Bravecto for Fleas, Ticks, and Heartworms in Dogs and Cats

Medically Reviewed by Joshua Conrad, PharmD on October 10, 2024
Written by Kathleen Claussen, DVM
7 min read

The Bravecto line of products includes topical products (products that are applied to the skin at the back of the neck) and chewable tablets (products that are given by mouth) for prevention, control, and treatment of fleas, ticks, and heartworms in dogs and cats. Bravecto products are FDA-approved for various antiparasitic uses in dogs and cats depending on which product is being used. These uses include treatment and prevention of flea infestations, treatment and control of various ticks, prevention of heartworm disease, and treatment of intestinal roundworms and hookworms.

All Bravecto products for fleas and ticks contain the active ingredient fluralaner. Fluralaner is classified as an isoxazoline ectoparasiticide for treating and preventing fleas and ticks.

For dogs, there are two Bravecto options: a chewable tablet (Bravecto Chews) or a topical liquid (Bravecto Topical for Dogs). Both of these products treat and prevent fleas and ticks for 12 weeks.  There is also a 1-month chewable (Bravecto 1-Month Chews) for growing puppies that can be used until they reach a steady weight.  

There are also some other uses for Bravecto products in dogs, including treatment of a specific type of mange called generalized demodicosis. These uses are “extra-label” or “off-label,” meaning that there is evidence of safe and effective use but the FDA has not approved that use.

Bravecto Topical for Cats is a 12-week topical liquid for treatment and prevention of fleas and ticks.  Bravecto Plus Topical for Cats is an 8-week topical liquid that is used to treat fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms. In addition to fluralaner, Bravecto Plus contains moxidectin. Moxidectin is classified as a macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic that is used to prevent heartworm disease and to treat intestinal roundworms and hookworms. 

Bravecto products are usually well-tolerated in animals. There is minimal risk for overdose, side effects, or drug interactions if used as labeled or as directed by your veterinarian.

Bravecto products are available by prescription from your veterinarian or a veterinary pharmacy.

Bravecto topical fluralaner products are liquids that you apply to your pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. They provide protection against fleas and ticks for 12 weeks. Do not apply to irritated skin. Dogs and puppies should be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms) to use Bravecto Topical for Dogs. Cats and kittens should be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms) to use Bravecto Topical for Cats.  

Bravecto Plus Topical for Cats is a liquid that you apply to your cat’s skin between the shoulder blades every 8 weeks. Bravecto Plus Topical for Cats provides protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms.  Cats and kittens should be at least 6 months old and weigh at least 2.6 pounds (1.2 kilograms) to use Bravecto Plus Topical for Cats.  

To apply Bravecto topical products, make sure the skin at the back of the pet’s neck is dry and healthy.  Using the appropriate tube, twist it open, and then part the hair and squeeze the contents of the tube directly onto the skin. Do not touch that area until it is completely dry. Avoid bathing your pet or allowing your pet to swim for three days after application. Do not allow your pet or other pets in the household to rub or lick the application site until it dries.

Bravecto Chews are chewable tablets that you give your dog by mouth with a meal every 12 weeks.  They provide protection against fleas and ticks. Bravecto 1-Month Chews are approved for dogs and puppies at least 8 weeks old and weighing at least 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms). These are given every month (30 days) for protection against fleas and ticks. Once your puppy has reached a stable weight, they can switch to the three-month Bravecto products if desired. 

Always follow your veterinarian’s directions for giving medicines to animals. Remember to tell your veterinarian about any medicines, vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies that you are giving your pet. Talk to your veterinarian before stopping any pet medicines. 

