How Does Bravecto^® Work?

DOGS

Posted by bravectosouthafrica – 22 November 2018

How does Bravecto work you ask? Below we will explain the entire process, but there’s a good reason to trust us. Staying tick, flea and mite free has never been easier! Your dog takes a chew and ticks, fleas and mites become a problem of the past. It’s really as simple as that! But, do you know exactly what happens when your pawed pal takes a Bravecto® chew? Our team of experts give you a look behind the scenes to show you exactly how the magic happens.

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What happens when I give my dog the chew?

Bravecto® works by your dog ingesting a Bravecto^® chew. As soon as the Bravecto^® chew is swallowed, the active ingredient in Bravecto^®, Fluralaner, is absorbed with food across the walls of the small blood vessels that surround the intestines. After that, Fluralaner enters the bloodstream of your dog. Once Fluralaner molecules are in your dog’s bloodstream, they become bound to particular locations in proteins that normally circulate in your pawed pal’s blood.

Over time Fluralaner molecules are slowly released from these circulating proteins. When released, Fluralaner diffuses into fluids that bathe your dog’s tissues (particularly the area beneath your dog’s skin.) Fluralaner in the skin fluids is right where it’s needed to kill fleas, ticks and mites. From this point onwards up until 12 weeks, if fleas, ticks or mites bite into your dog, they take up fluralaner which causes paralysis and death of the parasites. Fluralaner only attacks certain receptors that are specific to insects, which is why it’s safe to administer to dogs.

Bravecto^® starts working in just 2 hours! Within 12 hours of treatment, >90% of exposed ticks are dead and within 8 hours >95% of exposed fleas are dead. Bravecto^® kills fleas, prevents flea infestations and kills common ticks for up to 12 weeks. As the 12 weeks progress, the molecule leaves the blood and easily passes through your pet’s body, without causing any harm to the liver, kidneys or any other internal organs.

What is Fluralaner?

Fluralaner is the active ingredient in Bravecto^®. Fluralaner is a synthetic molecule that has been synthesised exclusively for animal health. But fear not – Fluralaner is highly parasite-specific, which means it is effective against ticks and fleas, but not mammals. Your pawed pal does not metabolise Fluralaner, and it is excreted, unchanged, in the faeces.

Should you worry about your dog ingesting ticks or fleas that have been killed by Bravecto^®?

No, Bravecto is insect-specific and fluralaner has no effect in mammals.

Does Bravecto^® repel ticks / fleas?

No, ticks and fleas are not repelled by Bravecto^®, but they die quickly after taking a blood meal.

Should Bravecto^® be given all year-round?

The answer is simply, yes. Ticks and fleas generally do not take a break (especially in South Africa where temperatures do not get low enough for long enough periods). Giving your dog Bravecto^® every 12 weeks (4 times a year) will ensure that they remain protected all year round.

Now that you’re all clued up on the ins and outs of Bravecto^®, why not take a look at all the adventures waiting out there now that your dog is tick, flea and mite free? Take a look at our blog on the best dog parks in South Africa.

Sources:
Bravecto FAQs