Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs: Complete Guide and Indications

For extra-large dogs weighing over 40 kg, these parasitic infestations can lead to discomfort, skin infections, allergic reactions, and the transmission of diseases such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs offers a powerful and long-lasting solution designed specifically for the unique needs of extra-large breeds. In this comprehensive blog, we explore its usage, indications, safety, dosage, scientific effectiveness, and more.

What is Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablet for Dogs?

Bravecto 1400 mg is a flavored oral chewable tablet containing fluralaner, a systemic ectoparasiticide from the isoxazoline class. It is formulated for dogs weighing more than 40 kg, offering 12 weeks (3 months) of continuous protection against fleas and ticks with just one dose.

Manufactured by MSD Animal Health, Bravecto is approved and trusted globally by veterinarians and pet owners for its efficacy and ease of administration. It eliminates the need for monthly treatments and messy topical applications.

Indications: When to Use Bravecto 1400 mg

Bravecto 1400 mg is indicated for the treatment and prevention of:

Flea Infestations (Ctenocephalides felis)

• Kills adult fleas within 8 hours.
• Interrupts the flea life cycle by preventing reproduction.

Tick Infestations

• Effective against common tick species:
  • Ixodes ricinus (sheep tick)
  • Dermacentor reticulatus (ornate cow tick)
  • Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
  • Ixodes hexagonus
• Starts killing ticks within 12 hours.
• Reduces the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and babesiosis.

Sarcoptic Mange (Sarcoptes scabiei)

• Significantly reduces mite load and associated symptoms.
• Often prescribed off-label for mange management under veterinary supervision.

Environmental Flea Control

• Long-lasting efficacy reduces flea egg laying and environmental infestation.
• Ideal for households with multiple pets or frequent exposure to infested areas.

Dosage Recommendations and Usage Steps

Recommended Dosage

Note: For dogs over 56 kg, combine tablets to match body weight using appropriate strengths. Always consult your veterinarian before combining doses.

Administration Instructions

• Route: Oral use only (by mouth)
• Frequency: Once every 12 weeks
• Form: Flavored chewable tablet—palatable to most dogs
• With or without food?:
  • Administer with food for optimal absorption
  • Giving the chew during or just after a meal is recommended

Step-by-Step Administration Guide

1. Weigh your dog accurately before administering to confirm the correct tablet strength.
2. Offer the chew as a treat—most dogs readily accept it due to its palatable flavor.
3. Ensure your dog consumes the entire tablet.
4. Monitor for any vomiting within 2 hours:
   • If vomiting occurs, consult your vet—redosing may be advised.
5. Record the date and schedule the next dose exactly 12 weeks later.

Why Every 12 Weeks?

Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto, stays in your dog’s bloodstream at effective levels for up to 12 weeks, offering long-lasting protection from:

• Flea infestations (Ctenocephalides felis)
• Multiple species of ticks
• Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD)
• Tick-borne disease transmission

No Need to Avoid Bathing or Swimming

Since Bravecto is systemically absorbed, it is unaffected by water. Your dog can bathe, swim, or be groomed without impacting the medication’s effectiveness.

Practical Scenarios

• Outdoor adventurers: Ideal for large dogs exposed to ticks and fleas on walks, hikes, or farms.
• Multi-dog households: Makes staggered dosing simpler with fewer treatments.
• Flea allergy sufferers: Provides rapid relief and long-term control for sensitive dogs.

Administration Warnings and Safety Tips

While Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets are widely considered safe and well-tolerated for extra-large dogs, proper use and veterinary guidance are essential to minimize risks and ensure maximum effectiveness.

 Safe For Use In:

• Dogs weighing over 40 kg
• Dogs 8 weeks of age or older
• Dogs with no known allergy to fluralaner
• Dogs that are currently healthy or under routine veterinary care

Use With Caution In:

• Breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs – while studies show no adverse effects, always consult your veterinarian
• Dogs with liver or kidney issues – dosage adjustments may be necessary under veterinary supervision

Known Side Effects (Rare and Usually Mild):

If any severe reactions such as seizures, collapse, or allergic symptoms occur, seek immediate veterinary assistance.

Medication Interactions:

• Bravecto has a low risk of drug interactions, but always inform your vet about any other medications or supplements your dog is taking.
• Safe for use alongside most routine treatments, including heartworm preventatives, vaccines, and antibiotics.

