Fleas and ticks. These pests not only cause discomfort to your pet but also transmit diseases that can be life-threatening. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, fleas and ticks are the most common external parasites found on dogs. In the US alone, 75 million households have pets, and more than half of these households have dogs. This means that millions of dogs are at risk of flea and tick infestations, making it important to choose the right preventive treatment.
How do you choose a flea and tick preventive when there are so many options available? Flea and tick control products come in different forms such as collars, sprays, shampoos, and oral medications. Many have different active ingredients, which may affect the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Cavapoo flea and tick prevention
The two most popular treatments on the market for flea and tick control in dogs are Nexgard and Bravecto. Nexgard and Bravecto are both chewable tablets that are designed to kill fleas and ticks. Nexgard is made by the pharmaceutical company Merial, while Bravecto is produced by Merck. Both medications are available for dogs, but only Bravecto has an option for cats.
| Nexgard | Bravecto | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Afoxolaner | Fluralaner |
| Flavour | Beef-flavored chewable tablet | Pork-flavored chewable tablet |
| Dog Weight | Available for dogs weighing 4 pounds or more | Available for dogs weighing 4.4 pounds or more |
| Dog Age | Approved for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older | Approved for use in dogs 6 months of age or older |
| Taste | Generally well-tolerated by most dogs | Generally well-tolerated by most dogs |
| Treatment Cycle | Monthly | Every 12 weeks |
| Risks and Side Effects | In rare cases, dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy | In rare cases, dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy |
| Safety in Pregnancy/Nursing | Safety has not been established in pregnant or nursing dogs | Safety has not been established in pregnant or nursing dogs |
| Effectiveness | Highly effective against fleas and ticks | Highly effective against fleas and ticks |
| Parasites Targeted | Fleas, ticks, and mites | Fleas and ticks |
It’s important to note that the benefits of preventing flea and tick infestations generally outweigh the risks associated with treatment with Nexgard and Bravecto. However, as with any medication, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have and to closely monitor your dog for any signs of side effects after administering these medications.
Not only can flea infestations cause intense itching and discomfort, but they can also lead to more serious health issues like flea allergy dermatitis and anaemia. Ticks, on the other hand, can transmit infectious diseases and even a single paralysis tick left untreated can be deadly. Mite infestations can also cause severe skin or ear irritation. It’s crucial to take preventative measures to protect your dog from these external parasites.
Pro Tip
Write on the box the date you administrated the tablet – this will help you remember when your dog is due it’s next dose.
Worms can live inside a dog’s intestines and even their heart, causing serious health issues and even death if left untreated. Heartworm disease is particularly concerning, as it can cause severe lung and heart damage, and can even be fatal. Intestinal worms, which are spread via dog faeces, can also lead to problems like malnutrition and anaemia. Common types of worms include roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. It’s important to take preventative measures, such as regular deworming, to protect your dog from these internal parasites. It’s worth noting that some types of intestinal worms can also infest humans, making it even more important to keep your dog’s parasite control up-to-date.
How do they compare?
Nexgard has been on the market since 2013, while Bravecto was introduced in 2014. Both products have been tested for safety and efficacy and are approved by the FDA. However, there are some differences in how they work and how long they last.
First up, let’s talk active ingredients. Nexgard uses afoxolaner, while Bravecto uses fluralaner. Both of these are isoxazoline compounds that target the nervous system of fleas and ticks, paralyzing them and preventing them from feeding or reproducing. While both ingredients work similarly, some pets may respond better to one over the other.
But what about flavor? Well, that’s where things get interesting. Nexgard comes in a tasty beef flavor that most dogs seem to love, while Bravecto has a pork-flavored chew. We’re not sure about you, but we think a beef flavor is hard to beat.
Next up, let’s talk dog weight and age. Nexgard is suitable for dogs as young as 8 weeks and weighing as little as 4 pounds, while Bravecto is recommended for dogs 6 months or older and weighing at least 4.4 pounds. Make sure to check the weight and age requirements before giving either product to your pup.
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty: treatment cycle, risks and side effects. Both products provide protection against fleas and ticks for up to 12 weeks, but Nexgard also covers mites. In terms of potential side effects, both medications have been known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs. Use with caution in dogs with a history of epilepsy or any other seizure disorder. However, it’s important to note that serious adverse reactions are extremely rare with both products.
And for all the mama dogs out there, unfortunatly neither Nexgard and Bravecto have been proven as safe to use during pregnancy and nursing. Always talk to your vet before administering any medication to your pregnant or nursing pooch.
Finally, let’s talk effectiveness and parasites targeted. Both Nexgard and Bravecto are highly effective at preventing flea and tick infestations, but Bravecto also targets the lone star tick and the black-legged tick.
