Neither Bravecto nor Simparica is definitively "safer"; both are effective isoxazoline preventatives with similar, generally rare, side effects (vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures) but have key differences, with Bravecto lasting longer (12 weeks) and being safe for breeding dogs, while Simparica (monthly) is used for Lyme prevention but not established as safe for pregnant/breeding pets, so the "safer" choice depends on your dog's specific health, lifestyle, and risk factors for parasites, requiring a vet consultation.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Bravecto, Simparica has yet to be approved for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
Examples of these safe and effective treatments include the Seresto collar for long-lasting protection and Frontline Plus for flea and tick prevention. Oral medications like Simparica and Bravecto offer convenience and effectiveness, and come highly recommended by vets all over Australia.
BRAVECTO (fluralaner topical solution) for Dogs: The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, hair loss, diarrhea, lethargy, decreased appetite, and moist dermatitis/rash. BRAVECTO Topical Solution for dogs has not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age.
Side effects are uncommon with Simparica products but may include:
There are several oral prescription flea and tick medications that are safe for dogs. These preventatives come in pill and chew forms. Your vet can help you find the right one for your pup's age. Credelio Quattro is an excellent choice for flea and tick protection.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. While Simparica was trialed and not approved, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
They include nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dehydration, and skin allergies. More serious but rare neurological side effects include muscle tremors, seizures, and ataxia. Because side effects are rare, the Food and Drug Administration considers Bravecto and other isoxazoline products safe for dogs.
Both products are safe for dogs when following directions and have been approved by the FDA to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations. However, unlike Bravecto, Nexgard has not yet been evaluated for use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.
BREAKING THE FLEA LIFE CYCLE
Veterinary professional organizations recommend using an oral or topical flea product, such as Bravecto® (fluralaner), regularly all year round to break the flea life cycle and keep your pet flea free5.
Cedarwood oil solution (10 drops per 1 ounce of water) can be applied to both pets and the environment once to twice daily. Cedarwood mulch is a helpful deterrent for landscaping. For moderate infestations, Dr. Trish uses Revolution and for severe infestations, she recommends Nexgard.
Over the years we have found Milbemax, Interceptor and Sentinel to all have excellent safety profiles. The annual heartworm injection also seems to be low-risk in most pets. And if you need a solution that incorporates tick prevention, consider monthly Credelio Plus chews for dogs.
The best dietary tick repellents for dogs are apple cider vinegar and garlic. For topical homemade tick repellents for dogs, you can make one using natural essential oils. Combine 2 cups of water with two drops each of lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass essential oils.
Simparica Trio™ has not been evaluated in dogs that are pregnant, breeding or lactating. Simparica Trio™ has been safely used in dogs treated with commonly prescribed vaccines, parasiticides and other medications. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures.
Not all flea treatments are harmful. The Pesticide Action Network warn us about two chemicals which are harmful to human health; fipronil and permethrin. These have both been found to have links to cancer and suspected endocrine disruption which means they can interfere with your hormone system.
The best prescription alternatives to Simparica Trio include NexGard PLUS, Interceptor Plus with Bravecto or NexGard, and Credelio Quattro. These are made by trusted veterinary pharmaceutical companies like Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco, Zoetis, and Virbac.
Both are vet-prescribed, FDA-approved chewables. Switching is safe with proper timing and vet guidance. Bottom Line: Choose Bravecto for fewer doses and long-lasting protection. Choose Simparica for monthly reliability and mite coverage.
Use NexGard PLUS with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, click here for full prescribing information. Following the use of HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) in dogs, digestive and neurologic side effects and itching have been reported.
Simparica is the FIRST flea and tick preventative for dogs that kills 6 types of ticks and starts working fast* and goes strong for 35 days.
All BRAVECTO products contain fluralaner, which is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs. It is estimated that 1 in 3 domestic dogs will develop cancer, which is the same incidence of cancer among humans. Dogs can develop a variety of cancers and most are very similar to those found in humans.
Enter the magic ingredient: Fluralaner. This is the active ingredient in Bravecto oral, a treatment that has a 3-month active time frame. It works by being absorbed into the bloodstream and works systemically.
Monthly Simparica Trio prevents heartworm disease, kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, the treatment and control of tick infestations, and the treatment and control of roundworm and hookworm infections in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older, and weighing 2.8 ...
Secondly, Bravecto and NexGard are trusted by veterinarians for their efficacy and safety, offering pet parents peace of mind. Both treatments are also suitable for use in young dogs, allowing for early protection against fleas and ticks.
Conclusions. Oral administration of fluralaner at the highest recommended treatment dose (56 mg/kg) at 8-week intervals is well tolerated and has a safety margin of more than five in healthy dogs eight weeks of age or older and weighing at least 2 kg.