Fleas and ticks are a constant threat to dogs. These wingless monsters feed on your canine’s blood and cause immeasurable damage to their health when left untreated. It is no surprise then that getting the best flea and tick treatment/preventive for their pets is always at the top of all pet parents’ minds. Another point of discussion is whether to select a topical solution, an oral treatment or a collar (wearable) to get rid of fleas and ticks. There are plenty of options available to safeguard your pup from these pesky parasites, of which NexGard Chews, Bravecto Topical and Seresto Dog Collar stand out due to their coverage and performance.
The information in this blog will come in handy for you while selecting the best flea and tick solution for your fur buddy. Read on to know more about the similarities and differences between NexGard Chews, Bravecto Topical and Seresto Dog Collar, and a detailed comparative analysis of the three.
Popular flea and tick treatments: An overview
Glance through the details of these well-known flea and tick treatments for dogs:
NexGard Chewables for Dogs
NexGard is a soft, beef-flavored monthly chewable for dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks and older, and weighing at least 4 pounds. These afoxolaner chews kill adult fleas, treat and prevent flea infestations, and treat and control black-legged tick, American dog tick, lone star tick, brown dog tick and longhorned tick infestations.
This fast-acting formula begins to kill fleas four hours after initial administration. Nexgard is also indicated for the prevention of Lyme disease as a direct result of killing black-legged ticks.
Bravecto Topical for Dogs
Bravecto Topical is a convenient flea and tick treatment for dogs and puppies aged 6 months and older, and weighing at least 4.4 pounds. This fluralaner topical works nearly 3X longer than a monthly treatment. It kills adult fleas, treats and prevents flea infestations, and treats and controls tick infestations with black-legged ticks, American dog ticks and brown dog ticks for 12 weeks.
Bravecto topical also treats and controls lone star tick infestations for 8 weeks. This quick solution kills fleas and reduces the number of live fleas on dogs within 24 and 48 hours.
Seresto Collar for Dogs
It is the most popular vet-recommended flea and tick collar for dogs, which provides up to 8 months of protection against parasites. Seresto is an easy-to-wear, odorless, non-greasy and water-resistant collar for dogs aged 7 weeks and older. It provides a three-way protection against fleas, ticks and lice. Seresto dog collar:
- Repels and kills fleas before they lay eggs, including fleas which may cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) or flea bite hypersensitivity (FBH)
- Kills fleas that may transmit tapeworm infections, bartonellosis, and rickettsiosis
- Repels and kills ticks for 8 months, including deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks
- Repels and kills ticks that may transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, bartonellosis, babesiosis, and canine hemoplasmosis
- Kills chewing lice
Seresto contains a combination of flumethrin and imidacloprid and is made using a unique polymer matrix technology to ensure that both these active ingredients are slowly and continuously released for the pet’s uninterrupted protection.
Similarities between NexGard, Bravecto Topical & Seresto Dog Collar
Here are the similarities between these oral, topical, and wearable flea and tick treatments:
- All three options kill fleas
- All of them protect against infestations from black-legged ticks/deer ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, and lone star ticks
Differences between NexGard, Bravecto Topical & Seresto Dog Collar
Here is what sets these three parasite treatments apart:
- Mode of administration: NexGard chewable is an oral treatment, whereas Bravecto is a topical flea and tick treatment for dogs. Seresto, on the other hand, is a wearable treatment for dogs and puppies.
- Suitability: NexGard can be given to dogs and puppies aged 8 weeks and above, weighing at least 4 pounds. Bravecto Topical is suitable for dogs and puppies aged 6 months and above, weighing at least 4.4 pounds. Whereas, the Seresto Collar can be used on dogs aged 7 weeks and above.
- Parasite coverage: Other than the parasites that all the 3 treatments cover, NexGard treats and controls longhorned tick infestations. Similarly Seresto Collar kills fleas before they lay eggs, and kills chewing lice.
- Length of protection: NexGard is a monthly treatment. Whereas, Bravecto Topical offers protection for up to 12 weeks, and Seresto Dog Collar stays effective for up to 8 months.
- Ingredients: NexGard contains afoxolaner, Bravecto Topical is made using fluralaner, and Seresto Dog Collar contains a combination of flumethrin and imidacloprid.
NexGard vs. Bravecto Topical vs. Seresto Dog Collar: A comparative analysis
Here is a detailed comparative analysis of these three powerful parasite treatments:
Frequently asked questions
Pet parents always want the best option for their furry companions and want to know as much as they can about the parasite treatments they use. To help you further, here are answers to some common questions you might have regarding NexGard, Bravecto Topical and Seresto Dog Collar:
Q. What to do if my dog vomits after taking the NexGard dose?
A. It is required that a dog consume the complete dose of NexGard. If vomiting has occurred within two hours of dosage administration, re-dose your dog with another full dose. If you are unsure about the dosage loss, consult a veterinarian before re-dosing.
Q. Can I apply Bravecto Topical on my pregnant dog?
A. Consult a veterinarian before using Bravecto Topical on breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs.
Q. My pup is growing rapidly. Will the Seresto Collar stay comfortable for him?
A. Seresto Dog Collar comes with a buckle, using which the length can be adjusted. Check your rapidly growing puppy regularly, and adjust the fit of this collar when necessary for a comfortable fit. The Seresto collar is designed with a release mechanism. If a dog gets trapped in an unlikely event, the dog’s own strength is usually enough to widen the collar and allow for quick release.
Get the best flea and tick treatment for your dog
With all this information at your fingertips, get the flea and tick treatment that suits your dog the best. NexGard Chewables, Bravecto Topical, and Seresto Dog Collar are all powerful flea and tick treatments for dogs and puppies. Which one to get for your pet, depends on your dog’s preferences and your coverage requirements.
If you have a fussy eater, go with Bravecto Topical or Seresto Dog Collar. If your four-legged friend gets uncomfortable with a topical application, NexGard Chews will be a better option. Similarly, select NexGard Chews if you prefer monthly treatments. But if you are looking for long-lasting protection, the Seresto Dog Collar or the Bravecto Topical would be a better option. When your focus is on tick treatment, check the species each option covers and get the treatment that serves the purpose.