So, which one should you choose? Ultimately, it depends on your dog’s individual needs and preferences. If you want a tasty beef flavor and protection against mites, and don’t mind a monthly dosage – Nexgard may be the way to go. If you’re looking for longer protection against a wider range of ticks, Bravecto could be the better choice. Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet for their professional opinion and recommendations.
Key Differences Between Bravecto and Nexgard
While these medications have similar purposes, there are some key differences to consider. Bravecto is available in three-month and six-month doses, while Nexgard is only available in one-month doses. Bravecto also has an option for cats, while Nexgard is only available for dogs. Additionally, Bravecto has been known to have a higher incidence of side effects, particularly in dogs with a history of seizures.
One advantage of Bravecto is that it has a longer duration of action, which means fewer doses are needed, making it a more convenient option for busy pet owners. However, some dogs may have a sensitivity to fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto, which can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Nexgard, on the other hand, has a shorter duration of action but is less likely to cause side effects. It is also effective against demodectic mange, a skin condition caused by mites, which Bravecto does not treat.
Nexgard and Bravecto are both effective flea and tick preventives for dogs. Nexgard is given once a month and is safe for puppies as young as 8 weeks, while Bravecto is given once every 3 months and is safe for puppies as young as 6 months. Bravecto has a longer duration of action, while Nexgard is less likely to cause side effects and is effective against demodectic mange.
Side effects
While any medication, including Nexgard and Bravecto, has the potential to cause side effects in some dogs, it is extremely rare for dogs to die from treatment with these medications when used as directed.
The vast majority of dogs that are treated with Nexgard and Bravecto experience no serious side effects and are able to safely and effectively prevent flea and tick infestations. However, as with any medication, there is a small risk of side effects.
In rare cases, some dogs may experience adverse reactions to Nexgard and Bravecto, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, and seizures. These side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own, but in some cases, they may require veterinary treatment.
Which Treatment is the Best Priced?
When it comes to price, both Nexgard and Bravecto are in a similar range. However, since Bravecto is available in larger doses, it may be more cost-effective in the long run.
Treatment Tips
Once you’ve decided a treatment, it’s important to apply it correctly for maximum effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you out:
Before Treatment
Before administering any medication to your pet, make sure to discuss any potential side effects or risks with your vet. This is especially important if your pet has a history of seizures or other medical conditions.
- Read the instructions carefully before administering.
- Make sure your pet swallows the entire tablet.
- Give the medication with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
- Monitor your pet for any signs of an adverse reaction.
- Remember to treat your pet regularly to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your home.
- Keep the medication stored in a cool, dry place.
After Treatment
After administering the medication, monitor your pet closely for any signs of an adverse reaction. This can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Holistic remedies for flea and tick treatment
There are traditonal holistic remedies that may be effective for flea and tick treatment, but it’s important to emphasise that these remedies have not been extensively studied and may not work for every pet. Holistic remedies focus on supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promoting overall health and well-being.
Holistic remedies for flea and tick treatment include:
Essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, have natural insect-repelling properties. You can use a diluted solution of these oils as a natural flea and tick spray for your pet or to clean your home and yard.
Apple cider vinegar: Adding a small amount of apple cider vinegar to your pet’s drinking water may help to repel fleas and ticks. You can also use a solution of apple cider vinegar and water as a natural flea and tick spray for your pet’s fur.
Diatomaceous earth: This natural substance is made up of the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms and can be sprinkled on your pet’s bedding or around your home and yard to kill fleas and ticks.
Herbal remedies: Some herbs, such as neem and rosemary, have natural insect-repelling properties and can be used as a natural flea and tick repellent for your pet.
While traditional remedies may be effective in some scenarios, it’s important to use them with caution and to consult with a holistic veterinarian before trying any new treatment. Additionally, it’s important to continue using other preventative measures, such as regular grooming and using flea and tick medications, to help keep your pet safe from fleas and ticks.
What Do I Recommend?
As with any medication, it’s important to consult with your vet before making a decision. Your vet will be able to evaluate your pet’s health history and recommend the best option for their individual needs. If your pet has a history of seizures, Nexgard may be the safer choice. I have no problem remembering to dose my dog monthly and I won’t take any chances with the prevalence of Heartworm and ticks in my area so I choose to use Nexgard – I have never had any issues or side effects.
I hope I have helped with choosing between Nexgard and Bravecto and you can now make an informed decision as to what is best for your Cavapoo. Both products are effective and safe when used as directed, but it is important to consult with your veterinarian before starting any flea and tick preventive. Additionally, no preventive treatment is 100% effective so as ever, be on alert for fleas and ticks.
