Quick Verdict
Bravecto and NexGard are closely matched on efficacy. The real difference is duration: one Bravecto chew covers 12 weeks, which means 4 doses per year vs 12 for NexGard. Bravecto costs more per dose but less per month. It is the better choice for anyone who has ever missed a monthly flea dose.
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Quick Answers
- Bravecto: one dose = 12 weeks of protection, costs $28-33/dose
- NexGard: monthly, costs $12-14/dose β but 12 doses per year vs 4
- Bravecto $9-11/month vs NexGard $12-14/month β Bravecto is cheaper
- Both are isoxazolines with similar flea and tick efficacy (Bravecto 98.7%+ at 8h; NexGard 99.9% at 24h)
- Bravecto is better if you ever forget monthly doses
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Same class, different duration
Bravecto (fluralaner) and NexGard (afoxolaner) are both isoxazolines β a class of oral ectoparasiticides that kill fleas and ticks by overstimulating their nervous systems. Both are beef-flavored chewables. Both require a prescription in the US, available without one via Canada Pet Care.
The practical difference: Bravecto's fluralaner stays in the body longer. One tablet at the vet's recommended dose lasts 12 weeks. NexGard doses monthly. Over a year, that's 4 Bravecto doses vs 12 NexGard doses. For a broader look at all oral flea treatment options, see our flea pills for dogs guide.
Efficacy
Clinical data on both products from FDA-submitted studies:
- Bravecto flea kill: 98.7%+ within 8 hours (activity begins at 2-4 hours, reaches β₯98% by hour 8)
- NexGard flea kill: 99.9% within 24 hours, starts within 4 hours
- Bravecto deer tick kill: 100% within 12 hours
- NexGard deer tick kill: 100% within 48 hours
Bravecto kills faster β fleas within 2 hours, ticks within 12 hours vs NexGard's 4-hour flea and 48-hour tick window. For most situations the difference is academic. For heavy tick environments where you want the fastest kill possible, Bravecto has a small edge.
Cost comparison
At Canada Pet Care (medium dog, 6 months of coverage):
- Bravecto 2-pack: $55-65 total, $9-11/month
- NexGard 6-pack: $70-85 total, $12-14/month
Bravecto costs $5-20 less per 6 months. The per-month math always favors Bravecto because you need fewer doses.
The practical difference: how often you dose
Monthly dosing means 12 opportunities per year to forget. A 3-day gap in NexGard protection is unlikely to cause a flea infestation in a low-flea environment but can in a high-flea one. Bravecto's 12-week window provides more buffer β if you dose on week 11 instead of week 12, nothing bad happens.
This is the strongest argument for Bravecto for most dog owners. Flea prevention fails most often because of missed doses, not because the drug itself stopped working.
Who should choose NexGard
Owners who prefer monthly check-ins on the medication schedule. Dogs where you want to assess tolerance more frequently when first starting a new product. Situations where you need flexibility β a vet can more easily adjust a monthly protocol mid-year if something changes.
Who should choose Bravecto
Owners who have missed a monthly dose before. Dogs that travel seasonally and flea risk is concentrated in certain months β two Bravecto doses cover an entire flea season. Cost-conscious owners β Bravecto is consistently cheaper per month across all weight classes. Also available as a topical spot-on for dogs that refuse oral tablets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give Bravecto monthly if I want to?
No. Bravecto should not be given more frequently than every 12 weeks. The dose is calculated for that duration, and dosing more often increases exposure beyond what was tested in safety studies.
Does Bravecto cover heartworm?
No. Like NexGard, Bravecto covers only fleas and ticks. For heartworm coverage, you need Simparica Trio or a separate monthly heartworm preventative.
Is Bravecto safe for puppies?
Approved for puppies 6 months and older, minimum 4.4 pounds. NexGard is approved slightly younger β 8 weeks and older. For very young puppies, NexGard has the earlier start window.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- 4 doses/year vs 12 β fewer opportunities to miss
- $5-20 cheaper per 6 months than NexGard
- Faster flea kill (2 hours vs 4 hours)
- Also available as a topical spot-on
- Same strong tick coverage as NexGard
Cons
- β οΈ Isoxazoline class β caution in seizure-history dogs
- Higher per-dose cost even though cheaper per month
- Not approved under 6 months (NexGard approved from 8 weeks)
Comparison Table
| Product | Active Ingredient | Duration | Flea kill start | Flea efficacy | Price/6mo at CPC | Doses/year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bravecto | Fluralaner | 12 weeks | 2 hours | 98.7% | $55-65 | 4 |
| NexGard | Afoxolaner | 4 weeks | 4 hours | 99.9% | $70-85 | 12 |
| Simparica Trio | Sarolaner+ | 4 weeks | 3 hours | ~100% | $115-135 | 12 |
| Bravecto topical | Fluralaner | 12 weeks | 2 hours | 98.7% | $55-65 | 4 |
Bottom Line
At Canada Pet Care: Bravecto 2-pack (6 months) runs $55-65. NexGard 6-pack runs $70-85. Bravecto is $5-20 cheaper per 6 months and requires fewer doses per year.