Vet Guide to Bravecto® (Fluralaner) in 2025 🐾

Hi, I’m Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc—founder of Ask A Vet. This in-depth guide covers Bravecto®—a powerful, long-acting flea and tick medication containing the isoxazoline fluralaner. Learn how it works, options for dogs and cats, dosing protocols, safety tips, side effects, monitoring recommendations, and when to consider extra caution. Let’s dig in! 🐶🐱

📘 What Is Fluralaner (Bravecto®)?

Fluralaner is a systemic ectoparasiticide in the isoxazoline class. It disrupts parasite GABA and glutamate chloride channels, causing paralysis and death of fleas, ticks, and mites :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

✅ Indications & Forms

• Dogs: Oral chew or topical solution—doses provide up to 12 weeks of flea and tick control :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Cats: Topical solution—controls fleas and certain ticks for 8–12 weeks depending on species :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Off-label: Used under veterinary direction for managing demodectic or sarcoptic mange in both dogs and cats :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Injectable: Now available in some regions for annual protection in dogs :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

📐 Dosing Guide

• Dog chew or topical: Weight-based dosing every 12 weeks. Puppies ≥8 weeks and ≥4.4 lb qualify :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Cat topical: One dose every 12 weeks for fleas and ticks; apply at base of skull for best coverage :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Injectable (dogs): 15 mg/kg SC annually — ideal for owners wanting once-a-year protection :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

🕒 Protection Onset & Duration

Bravecto® begins killing fleas within about 2 hours and ticks within hours. Oral/topical formulations protect dogs for 12 weeks, cats for 8 weeks against dog ticks, and 12 weeks against fleas and black-legged/longhorned ticks :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

⚠️ Side Effects & Safety Tips

Common (dogs & cats):

• Vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Skin reactions in topical users—itching, dry skin, hair loss, scabs :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

Serious but rare:

• Neurologic signs—tremors, ataxia, seizures—even in pets without prior history :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Use caution in seizure-prone pets or those with neurologic disease :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

In most cases, symptoms are transient and resolve without treatment, but owners should consult their veterinarian if any concern arises :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🔬 FDA & Regulatory Advisories

The FDA has issued safety communications highlighting rare neurologic reactions. All isoxazoline products—including Bravecto®—require careful use in at-risk pets :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🩺 Monitoring & Owner Guidance

• Observe your pet for the first 24–48 hours after dosing. Note appetite, energy, GI health, and mobility.
• If using topical, avoid bathing or water exposure for at least 48 hours to ensure full absorption :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Keep vaccinated/intact dogs off treated areas on treated cats until dry.

⏰ Missed Dose?

Administer Bravecto® as soon as remembered, then reset the 8–12 week interval. There is no benefit in doubling doses.

🏡 Real-World Scenarios

🐶 Outdoor dog in tick country

• Use 12-week oral chew for continuous year-round flea and tick protection.
• Recheck coverage at clinic every 3 months.

🐱 Indoor-outdoor cat

• Apply topical every 12 weeks; ensure proper administration at base of skull.
• Monitor for any local skin reaction.

❓ FAQs

Can I use Bravecto® on puppies or kittens?

Yes—dogs ≥8 weeks and cats ≥6 months and ≥2.6 lb per label. Puppies under 6 months should use chewable versions; some tick species may be less protected :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.

Is Bravecto® safe for breeding or pregnant animals?

Studies show safety, but label advises caution. In breeding females, monitor for side effects :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.

Can it treat mange?

Yes—veterinarians may use fluralaner extra-label for demodectic or sarcoptic mange under supervision :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.

📌 Final Takeaways

• Bravecto® offers long-lasting, 8–12 week flea and tick protection through oral, topical, or injectable forms.
• Use with caution in neurologic pets—monitor carefully for tremors or seizures.
• Common side effects are mild and temporary. Serious events are rare.
• Ideal for owners wanting less frequent dosing or improved compliance.
• Always follow label instructions and consult your vet with any concerns.

Need help choosing flea and tick prevention or navigating side effects? Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized 24/7 veterinary advice and support. Protecting your pet year-round has never been easier! 🐾❤️