Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs – 12-Week Flea & Tick Protection for Small Breeds

Parasite infestations are one of the most common health concerns for dogs, especially in warm and humid environments. For small dogs weighing between 2 and 4.5 kg, finding a safe, effective, and easy-to-administer solution is vital. Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs offers a long-lasting and veterinarian-recommended method of parasite control. This blog offers a comprehensive look at Bravecto 112.5 mg, including its indications, dosage, scientific background, safety profile, and practical usage tips.

What Is Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablet for Dogs?

Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablet is a systemic insecticide and acaricide designed specifically for small dogs (2–4.5 kg body weight). Manufactured by MSD Animal Health, it contains fluralaner as the active ingredient, which provides up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks with a single oral dose.

Its long-lasting effects significantly reduce the need for monthly dosing, making it a convenient choice for pet owners.

Indications: When to Use Bravecto 112.5 mg

Bravecto 112.5 mg is indicated for the treatment and prevention of the following parasitic infestations in small dogs:

1. Flea Infestations (Ctenocephalides felis)

• Kills adult fleas within 8 hours of administration.
• Prevents new infestations by stopping the flea life cycle.

2. Tick Infestations

• Effective against multiple tick species including:
  • Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
  • Ixodes ricinus (sheep tick)
  • Dermacentor reticulatus (ornate cow tick)

• Starts killing ticks within 12 hours.
• Protects against tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.

3. Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabiei var. canis)

• Shown to reduce mite populations significantly after a single dose.
• Can be used off-label under veterinary supervision for mange management.

4. Prevention of Environmental Re-Infestation

• Long-lasting action helps reduce flea egg laying, breaking the lifecycle.
• Helps maintain a parasite-free home when used regularly.

Dosage Guidelines and Administration

Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets are formulated specifically for small dogs weighing between 2 and 4.5 kg. Administering the correct dose at the proper interval ensures maximum protection against fleas and ticks while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

Recommended Dosage

Administration Instructions

• Route: Oral use only
• Frequency: Once every 12 weeks (approximately every 3 months)
• Method:
  • Offer the chew directly to the dog as a treat
  • Alternatively, mix it with a small amount of food to encourage ingestion

With or Without Food?

Bravecto can be given with or without food, but administering it with a meal enhances absorption and overall effectiveness.

Dosing Schedule Tips

• Mark your calendar for every 12 weeks to maintain continuous protection.
• Using a mobile reminder or veterinary scheduling tool can help avoid missed doses.
• Administer the next dose exactly 12 weeks after the previous one, even if you see no visible fleas or ticks.

Important Precautions During Administration

• Do not split or crush the tablet—it must be given whole to ensure precise dosing.
• Always weigh your dog before dosing, especially if they are near the upper or lower threshold of the weight range.
• Consult your veterinarian if your dog has a pre-existing condition, is under 2 kg, or is younger than 8 weeks.

Practical Scenarios for Use

• Ideal for small indoor and outdoor dogs exposed to parasite-rich environments.
• Suitable for pet parents who prefer less frequent dosing than monthly treatments.
• Particularly useful for owners managing flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or multiple pet households.

Safety and Precautions

While Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets are generally safe and well-tolerated, especially when administered under veterinary guidance, there are essential safety considerations to keep in mind to protect your small dog’s health.

Approved Use

• For dogs weighing 2–4.5 kg only
• Always use the correct dosage according to your dog’s weight category.

Precautions Before Use

• Veterinary consultation recommended before first use, especially in dogs with underlying health conditions.
• Do not split or crush the tablet. It must be given whole to ensure accurate dosing.
• Administer with food for improved absorption and reduced chance of gastrointestinal upset.

Do NOT Use If:

• Your dog weighs less than 2 kg.
• Your dog is younger than 8 weeks old.
• There is a known allergy or sensitivity to fluralaner (the active ingredient).
• You are treating other animal species—Bravecto is formulated specifically for dogs.

Use With Caution If:

• Your dog is pregnant, lactating, or breeding (consult your veterinarian—safety data is limited in these groups).
• Your dog is on other systemic medications—while Bravecto has no known drug interactions, veterinary oversight is advised.

