Bravecto 250 mg Oral Chewable Tablet for Dogs – Long-Lasting Flea & Tick Protection

Fleas and ticks are not just a nuisance; they pose a real health risk to dogs and their human families. Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs, formulated with the active ingredient Fluralaner, offer a revolutionary solution to long-lasting parasite control. Designed for small dogs weighing between 4.5 kg and 10 kg, this product provides 12 weeks of continuous protection from fleas and ticks with just one chew.

This comprehensive guide will explore the indications, benefits, scientific mechanism, safety profile, dosage guidelines, and more — giving you all the information you need to decide if Bravecto 250 mg is the right choice for your dog.

What is Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablet for Dogs?

Bravecto 250 mg is an oral chewable tablet that contains Fluralaner, a systemic ectoparasiticide from the isoxazoline class.

• Fleas (Ctenocephalides felis)
• Ticks (Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor reticulatus)

This dosage strength is specifically formulated for small dogs weighing 4.5 to 10 kg, ensuring an accurate and effective dose.

Indications: When Should You Use Bravecto 250 mg?

Bravecto 250 mg is indicated for:

Treatment and prevention of flea infestations

• Kills fleas within 2 hours of administration.
• Continues to kill newly arriving fleas for 12 weeks.
• Helps in the management of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).

Treatment and control of tick infestations

• Effective against Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, and Dermacentor
• Provides 12 weeks of tick control, minimizing the risk of tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis.

 Part of a year-round parasite prevention program

• Recommended for dogs in high-risk environments (e.g., grassy areas, wooded regions).
• Can be safely combined with intestinal dewormers, heartworm preventives, and other vet-prescribed medications.

Dosage Guidelines and Administration for Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Administering Bravecto correctly ensures your dog receives full protection against fleas and ticks for a continuous 12-week period. The 250 mg chewable tablet is specifically designed for small dogs weighing between 4.5 kg and 10 kg.

Recommended Dosage

• Dosage Form: Oral chewable tablet
• Active Ingredient: Fluralaner
• Dosage Range: 25–56 mg/kg of body weight

 Bravecto Dosage

 Administration Instructions

• Route: Oral
• Form: Tasty chewable tablet (flavored to enhance acceptance)
• Frequency: Once every 12 weeks (3 months)

 Steps to Administer:

1. Weigh your dog to confirm the correct dosage.
2. Offer the chew with food or immediately after feeding. This improves Fluralaner absorption.
3. The chew can be given directly by hand, or mixed with food, if preferred.
4. Ensure your dog consumes the entire dose. If the full dose isn’t consumed, re-dose with a new tablet.

Re-dosing Schedule

• Repeat Bravecto every 12 weeks for continuous protection.
• Set a reminder or calendar notification for future doses.

Onset and Duration of Action

• Fleas: Killed within 2 hours of administration
• Ticks: Start dying within 12 hours
• Duration: Continuous protection for 12 weeks

Bravecto breaks the flea life cycle by killing adult fleas quickly, preventing reproduction and re-infestation.

Do Not:

• Split or crush the tablet
• Give more frequently than every 12 weeks without veterinary advice
• Use the 250 mg tablet for dogs under 4.5 kg or over 10 kg

Tips for Successful Administration

• Use treats or meals to mask the tablet if your dog is picky.
• Observe your dog for a few minutes post-administration to ensure full ingestion.
• If your dog vomits within 2 hours, consult your veterinarian — a re-dose may be necessary.

 Benefits of Using Bravecto 250 mg for Dogs

 Long-lasting Protection

• One tablet protects your dog for 12 full weeks.
• Reduces the need for monthly treatments.

Palatable Chew

• Many dogs accept it as a treat.
• Reduces stress during administration compared to spot-on treatments.

 Veterinary Recommended

• Widely endorsed by veterinarians due to proven safety an efficacy.
• VOHC recognition for its role in managing FAD by killing fleas quickly.

 Reduces Disease Risk

• Tick-borne pathogens such as Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Babesia are controlled by quick tick kill.
• Prevents flea transmission of tapeworms and Bartonella.

