Protecting our dogs against fleas and ticks is essential if we want them to stay healthy and free of disease. Not to mention that these parasites can also harm us humans.
Choosing a good antiparasitic option is not an easy task, as there are many flea collars, pipettes and pills. In this article from Dogalyo we are going to find out which is the best flea pills for a dog, how to administer it and what is its real duration of protection.
Nexgard tablets are one of the best options to protect our dogs against fleas, ticks and mite overpopulation. The active substance is afoxolaner, an insecticide and miticide that belongs to the isoxazoline family.
There are various sizes of pills, based on the weight of each dog. We should give him one pill every five weeks, to give him full protection. From five weeks after intake, the pill begins to lose effect. So in principle, our dog will be totally protected for five weeks.
Fleas and ticks can attach themselves to the dog, but they will die within a few hours. So our dog will be free of fleas and ticks.
Another good option to protect our dog is the Bravecto tablets, which are also available in various sizes based on the weight of our dog. Their active ingredient is fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class (like Nexgard).
The duration of protection of this type of tablet against fleas and ticks is eight to twelve weeks. It offers twelve weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, but only eight weeks against a very specific kind of tick called Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick).
When the fleas or ticks feed on the dog, they absorb the active ingredient and die. Making our dog free of these annoying parasites.
Both pills use the same active ingredient so both are equally effective. However the duration of one is longer than the other, so we might think that Bravecto is better then the other, but in reality it is not.
Based on the price, we must see if it is cheaper to buy a monthly pill (Nexgard) or a pill every two months (Bravecto), and many times the price of Nexgard is much better, even multiplied by two to assimilate in effectiveness to Bravecto.
And yes, we put two months as a reference for Bravecto and not three months, because at two months it stops protecting against certain ticks, so its protection is not total.
Both pills are aimed at protecting our dog from external parasites, both using the same active principle. Only their duration and price vary, so there is no one better than the other, only one more expensive than the other.
Choosing a good antiparasitic option is not an easy task, as there are many flea collars, pipettes and pills. In this article from Dogalyo we are going to find out which is the best flea pills for a dog, how to administer it and what is its real duration of protection.
NexGard Chewable Tick & Flea Tablet for Dogs
Nexgard tablets are one of the best options to protect our dogs against fleas, ticks and mite overpopulation. The active substance is afoxolaner, an insecticide and miticide that belongs to the isoxazoline family.
There are various sizes of pills, based on the weight of each dog. We should give him one pill every five weeks, to give him full protection. From five weeks after intake, the pill begins to lose effect. So in principle, our dog will be totally protected for five weeks.
Fleas and ticks can attach themselves to the dog, but they will die within a few hours. So our dog will be free of fleas and ticks.
Bravecto Chewable Tablet Flea Treatment
Another good option to protect our dog is the Bravecto tablets, which are also available in various sizes based on the weight of our dog. Their active ingredient is fluralaner, a member of the isoxazoline class (like Nexgard).
The duration of protection of this type of tablet against fleas and ticks is eight to twelve weeks. It offers twelve weeks of protection against fleas and ticks, but only eight weeks against a very specific kind of tick called Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick).
When the fleas or ticks feed on the dog, they absorb the active ingredient and die. Making our dog free of these annoying parasites.
NexGard vs Bravecto which is better?
Both pills use the same active ingredient so both are equally effective. However the duration of one is longer than the other, so we might think that Bravecto is better then the other, but in reality it is not.
Based on the price, we must see if it is cheaper to buy a monthly pill (Nexgard) or a pill every two months (Bravecto), and many times the price of Nexgard is much better, even multiplied by two to assimilate in effectiveness to Bravecto.
And yes, we put two months as a reference for Bravecto and not three months, because at two months it stops protecting against certain ticks, so its protection is not total.
Both pills are aimed at protecting our dog from external parasites, both using the same active principle. Only their duration and price vary, so there is no one better than the other, only one more expensive than the other.
Related: Home Remedies For Fleas on Dogs - Natural Flea Treatment
Indeed, this type of pill not only protects our dog from external parasites such as fleas or ticks. They also protect against various internal parasites such as adult gastrointestinal nematodes such as roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliense) and trichurids (Trichuris vulpis).
In addition, they are effective in protecting against heartworm, dirofilariasis (larvae of Dirofilaria immitis). So our dog will also be protected against this large number of internal parasites.
In fact they are much safer than the typical flea collars or flea pipettes (liquid). If the active ingredient is better, it does not present toxicity to the dog and furthermore we will not cover our dog with poisonous liquids, as is the case with pipettes.
However, if our dog weighs less than two kilos, is a puppy or is ill, we should consult the veterinarian beforehand. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.
In reality, it is very simple, we only have to give our dog the appropriate pill (based on its weight) on the corresponding date and renew it when its period of protection has ended.
They are pills that have flavor, so our dog will eat them without any problem. The ideal is to put it next to his food, so that he takes it naturally. Once consumed, complete protection will begin in a few hours.
They are usually sold with a prescription, so it is necessary to go to a veterinarian or veterinary clinic to buy them. Their price varies according to the country where they are bought.
They can also be bought in online pet shops, although many do not sell them without a prior veterinary prescription, for security reasons. As they are medicines, a prescription is required.
Do they protect against anything else?
Indeed, this type of pill not only protects our dog from external parasites such as fleas or ticks. They also protect against various internal parasites such as adult gastrointestinal nematodes such as roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina), hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Ancylostoma braziliense) and trichurids (Trichuris vulpis).
In addition, they are effective in protecting against heartworm, dirofilariasis (larvae of Dirofilaria immitis). So our dog will also be protected against this large number of internal parasites.
Are flea pills dangerous?
In fact they are much safer than the typical flea collars or flea pipettes (liquid). If the active ingredient is better, it does not present toxicity to the dog and furthermore we will not cover our dog with poisonous liquids, as is the case with pipettes.
However, if our dog weighs less than two kilos, is a puppy or is ill, we should consult the veterinarian beforehand. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing dogs.
How are chewable flea tablets administered?
In reality, it is very simple, we only have to give our dog the appropriate pill (based on its weight) on the corresponding date and renew it when its period of protection has ended.
They are pills that have flavor, so our dog will eat them without any problem. The ideal is to put it next to his food, so that he takes it naturally. Once consumed, complete protection will begin in a few hours.
Where can I buy this type of pill?
They are usually sold with a prescription, so it is necessary to go to a veterinarian or veterinary clinic to buy them. Their price varies according to the country where they are bought.
They can also be bought in online pet shops, although many do not sell them without a prior veterinary prescription, for security reasons. As they are medicines, a prescription is required.
