Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs – 12 Weeks of Flea & Tick Protection

Fleas and ticks can cause significant health problems in dogs, ranging from irritation to serious illnesses like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs offer a convenient, effective, and long-lasting solution. Designed for medium-sized dogs (10–20 kg), this chewable treatment provides up to 12 weeks of protection with just one dose.

This in-depth guide explores everything pet owners and veterinary professionals need to know about Bravecto 500 mg, including indications, usage, dosing, clinical evidence, and safety.

What Is Bravecto 500 mg?

Bravecto 500 mg delivers Fluralaner, a systemic insecticide and acaricide in the isoxazoline group, through a convenient chewable tablet. Once ingested, the active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream, killing fleas and ticks as they bite.

Product Details:

• Form: Flavored chewable tablet
• Active Ingredient: Fluralaner (500 mg)
• Weight Range: For dogs 10–20 kg
• Administration: Oral, with or shortly after food
• Protection Duration: Up to 12 weeks

How Bravecto Works: Scientific Background

• Rapid systemic absorption post-oral administration
• Flea kill within 2 hours
• Tick kill within 12 hours
• Sustained plasma levels provide protection for 12 weeks

Indications: When to Use Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs

This oral medication offers 12 weeks of continuous protection against external parasites, making it ideal for both treatment and preventive care.

1. Treatment and Prevention of Flea Infestations

Bravecto 500 mg is highly effective against Ctenocephalides felis (cat flea), the most common flea species affecting dogs.

• Kills fleas within 2 hours of administration.
• Eliminates existing flea infestations on the dog.
• Prevents re-infestation for 12 weeks.
• Assists in the management of Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) by removing the source of allergic reactions.

2. Treatment and Control of Tick Infestations

• Ixodes ricinus (sheep tick)
• Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
• Dermacentor reticulatus (ornate dog tick)

Action Time: Ticks are killed within 12 hours of attachment, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

3. Dogs at Risk of Vector-Borne Diseases

Ticks and fleas are known vectors of several dangerous diseases. Bravecto helps protect dogs by killing the parasites before they can transmit pathogens, such as:

• Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)
• Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis)
• Babesiosis (Babesia canis)
• Anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum)

4. Year-Round Parasite Control

For dogs exposed to outdoor environments, rural areas, or tick-infested regions, regular Bravecto administration every 12 weeks offers dependable, consistent protection.

• Ideal for dogs that hike, travel, or spend time in gardens, parks, or woodlands.

5. Multi-Pet Households

Using Bravecto in one dog helps prevent the spread of fleas to others in the household. It is especially useful when used in coordination with flea control on other pets.

Dosage Guidelines and Administration

Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets are specifically formulated for medium-sized dogs weighing between 10 and 20 kg. Administering the correct dose ensures optimal protection and safety.

Recommended Dosage

Bravecto is dosed at 25–56 mg/kg body weight. The 500 mg chewable tablet delivers the appropriate dose for dogs in the 10–20 kg weight range.

How to Administer Bravecto 500 mg

Route: Oral only
Frequency: Once every 12 weeks (3 months)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Weigh your dog to confirm it falls within the 10–20 kg range.
2. Offer the entire 500 mg chew by hand, in food, or hidden in a treat.
3. Ensure the dog swallows the full dose—do not divide or break the tablet.
4. Administer with or shortly after a meal for optimal absorption.
5. Repeat every 12 weeks to maintain continuous protection.

Missed Dose Protocol

• If more than 12 weeks have passed since the last dose, administer Bravecto immediately.
• Resume the 12-week dosing schedule from the date of the new dose.

Re-dosing Considerations

• Do not re-dose early unless advised by a veterinarian.
• In case of accidental overdose, monitor for side effects and contact your vet.

Pro Tips for Pet Owners

• Use a reminder app or calendar to stay on schedule every 12 weeks.
• Offer with a small meal to reduce the chance of vomiting.
• Observe your dog for 1–2 hours after dosing to ensure full ingestion.

Benefits of Bravecto 500 mg Chew

1. Fast Action

• Kills fleas in 2 hours
• Ticks in 12 hours

 2. Reduced Dosing Frequency

• Fewer doses per year compared to monthly treatments

 3. Palatable and Easy to Administer

• Flavored chew is well-accepted by most dogs

4. Breaks the Flea Life Cycle

• Stops infestation at the source by preventing reproduction

Safety and Precautions for Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs

While Bravecto 500 mg is widely regarded as safe and effective, it is essential to follow proper usage guidelines and consider specific health conditions to ensure your dog’s well-being.