Possible Side Effects (Uncommon and Usually Mild):

If serious side effects like seizures, collapse, or severe vomiting occur, seek veterinary care immediately.

Responsible Usage Tips:

• Mark your calendar or set reminders every 12 weeks to stay on schedule.
• Monitor your dog for a few hours after administration, especially after their first dose.
• Avoid giving multiple medications simultaneously unless approved by your veterinarian.

Benefits of Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets

• Long-lasting: Protects for up to 12 weeks.
• Convenient: No messy topical application.
• Improves quality of life: Reduces itching, discomfort, and risk of disease.
• Highly palatable: Easy to administer with minimal resistance.
• Vet-recommended: Trusted by professionals worldwide.

Real-World Use Cases

1. Busy Pet Parents: Monthly treatments can be hard to remember. Bravecto’s 12-week dose simplifies scheduling.
2. Traveling Dogs: Long protection is ideal for dogs going on extended trips or boarding.
3. Flea-Allergic Dogs: Prevents repeated outbreaks.
4. Multiple Pet Homes: Helps reduce environmental contamination and transmission.

How Fluralaner Works: Scientific Background

Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs, is a powerful and highly selective isoxazoline-class ectoparasiticide. Its mechanism of action targets fleas and ticks at the neurological level, offering systemic protection for dogs with a single oral dose.

1. Targeted Action on Parasite Nervous Systems

Fluralaner works by inhibiting ligand-gated chloride channels, specifically those regulated by:

• γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)
• Glutamate

These channels are critical for nerve signal transmission in arthropods (such as fleas and ticks). Fluralaner blocks these channels, disrupting the parasite’s nervous system, leading to:

• Hyperexcitation
• Loss of motor coordination
• Paralysis
• Death

2. Systemic Distribution After Oral Administration

After ingestion, Fluralaner is absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching peak plasma concentrations within hours.

• Parasites do not need to die on contact; they are killed when they bite the dog and ingest treated blood.
• This means the product acts from inside the body out, ensuring complete and reliable coverage without residue on the skin or fur.

3. Rapid Onset of Action

• Fleas: Begin to die within 8 hours of administration.
• Ticks: Start dying within 12 hours.

This rapid kill rate not only eliminates current infestations but also prevents the laying of eggs, thereby disrupting the flea life cycle.

4. Long-Lasting Residual Efficacy

Unlike topical treatments that wear off with bathing or swimming, fluralaner’s efficacy is independent of skin condition or external exposure.

• Provides consistent parasite protection for 12 full weeks.
• Reduces risk of gaps in coverage, commonly seen with monthly products.

 5. Selectivity and Safety

 This ensures:

• High efficacy against parasites
• Minimal risk to dogs at the recommended dosage
• Low potential for side effects

Scientific studies and pharmacokinetic trials have shown fluralaner to be:

• Non-mutagenic
• Non-carcinogenic
• Well tolerated, even at higher-than-label doses

Supporting Research

• MSD Animal Health clinical studies show >99% efficacy against fleas and >96% efficacy against key tick species over the 12-week period.
• Studies published in journals such as Parasites & Vectors confirm Bravecto’s ability to prevent transmission of tick-borne diseases by killing vectors before they can transmit pathogens.

Conclusion

Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs offers an innovative and highly effective approach to flea and tick control for small dogs. With a single dose providing 12 weeks of continuous protection, it simplifies parasite prevention, reduces the risk of vector-borne diseases, and improves the quality of life for both dogs and their owners.Always consult your veterinarian before starting any parasite prevention plan, and use Bravecto exactly as directed for safe, long-term protection. Bravecto 112.5 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs provide a modern, reliable, and convenient solution for long-term flea and tick control, specifically designed for small dogs weighing between 2 and 4.5 kg. With just one tasty chew every 12 weeks, pet owners can protect their companions from external parasites, reduce the risk of flea allergy dermatitis, and prevent the transmission of dangerous vector-borne diseases.