How does Bravecto tablet work on ticks? - briefly
Bravecto tablet is a chewable medication designed to protect dogs from ticks. It contains the active ingredient fluralaner, which is absorbed into the dog's bloodstream. Once ingested, fluralaner targets the nervous system of ticks, disrupting their ability to feed and reproduce. This action effectively kills ticks and prevents infestations. The medication remains active in the dog's system for up to 12 weeks, providing long-lasting protection against ticks. Bravecto is administered orally, making it a convenient option for pet owners. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by a veterinarian to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Regular use of Bravecto can significantly reduce the risk of tick-borne diseases in dogs.
Bravecto tablet works by killing ticks through systemic action. It disrupts the nervous system of ticks, leading to their death.
How does Bravecto tablet work on ticks? - in detail
Bravecto is a popular oral tablet used for the prevention and treatment of tick infestations in dogs. The active ingredient in Bravecto is fluralaner, a potent insecticide and acaricide that belongs to the isoxazoline class of chemicals. Fluralaner is designed to provide long-lasting protection against a variety of tick species, ensuring that dogs remain protected for an extended period after a single dose.
Upon ingestion, fluralaner is rapidly absorbed into the dog's bloodstream. It then distributes throughout the body, including the skin and subcutaneous tissues, where ticks are most likely to attach. The mechanism of action involves the inhibition of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate-gated chloride channels in the nervous system of ticks. These channels are crucial for the regulation of neuronal excitability. By blocking these channels, fluralaner disrupts the normal functioning of the tick's nervous system, leading to paralysis and eventual death.
The effectiveness of Bravecto against ticks is due to its ability to provide sustained levels of fluralaner in the dog's system. This sustained release ensures that ticks are exposed to a lethal dose of the active ingredient whenever they attempt to feed on the dog. The duration of protection varies depending on the specific tick species, but Bravecto is generally effective for up to 12 weeks against common tick species such as:
- Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick)
- Ixodes ricinus (castor bean tick)
- Ixodes holocyclus (Australian paralysis tick)
- Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick)
- Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick)
- Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog tick)
It is important to note that Bravecto does not repel ticks; instead, it kills ticks that attempt to feed on the dog. This means that ticks may still attach to the dog, but they will be killed within a short period, typically within 12 hours of attachment. This rapid action helps to prevent tick-borne diseases, as ticks need to feed for a certain duration to transmit pathogens.
Bravecto is available in chewable tablet form, making it easy to administer to dogs. The dosage is determined by the weight of the dog, and it is crucial to follow the veterinarian's recommendations for proper administration. Regular use of Bravecto, as prescribed, ensures continuous protection against tick infestations and the associated health risks.
In summary, Bravecto's effectiveness against ticks is attributed to the sustained release of fluralaner, which disrupts the nervous system of ticks, leading to their paralysis and death. This long-lasting protection helps to keep dogs safe from tick-borne diseases by ensuring that any ticks attempting to feed on the dog are quickly neutralized.