Approved Use

• For dogs only, specifically those weighing 10–20 kg.
• Safe for use in dogs 8 weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 kg (though this strength is for 10–20 kg dogs).
• Use one chew every three months, following your veterinarian’s instructions.

Do Not Use In

• Cats or other animals – Bravecto is species-specific.
• Dogs with known hypersensitivity to Fluralaner or any tablet ingredient.
• Dogs weighing under 10 kg (use appropriate lower strength).
• Puppies younger than 8 weeks.

Use With Caution

• In dogs with a history of seizures, epilepsy, or other neurological disorders. Isoxazoline-class drugs, including Fluralaner, may lower the seizure threshold.
• Should only be used during pregnancy or nursing under a vet’s supervision.
• In breeding dogs – consult your vet before use.

Drug Interactions

• Bravecto is generally safe to use with:
  • Vaccines
  • Antibiotics
  • Heartworm preventives
  • Dewormers
  • NSAIDs
• Make your vet aware of all products your dog is taking, including vitamins and prescriptions.

Possible Side Effects (Rare and Typically Mild):

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Rare: Neurological symptoms like tremors or ataxia (especially in predisposed dogs)

 Most reactions are mild and resolve without treatment. If your pet’s symptoms do not resolve or deteriorate, contact your vet without delay.

Human Safety Precautions

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling the tablet.
• Ensure the product is inaccessible to children and pets.
• If swallowed accidentally, get medical assistance right away.

Scientific Studies and Efficacy of Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets for Dogs

Bravecto (Fluralaner) has been rigorously evaluated in clinical trials, peer-reviewed journals, and veterinary practice. These studies support its effectiveness, rapid action, and prolonged duration in controlling flea and tick infestations in dogs.

1. Clinical Trials on Flea Control

Study: Vet Parasitol. 2014;201(1–2):89–95

• Objective: Assess speed and duration of flea-killing effect.
• Results:
  • 99% of fleas killed within 8 hours of administration.
  • Maintained >98% efficacy against Ctenocephalides felis for 12 full weeks.
  • No new flea infestations occurred during the trial period.

Conclusion: Bravecto provides fast and sustained flea control, significantly reducing the flea population and risk of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).

2. Tick Efficacy Across Species

Study: Parasit Vectors. 2014;7:346

• Objective: Evaluate Fluralaner’s efficacy against multiple tick species.
• Results:
  • Killed >95% of Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Dermacentor reticulatus within 12–48 hours.
  • Protection sustained for at least 12 weeks after a single dose.

Conclusion: Bravecto 500 mg is highly effective in reducing tick burdens and lowering the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis.

3. Duration of Action

Study: Vet Dermatol. 2014;25(Suppl 1):55-e19

• Design: Compared Bravecto to fipronil-based monthly spot-on treatments.
• Results:
  • Bravecto outperformed monthly treatments in flea and tick control.
  • Owners reported higher satisfaction and fewer compliance issues.

Conclusion: A single Bravecto dose provides 12-week protection, while monthly products require 3 administrations for the same period.

4. Safety Profile in Dogs

Study: ESCCAP Guidelines and EMA Reports

• Dogs were given up to 5× the recommended dose.
• No severe adverse effects observed.
• Safe for use in dogs as young as 8 weeks and as small as 2 kg.

Conclusion: Bravecto has a wide safety margin, even in young or small-breed dogs, when dosed appropriately.

Conclusion

Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets offer a powerful combination of convenience, speed, and long-lasting flea and tick protection for medium-sized dogs. Just one chew every 12 weeks means fewer treatments, fewer worries, and a healthier, happier pet. Whether you’re managing an existing infestation or aiming for year-round prevention, Bravecto 500 mg is a trusted, vet-recommended choice. Bravecto 500 mg Chewable Tablets offer a reliable, vet-recommended solution for protecting medium-sized dogs (10–20 kg) against fleas and ticks. With just one tasty chew, your dog receives 12 weeks of continuous defense, minimizing the need for frequent treatments and maximizing peace of mind.