Bravecto Vs. NexGard: What’s Better for Flea Treatment?

As a pet parent, you know fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can irritate your pet’s skin, trigger allergic reactions, and spread diseases that can impact long-term health. Protecting your cat or dog with consistent flea and tick prevention helps keep them comfortable and reduces the risk of more serious problems.

Bravecto and NexGard are two of the most popular prescription options for flea and tick protection, and at a glance they seem pretty similar. Both are vet-recommended, highly effective, and designed to keep pets protected so they can stay active outdoors without you worrying about what they might bring back inside.

With so much overlap, it’s normal to wonder which one is the better fit for your pet and your routine. Keep reading to learn more about Bravecto vs. NexGard to help you choose the right option for your pet.

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• What is Bravecto?
• What is NexGard?
• Comparing Bravecto vs. NexGard
• Flea Prevention & Treatment

• Final Notes

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What is Bravecto?

Bravecto is a highly effective flea and tick preventative for dogs and cats. A chewable for dogs and topical for cats, both offer up to 12 weeks of protection from fleas and ticks, nearly 3x longer than a dose of another brand's monthly treatment.

The convenience of Bravecto can’t be beat, since you only have to dose it every few months. But this can also increase the chances you'll forget a dose, so it’s smart to set a recurring reminder every three months.

Bravecto is designed to rapidly eliminate fleas and ticks to prevent infestations and reduce the risk of painful, irritated, and itchy skin and the potential for disease transmission in dogs and cats. The only difference between Bravecto for dogs and Bravecto for cats is how the treatment is administered. The chewable tablet for dogs can be given every three months, while the topical for cats is applied directly to the skin on the back of the neck.

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What is NexGard?

Nexgard is another flea and tick prevention option for dogs and cats. NexGard for cats is called NexGard COMBO and is another topical applied directly to the back of the neck. NexGard COMBO for cats is designed to protect them from fleas, ticks, and heartworm disease while treating hookworms and tapeworms.

NexGard for dogs, on the other hand, is a chewable tablet designed for the prevention and treatment of ticks and fleas only. If you need heartworm protection for your dog, you'll need to purchase the company's other brand Heartgard Plus.

Both NexGard for dogs and NexGard COMBO for cats are available in three and six-month supplies.

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Comparing Bravecto vs. NexGard: Key similarities and differences

Although Bravecto and NexGard share a lot in common, they differ in several key ways:

• Active ingredients: Bravecto's active ingredient is fluralaner, while NexGard contains afoxolaner. 
• Age and weight requirements: Bravecto is approved for dogs six months and older weighing almost five pounds. NexGard can be given to puppies as young as eight weeks old weighing at least four pounds.
• Pregnancy and breeding: Bravecto is FDA-approved for use in pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs, making it a safer choice if you're planning to breed your pet. NexGard hasn't been evaluated for safety in pregnant or breeding dogs, so veterinarians typically avoid prescribing it in these situations.
• Duration: Bravecto works for up to 12 weeks, whereas NexGard requires monthly applications to maintain protection. 
• Spectrum of protection: Both medications effectively kill fleas and multiple tick species, including the American dog tick, black-legged tick, and brown dog tick. Bravecto also protects against the Lone Star tick for eight weeks. For cats, NexGard COMBO offers broader protection, including heartworm prevention and treatment for intestinal parasites.
• Onset: Bravecto begins killing fleas within two hours and ticks within 12 hours. Meanwhile, NexGard is absorbed within six hours, killing fleas within eight hours and ticks within 48 hours.
• Administration: Both Bravecto and NexGard come as chewable tablets for dogs, with topical versions available for cats.
• Flavor options: Bravecto offers a pork-flavored chewable, while NexGard comes in beef flavor.

• Cost: The cost for Bravecto vs. NexGard depends on the source. Bravecto might seem cheaper with its 12-week dosage, but costs are similar once you consider the monthly purchase of NexGard. You can compare costs on our pharmacy page.

How do Bravecto and NexGard kill fleas and ticks?

Bravecto and NexGard work from the inside out, using active ingredients fluralaner and afoxolaner, respectively. Both belong to the same drug class (isoxazolines) and work in similar ways.

After your pet takes the chew (or the topical absorbs), the active ingredient circulates in their bloodstream. When a flea or tick bites and starts feeding, it ingests the medication, which disrupts the parasite’s nervous system. This causes paralysis and death, usually within hours.

Because these products are systemic, fleas and ticks don’t have to crawl across your pet’s skin to be killed. That’s why you might still see a tick attached shortly after dosing — the goal is to kill the tick after it bites, before it can multiply or transmit disease.

NexGard vs. Bravecto: Side effects

Because NexGard and Bravecto belong to the same class of medications, they can cause similar side effects in some pets.

Bravecto might cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and flatulence. These are usually mild and temporary, but it's important to keep an eye on your pet after giving them the treatment.