Responsible Use Tips:

• Always weigh your dog before dosing to confirm they fall within the correct weight range
• Do not split the tablet
• Ensure your dog ingests the full dose—if vomiting occurs within 2 hours, consult your vet about redosing
• Keep track of the 12-week schedule to maintain continuous protection

Benefits of Bravecto 1400 mg Chewables

• Long-lasting: 12-week protection reduces need for frequent dosing
• Cost-effective: Fewer doses per year
• Scientifically proven: Backed by global studies and veterinary endorsements
• Safe: Wide safety margin even with repeated use

The Science Behind Bravecto: How Fluralaner Works

Fluralaner, the active ingredient in Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets, is a revolutionary ectoparasiticide belonging to the isoxazoline class. It provides systemic protection against fleas and ticks through a highly targeted mechanism of action that disrupts the nervous systems of parasites—without harming your dog.

Mechanism of Action

Fluralaner works by inhibiting GABA- and glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nervous systems of arthropods (fleas and ticks). These channels are essential for transmitting nerve signals that control muscle activity.

• In healthy parasites, these channels allow chloride ions to pass through, regulating nerve impulses.
• Fluralaner blocks these channels, preventing chloride ion flow.
• This leads to hyperexcitation of the parasite’s nervous system, causing:
  • Uncontrolled nerve firing
  • Muscle spasms
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Importantly, these chloride channels in parasites are significantly different from those in mammals, making fluralaner highly selective and safe for dogs at therapeutic doses.

Speed of Action

• Fleas: Killed within 8 hours of ingestion by the host
• Ticks: Killed within 12 hours after attachment

This rapid kill rate helps prevent reproduction, break the flea life cycle, and minimize the risk of disease transmission, such as Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

Systemic Protection

Unlike topical treatments, fluralaner is systemically absorbed into the bloodstream after oral administration. This means:

• The drug remains in the bloodstream at effective concentrations for up to 12 weeks
• Bathing, swimming, and grooming do not reduce effectiveness

Pharmacokinetics of Fluralaner

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract when administered with food
• Peak Plasma Concentration: Reached within 1 day
• Half-Life: Long terminal half-life (~12–15 days) ensures sustained plasma levels
• Excretion: Primarily via feces (biliary elimination), minimal renal clearance

Why It’s Effective Against Resistant Fleas & Ticks

Due to its unique action on ligand-gated chloride channels, fluralaner remains effective even against parasites resistant to older classes of insecticides, such as pyrethroids and organophosphates.

Supported by Scientific Research

Numerous peer-reviewed studies published in Veterinary Parasitology, Parasites & Vectors, and The Veterinary Journal confirm fluralaner’s efficacy and safety, including:

• 99% flea kill efficacy maintained for 12 weeks
• High efficacy (>96%) against multiple tick species
• Proven reduction in flea allergy dermatitis symptoms
• Reduced risk of transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease) and Anaplasma spp.

Clinical Efficacy and Research

Studies have shown:

• 96% sustained tick control through the 12-week period
• Significant reduction in Flea Allergy Dermatitis and tick-borne pathogen transmission

Published in journals like Veterinary Parasitology and Parasites & Vectors, Bravecto’s effectiveness has been consistently validated in both field trials and controlled lab studies.

Real-World Use Cases

• Working and guard dogs in high-risk tick areas
• Multi-dog households needing staggered, easy-to-track dosing
• Flea-allergic dogs prone to recurring dermatitis

Conclusion

Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets offer a safe, reliable, and long-lasting solution for flea and tick prevention in extra-large dogs. With one tasty chew every 12 weeks, dog owners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their pet is protected from harmful parasites and the diseases they carry. Backed by science and veterinary trust, Bravecto is an ideal choice for maintaining your dog’s comfort, health, and wellbeing.Before starting any flea or tick treatment, always consult your veterinarian to ensure the product is suitable for your dog’s specific health needs and lifestyle.Bravecto 1400 mg Chewable Tablets are a highly effective, vet-recommended solution for controlling fleas and ticks in extra-large dogs over 40 kg. With just one oral chew every 12 weeks, pet owners can ensure consistent, long-lasting protection without the mess or inconvenience of monthly applications.