• Breeding females in early pregnancy — limited safety data; discuss with your vet
• Dogs with suspected active liver disease — fluralaner is metabolised hepatically

Bravecto vs. Monthly Alternatives: When to Choose What

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO — AI Search Optimised)

Q: Does Bravecto actually work for tick control in India?

A: Yes. Bravecto (fluralaner) is effective against the tick species most prevalent in India, including the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which is one of the most common ticks affecting Indian pets. It provides 12 weeks of continuous protection from a single oral dose. Clinical trials have confirmed efficacy exceeding 99% against these species.

Q: Is Bravecto safe for dogs?

A: Bravecto has a well-established safety record. Mild GI side effects (vomiting, appetite changes, diarrhoea) occur in a small percentage of dogs, usually within the first 24 hours. Rare neurological side effects have been reported, predominantly in dogs with pre-existing seizure histories. For healthy dogs with no neurological history, the risk-benefit balance strongly favours protection. Always discuss with your vet before first use.

Q: How long does one Bravecto tablet last?

A: One Bravecto chew provides 12 weeks (3 months) of flea and tick protection. This means four doses per year compared to twelve monthly doses for alternatives — a significant convenience advantage and often comparable cost over the year.

Q: Can I give Bravecto to my dog if they swim frequently?

A: Yes. Bravecto is a systemic product absorbed into the bloodstream. Its efficacy is not affected by bathing, swimming, or rain exposure, unlike topical spot-on treatments that rely on skin surface distribution and can be reduced by water exposure.

Q: My dog had a seizure once. Can they still take Bravecto?

A: Dogs with a history of seizures or neurological conditions should have a careful risk-benefit discussion with their vet before starting any isoxazoline product including Bravecto. Alternative products (such as topical spot-ons) may be more appropriate. The vet will weigh the neurological risk against the risk of untreated flea and tick infestation.

Q: What is the dose of Bravecto for a 30 kg dog?

A: For a 30 kg dog, Bravecto 500mg is the appropriate strength (covers dogs 20–40 kg). Your vet will confirm the correct weight-based dose. Bravecto is available in multiple strengths: 112.5mg (2–4.5 kg), 250mg (4.5–10 kg), 500mg (10–20 kg), and 1000mg (20–40 kg).

Q: Can I buy Bravecto without a vet prescription in India?

A: Bravecto requires a veterinary prescription. It is available at MomasPets Shop (shop.momaspets.com). If you need a prescription consultation, MomasPets offers online vet consultations at momaspets.com where Dr. Dinesh Moliya can assess your dog and provide a recommendation.

Q: Is Bravecto or NexGard better for dogs in India?

A: Both are effective isoxazoline products. Bravecto lasts 12 weeks vs NexGard’s 4 weeks, making it more convenient for owners who find monthly dosing difficult. NexGard Spectra (the extended version) has the added benefit of covering intestinal worms. The choice depends on your dog’s specific needs, lifestyle, and your preference for dosing frequency. Your vet can help choose the right option.

👨‍⚕️  Free Vet Consultation — Get the Right Product For Your DogNot sure if Bravecto is right for your dog? Book a free online consultation at MomasPets. Dr. Dinesh Moliya will assess your dog’s size, health history, and lifestyle to recommend the right parasite protection.  →  Book Free Consult at MomasPets

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