NexGard may lead to vomiting, flaky skin, diarrhea, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Like with Bravecto, these side effects tend to be mild and resolve on their own.

The FDA has warned that flea and tick drugs in the isoxazoline class, including NexGard and Bravecto, may be associated with neurologic adverse events in some dogs and cats (like tremors, ataxia, seizures). If your pet has a seizure history, discuss these risks with your vet before starting or switching.

Most pets do well on either medication, but you should always monitor your pet after the first dose (or after switching products). If your pet shows repeated vomiting, extreme lethargy, balance problems, or anything that seems off, contact your vet right away.

NexGard and Bravecto dosing

NexGard and Bravecto both use weight-based dosing, but they differ in how often they’re given and how they’re administered. Here’s how NexGard and Bravecto dosing compare.

Dosing for dogs

Dosing for cats

Fortunately, you don’t need to calculate any of this yourself. Your vet prescribes the correct product and strength, and the packaging clearly lists the approved weight range. The key is staying on schedule — monthly for NexGard or every 12 weeks for Bravecto — because delayed doses can leave gaps in protection, especially during peak flea and tick season.

Bravecto and NexGard drug interactions: Can I use them if my dog is on another treatment?

In general, Bravecto and NexGard can be used with other medications, but it depends on what your dog is taking and their medical history. Vets commonly prescribe Bravecto and NexGard alongside routine treatments like heartworm preventives, vaccines, and even antibiotics.

Where extra caution matters is with neurologic conditions, especially a history of seizures. Since both medications affect the nervous systems of parasites, there have been reports of neurologic side effects (such as tremors or seizures) in a small number of pets.

If your dog has a history of seizures, takes anti-seizure medication, or has another neurologic condition, this is something you should discuss explicitly with your vet before starting or switching products.

Bottom line: Have your vet (or a licensed telemedicine vet) review your dog’s full medication list so they can confirm the safest option and dosing for your dog’s age, weight, and medical history.

How to choose between Nexgard and Bravecto

Choosing between NexGard and Bravecto can feel overwhelming, but focusing on your pet’s specific needs will help make the decision easier. Here’s a breakdown to guide you.

Consider your pet type

When choosing between Bravecto vs. NexGard, it's important to consider what type of pet you have. For instance, if you have cats, Bravecto for cats might be the best option, especially if your cat is already on another heartworm preventative. Since NexGard products for cats are only available as a combination treatment, some cats won't need it.

On the other hand, when comparing NexGard vs. Bravecto for dogs, both are effective, and it might just come down to personal preference. For instance, if you've had experience with one brand, you probably already trust it to protect your dog. While the active ingredients are different, they both serve the same purpose and are extremely effective.

Duration and onset

You might also want to consider the duration and onset. For instance, if you'd rather give your dog a dosage every 12 weeks instead of every month, you can choose Bravecto. Bravecto is also the faster-acting option, so if your dog has any live ticks on them, it will eliminate them much faster than NexGard.

Both options are generally well-tolerated by dogs with minimal side effects, and they're approved by the FDA to treat and prevent fleas and ticks. That said, only Bravecto is approved for use in pregnant, breeding, and lactating dogs. NexGard is not approved for pregnant dogs, so it's highly unlikely your vet will prescribe it for them if they know you plan on breeding your female pet.

Prescription requirements

In addition, both require a prescription from your vet beforehand. While non-prescription flea and tick products are available, they're not as effective as prescription chewables and topicals, which protect your pet for longer.

The only way to determine which option is best for your pet — NexGard vs. Bravecto — is to speak with your vet. Since you can't order either of these preventives online without a prescription, your vet will be able to determine which option is best based on your pet's individual needs.

You often won't need an in-person vet visit to get these prescriptions. Instead, you can use telemedicine for pets with Dutch to get a prescription online and order directly from our online pet pharmacy.

Other considerations

With other types of parasites, like heartworm, your vet must perform blood testing to ensure your pet doesn't have heartworm disease before giving them the preventive. However, with flea and tick preventives, whether Bravecto vs. NexGard for dogs, there's no diagnostic testing required because both can effectively treat flea and tick infestations within hours after administration. Therefore, you're getting treatment and prevention in one.

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The importance of flea and tick prevention

Flea and tick prevention for dogs and cats is a must — and yes, that includes indoor pets. Even if your cat never steps outside, fleas can hitch a ride into your home on clothing, visitors, or other pets. Because they’re tiny (sometimes nearly impossible to spot), you may not notice them until there’s already an issue.

Dogs typically face higher exposure simply because they spend more time outdoors. Fleas and ticks live in the places dogs love most, like yards, parks, tall grass, brush, and areas where wildlife passes through, so it’s easy for parasites to latch on during walks, playtime, or even a quick bathroom break.

Veterinarians recommend prescription treatments for good reason. Fleas and ticks carry diseases and cause severe itching and discomfort. Year-round prevention keeps your pet protected from infestations and ensures they stay healthy and comfortable.

