NexGard vs. Bravecto: Which Flea & Tick Preventative Wins in 2026?
Choosing the right parasite preventative is one of the most important decisions for a dog owner. With fleas and ticks becoming increasingly resilient and widespread, oral chewables like NexGard and Bravecto have become the gold standard in veterinary medicine due to their high efficiency and ease of use, both of which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and widely recommended by veterinarians.
While these products share similarities in efficiency and drug class, important differences exist in dosing schedule, age indications and safety considerations. This article provides a side-by-side comparison of NexGard and Bravecto to assist dog owners in making informed decisions in consultation with their veterinarian.
How They Work
NexGard and Bravecto are systemic flea and tick preventatives that belong to the isoxazoline class of medications. After oral administration, the active ingredients circulate in the dog’s bloodstream. Fleas and ticks are killed after they attach and ingest the medication while feeding rather than being repelled prior to attachment.
NexGard contains the active ingredient afoxolaner and is formulated as a beef-flavored chewable tablet administered once every thirty days. It is approved for dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older that weigh at least four pounds, making it a common choice for puppies beginning parasite prevention (NexGard Prescribing Information).
Bravecto contains fluralaner and is administered orally as a flavored chewable tablet that provides up to twelve weeks of flea and tick protection per dose (Bravecto Prescribing Information). It is approved for dogs six months of age and older and is also available in a topical formulation for dogs that cannot tolerate oral medications (Bravecto Prescribing Information).
Key Differences in Usage
When comparing NexGard and Bravecto, several differences affect how each medication is incorporated into everyday parasite prevention. These differences can help dog owners choose the option that best fits their age, lifestyle, dosing preferences and risk profile.
One of the most noticeable differences between the two products is the frequency with which they are administered. NexGard is given once every thirty days, which means owners must remember to treat their dog twelve times per year. This regular schedule can align with other monthly care routines such as heartworm preventatives or monthly grooming reminders. In contrast, Bravecto only needs to be given once every twelve weeks, reducing annual doses to about four per year. This schedule may be more convenient for owners who prefer fewer treatments and a longer duration of continuous protection without monthly dosing reminders.
Age and Weight Considerations
Age and body weight play an important role in determining which flea and tick preventative is appropriate for an individual dog. NexGard is approved for use in puppies as young as eight weeks of age that weigh at least four pounds, making it one of the earlier oral options available for initiating parasite prevention in young dogs. This early approval allows veterinarians to begin consistent flea and tick control during a critical developmental period when puppies may first be exposed to parasites.
Bravecto chews are approved for dogs and puppies six months of age and older weighing at least 4.4 pounds. Because of this higher minimum age requirement, Bravecto is generally introduced later in a dog’s preventive care plan. Some veterinarians may recommend starting puppies on a monthly product such as NexGard and transitioning to Bravecto once the dog reaches the appropriate age.
For both medications, precise weight-based dosing is essential. Each product is formulated in specific strength ranges, and administering the correct dose based on the dog’s current weight helps ensure effective parasite control while minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Dogs should be weighed regularly, particularly during periods of growth, to confirm that the selected dose remains appropriate. Consultation with a veterinarian is recommended before starting or changing any parasite preventative to ensure the medication aligns with the dog’s age, size and overall health status.
In The End
NexGard and Bravecto are both trusted, veterinarian-approved options for flea and tick prevention in dogs. While they share a similar mechanism of action, differences in dosing frequency and age eligibility may make one a better fit depending on a dog’s needs and an owner’s preferences. NexGard’s monthly schedule supports early and routine prevention, while Bravecto’s extended dosing offers added convenience for eligible dogs.
Both medications are available through Koala Health, where prescriptions are managed with built-in veterinary oversight. After checkout, Koala Health connects directly with a pet’s veterinarian for approval and refills, simplifying ongoing parasite prevention while keeping care guided by a licensed professional.