  • Fluralaner is approved by the FDA for treatment and control of fleas and various ticks in dogs and cats.
  • Fluralaner/moxidectin (Bravecto Plus Topical for Cats) is licensed by the FDA to protect against fleas, various ticks, heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms in cats and kittens.  
  • Most Bravecto chews and topical products provide 12 weeks of flea and tick protection in one dose.
  • Bravecto 1-Month Chews are approved for use in growing puppies at least 8 weeks old.
  • Fleas will begin to die within 8 hours in dogs and within 12 hours in cats.  
  • Ticks will begin to die within 12 hours of feeding in dogs and within 48 hours of feeding in cats.
  • There are both topical and chewable tablets for ease of dosing in dogs. 

You and your veterinarian should monitor your pet for signs that the medicine is working (absence of live fleas or ticks), as well as for side effects of the medicine.  There is no routine lab monitoring needed with Bravecto products for fleas and ticks.

If Bravecto Plus for Cats is used for intestinal parasites, follow-up fecal (stool) tests may be checked.  Before giving Bravecto Plus for Cats for heartworms, your veterinarian may test for the presence of existing heartworm disease if the cat is greater than 6 months old.

If Bravecto is used for skin mite treatment such as generalized demodicosis in dogs, your veterinarian will monitor for improvement of symptoms (like hair loss and itching) as well as perform periodic skin tests.

Do not use a Bravecto product in an animal that is allergic to its ingredients. Use with caution in dogs or cats that have a history of neurologic (nerve or brain) disease, including a history of seizures or epilepsy.  Do not use Bravecto products in dogs or cats below the minimum age or weight on the product label.  Use them with caution in older or frail dogs and cats. Use Bravecto Plus for Cats with caution in cats that already test positive for heartworms or have an unknown heartworm status.

Your pet should not be able to lick the site of application. If it can, you may be applying it in the wrong place. Other pets may try to groom or lick at the application site, especially cats that clean each other. Try to prevent this from happening, especially for 30 minutes after application. If your pet ingests the medicine, they will usually have drooling and may even foam at the mouth. If this happens, try to feed the pet promptly and watch it closely. If your pet starts acting strangely, seek veterinary care.

Side effects are uncommon with Bravecto products. Your pet may experience some irritation or redness at the application site of the topical products. This should go away within a couple of days. Seek veterinary care if it doesn’t go away, gets worse, or spreads. This could be an allergic reaction.

Other side effects with Bravecto products include:

  • Vomiting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Excessive drooling
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea (loose stool)
  • Hair loss
  • Itching

Fluralaner is a medication in the isoxazoline drug class. Isoxazoline drugs can cause neurologic (nerve and brain) side effects if given incorrectly or if an overdose occurs. These issues include muscle tremors, difficulty walking, and seizures.

If you think that your pet is having a serious side effect or may have been overdosed, call your veterinary clinic immediately. If it is outside of regular office hours, you may contact a local emergency veterinary hospital or an animal poison control center. 

You can reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Using multiple medicines can sometimes change how your pet’s medicines work or increase your pet’s risk for serious side effects.  Always tell your veterinarian about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements that your pet is using.

During clinical studies, Bravecto products were used safely with vaccines, deworming products, antibiotics, and steroids.

Some medicines that may interact with Bravecto products are highly protein-bound medicines such as maropitant, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and warfarin. When given together, there may be a short-term increase in the blood levels of each medicine. This is usually not a major concern.

  • Keep Bravecto products out of the reach of children.
  • Avoid getting the product on your skin, clothes, or eyes.
  • Wash your hands with soap after handling it.
  • Do not handle it if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
  • Avoid contact with the area of application on your pet until it is dry.

Bravecto products are well tolerated by animals and the risk of an overdose is low if you are using the proper product for your pet’s type (dog or cat), weight, and age. If you are concerned your pet is having an adverse reaction or if you think your pet has gotten more medicine than intended, call your veterinarian or veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

If your pet misses a dose, give the dose when you remember.  Then restart the due date for the next dose from that date. Do not double the dose of the medicine. 

Store Bravecto products in the original packaging below 86 F (30 C). Protect from moisture. Protect from flame, fire, or igniter as the topical products are flammable.