The good news is you have plenty of prevention options, from prescription chewables and topical treatments to shampoos and collars. Preventatives help prevent fleas and ticks from biting your dog while eliminating these external parasites if they've already infested them. For example, if you spot a tick on your dog, prescription products like Bravecto or NexGard can kill it within about 12 to 48 hours, depending on the medication.

Prescription vs. over-the-counter (OTC) flea and tick treatment

When it comes to flea and tick prevention, the biggest difference between prescription and OTC products is strength and staying power. Prescription preventives are generally the most effective because they’re designed to provide consistent, longer-lasting protection, killing fleas and ticks quickly and helping prevent bites. Some options even repel parasites, making your pet less appealing in the first place.

OTC treatments can still play a role, but they tend to offer a lower level of protection. Shampoos and some non-prescription topicals, for example, usually need frequent reapplication and may not work as reliably or as long as prescription medications.

If you want the most dependable coverage, ask your vet about a prescription preventive that fits your pet’s needs. Just be sure you’re using a species-specific product — cat and dog flea/tick medications aren’t interchangeable, and using the wrong one can be dangerous.

And don’t stop when temperatures drop. Vets recommend year-round prevention because ticks can remain active in cooler weather, and fleas can live comfortably indoors, and it’s much easier to prevent a problem than to treat an infestation later.

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Protect your pet from fleas & ticks - Get Bravecto and NexGard online with Dutch

Flea and tick prevention is a big part of keeping pets healthy and comfortable. These parasites don’t just cause itching and irritation; they can also spread disease in both dogs and cats.

If you’re comparing options like Bravecto vs. NexGard, the best choice depends on your pet, the coverage you want, and how often you want to dose. Both Bravecto and NexGard have options for dogs, while cats require cat-specific formulas (such as Bravecto for cats or NexGard Combo, which may also include heartworm and internal parasite protection).

From there, it comes down to routine — if fewer doses sound appealing, Bravecto is often chosen for its longer-lasting protection compared to NexGard’s monthly preventives.

With a Dutch membership, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. You can talk with a licensed vet online about your pet’s lifestyle and health history, get help choosing between Bravecto vs. NexGard, and (if appropriate) receive a prescription. Once prescribed, you can order directly from Dutch’s online pharmacy and have your pet’s medication delivered straight to your door.

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Bravecto vs. NexGard FAQs

Do Bravecto and NexGard kill fleas and ticks?

Yes, both Bravecto and NexGard kill fleas and ticks when you give them as directed. They work systemically, meaning the medication gets into your pet’s bloodstream. When a flea or tick bites and starts feeding, it’s exposed to the active ingredient in the medication and dies.

The main difference between the two medications is the dosing schedule: NexGard requires monthly applications, while Bravecto lasts for up to 12 weeks.

What is the safest flea and tick medication for my dog?

The safest flea and tick medicine for your dog is the one that matches your dog’s health history and risk level (and that you can give consistently). Your vet will usually choose the best option based on your dog’s age and weight, any underlying health issues, and your dog’s real-world exposure to fleas and ticks where you live. 

For example, Bravecto and NexGard are widely used and generally considered safe for most dogs when you give them as directed. But if your dog has a history of seizures or other neurologic issues, medications in this class have been associated with neurologic side effects (like tremors or seizures) in some dogs. With that context, your vet can steer you toward the safest option for your dog or suggest an alternative that better fits their needs.

How to get NexGard without a vet prescription?

You generally can’t get legitimate NexGard without a prescription — it’s labeled for use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. If getting to a clinic is the barrier, a telehealth service like Dutch can make it easier. You can talk to a vet online, get guidance on whether NexGard is a good fit for your dog, and (if appropriate) receive a prescription that you can fill through their online pharmacy and have sent directly to your door for free standard shipping.

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Do fleas have to bite my dog for NexGard or Bravecto to work?

Yes, fleas have to bite your dog for NexGard or Bravecto to work. Both medications are systemic, meaning they circulate through your dog’s bloodstream. When a flea or tick bites and starts feeding, it ingests the medication and is killed.

These products work quickly, so parasites typically die before they can cause ongoing irritation, lay eggs, or spread an infestation. Over time, this breaks the flea life cycle and helps keep your dog (and your home) protected.

Why can I see fleas near my dog even after using Bravecto or NexGard?

Seeing fleas near your dog — even after using Bravecto or NexGard — is common. These medications don’t repel fleas; they kill them after they bite. So fleas can still jump onto your dog from the yard or your home and still be visible for a short time. Once they bite and start feeding, the medication kicks in and kills them before they can keep reproducing.

It can also take time to clear a household flea problem. Flea eggs and larvae can linger in carpets, bedding, and furniture, then keep hatching for weeks. Those newly hatched fleas hop on your dog and get killed, but you may still spot them until the flea life cycle fully breaks, which can take several weeks.