Proper Usage Instructions

• Give the entire tablet in one sitting.
• Do not split or crush the tablet.
• May be given with or without food, but absorption improves with food.
• Repeat every 12 weeks for continued protection.
• If a dose is missed and more than 12 weeks have passed since the last treatment, administer immediately and reset the dosing schedule.

Safety and Precautions for Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Bravecto 250 mg is a well-tolerated and widely used parasiticide for small dogs, but it’s important to understand the safety profile and precautions to ensure proper use and avoid potential adverse effects.

General Safety Overview

• Approved for dogs weighing 4.5–10 kg.
• Minimum age requirement: Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
• Minimum weight: 2 kg or above (though this dose is specifically for 4.5–10 kg dogs).
• Specifically developed for dogs : avoid administration to cats or humans.

Precautions to Observe Before Use

1. Vet Consultation Recommended
   Always consult your veterinarian before initiating treatment, especially if your dog:
   • Has a history of seizures or neurological disorders
   • Is pregnant or lactating
   • Is currently on other oral medications or topical treatments
2. Proper Weight-Based Dosing
   Do not divide or combine doses across dogs. Confirm that your dog weighs between 4.5 and 10 kg before using the 250 mg tablet. Incorrect dosing may cause under-treatment or toxicity.
3. Avoid in Dogs with Hypersensitivity to Fluralaner
   Dogs previously showing signs of allergy or intolerance to isoxazolines should not be treated with Bravecto.

Potential Side Effects

Bravecto is generally well tolerated, but as with all medications, side effects can occur. These reactions are usually harmless and fade without treatment, but vigilance is key

Common (usually mild and temporary):

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Increased thirst or flatulence

Rare (seek veterinary care if these occur):

• Neurological signs such as:
  • Tremors
  • Incoordination (ataxia)
  • Muscle twitching
  • Seizures (especially in dogs with prior history)

 Note: Seizures have been reported in dogs with or without a history of epilepsy. Use caution in these cases.

Safe for Use With:

Bravecto can be administered safely alongside:

• Vaccines
• Antibiotics
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Heartworm preventives
• Dewormers

However, always disclose any concurrent treatments to your veterinarian before starting Bravecto.

Important Reminders

• Not a substitute for heartworm prevention.
• Do not administer if the chew has been compromised, broken, or altered.

 How Fluralaner Works: Scientific Background

Fluralaner, the key ingredient in Bravecto, acts as a systemic agent against fleas and ticks. Here’s how it works:

 Mechanism of Action

• Inhibits GABA-gated chloride channels in the nervous systems of arthropods.
• Triggers excessive nerve activity in fleas and ticks, leading to their paralysis and eventual death.
• It selectively targets parasites, not mammals, making it safe for use in dogs.

 Absorption and Distribution

• Upon oral administration, the active ingredient Fluralaner is swiftly absorbed into the body.
• It reaches peak plasma concentration in 1–2 days.
• Maintains therapeutic levels for 12 weeks.

Duration of Action

• Kills fleas within 2 hours.
• Begins killing ticks in 12 hours and prevents new infestations for 3 months.

Clinical Efficacy and Research Findings

Numerous clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies back the effectiveness of Bravecto:

• A 2014 study published in Parasitology Research showed >99% flea mortality within 12 hours of administration.
• Another study demonstrated 100% tick-killing efficacy for over 8 weeks, and sustained control for 12 weeks.
• Comparative studies showed that Bravecto outperformed monthly treatments like fipronil-based products in long-term protection and owner compliance.

Conclusion

Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs offer unmatched convenience, broad-spectrum efficacy, and lasting protection in a single dose every three months. If you’re looking for a reliable, vet-recommended solution to protect your small dog from fleas and ticks, Bravecto is a top choice.Not only does it offer peace of mind to dog owners, but it also supports public health by limiting the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. With scientific backing, favorable reviews from vets and pet parents, and ease of use, Bravecto 250 mg is more than just a flea and tick pill — it’s a powerful preventive tool for your dog’s overall well-being. Bravecto 250 mg Chewable Tablets offer a powerful, convenient, and long-lasting solution for flea and tick protection in small dogs weighing 4.5–10 kg.