Preventing flea and tick infestations is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership, safeguarding your canine companion from discomfort, disease, and potential health complications. Bravecto Quantum emerges as a powerful and long-lasting solution, offering 12 months of protection against adult fleas and preventing infestations, while also effectively treating and controlling key tick species. This advanced formulation provides peace of mind for pet owners, simplifying parasite management and ensuring continuous protection for their beloved dogs.
Understanding Flea and Tick Protection
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are vectors for various diseases that can impact your dog’s health. Fleas can cause intense itching, allergic dermatitis, and even anemia in severe cases, while ticks can transmit serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Consistent and effective parasite prevention is therefore paramount.
Bravecto Quantum’s Extended Efficacy
Bravecto Quantum stands out due to its extended duration of action. Unlike monthly treatments, a single administration provides a full 12 months of protection against adult fleas, preventing infestations before they can take hold. This long-lasting efficacy significantly reduces the risk of gaps in protection and simplifies the deworming schedule for dogs.
Targeted Tick Control
In addition to comprehensive flea control, Bravecto Quantum targets a range of tick species that pose a threat to dogs. It effectively treats and controls black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, and brown dog ticks. Furthermore, it offers extended protection against lone star ticks for up to 8 months. This broad-spectrum activity ensures your dog is protected against multiple tick-borne disease threats.
Bravecto Formulations and Safety
Merck Animal Health offers a variety of Bravecto formulations to suit different needs and preferences. These include Bravecto Chews for Dogs, Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs, and Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats, each with specific indications and durations of efficacy.
Bravecto Chews for Dogs
Bravecto Chews provide 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, with efficacy against lone star ticks extending to 8 weeks. This oral option is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and has shown that it is not effective for 12-weeks’ duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. Commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea.
Bravecto Topical Solution for Dogs
The topical solution also offers 12 weeks of flea and tick protection, with lone star tick coverage for 8 weeks. It is formulated for dogs 6 months of age and older and should not be used in puppies less than 6 months of age due to potential efficacy limitations. Adverse reactions may include vomiting, hair loss, and diarrhea.
Bravecto Formulations for Cats
Bravecto also provides options for feline companions. Bravecto Topical Solution for Cats offers 12 weeks of protection against fleas and certain ticks, with American dog tick coverage for 8 weeks. Bravecto Plus for Cats combines fluralaner with moxidectin, offering protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease for 2 months. Safety has not been established in breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats, and both are indicated for cats 6 months of age and older.
Important Safety Considerations
While Bravecto products are generally considered safe and effective, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and contraindications. All Bravecto products contain fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions in rare instances, including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. These reactions have occurred even in animals without a prior history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Therefore, caution is advised when administering Bravecto products to dogs or cats with a history of seizures or neurologic conditions. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate flea and tick prevention strategy for your pet’s individual health needs.
References
- BRAVECTO QUANTUM. Product label. Merck Animal Health; 2025.
- González J, Fonseca DM, Toledo A. Seasonal dynamics of tick species in the ecotone of parks and recreational areas in Middlesex County (New Jersey, USA). Insects. 2023;14(3):258.
- McClung KL, Sundstrom KD, Lineberry MW, Grant AN, Little SE. Seasonality of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) activity and prevalence of infection with tick-borne disease agents in north central Oklahoma. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2023;23(11):561-567.
- Raghavan RK, Koestel ZL, Boorgula G, et al. Unexpected winter questing activity of ticks in the central midwestern United States. PLoS One. 2021;16(11):e0259769.
- BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2014.
- BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Dogs [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2016.
- BRAVECTO® 1-MONTH (fluralaner) Chews [prescribing information]. Millsboro, DE: Intervet, Inc; 2020.
- BRAVECTO PLUS (fluralaner and moxidectin topical solution) for Cats [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2019.
- BRAVECTO Topical Solution for Cats [prescribing information]. Madison, NJ: Merck Animal Health; 2016.
