How does Bravecto work for dogs against ticks? - briefly
Bravecto works by killing ticks that feed on dogs within 48 hours of attachment, providing protection against tick infestations and the diseases they may carry. The active ingredient in Bravecto, fluralaner, is a systemic insecticide that acts on the nervous system of ticks, leading to their death.
How does Bravecto work for dogs against ticks? - in detail
Bravecto is a highly effective, long-acting parasiticide specifically designed to protect dogs from tick infestations. Its active ingredient, fluralaner, works through a unique mode of action that provides both immediate and sustained efficacy against ticks.
When administered as an oral or topical treatment, fluralaner is rapidly absorbed into the dog's bloodstream. This absorption allows the compound to distribute throughout the body, including the skin and subcutaneous tissues where ticks are most likely to attach. The high lipid solubility of fluralaner ensures that it reaches these areas quickly, providing a reservoir of active ingredient that is readily available to attack any ticks that attempt to feed on the dog.
Fluralaner works by targeting the nervous system of the tick. It acts as an inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channels and glutamate-gated chloride channels, which are essential for the normal functioning of the tick's nervous system. By blocking these channels, fluralaner disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, leading to paralysis and eventual death of the tick. This mode of action is highly selective for insects and ticks, minimizing potential side effects on the dog.
Bravecto's long-acting properties are due to its slow elimination from the dog's system. The half-life of fluralaner in dogs can range from 12 to 19 days, ensuring that a therapeutic level of the active ingredient remains in the bloodstream for an extended period. This sustained release mechanism provides continuous protection against ticks for up to 12 weeks after a single administration, making Bravecto an ideal choice for pet owners seeking reliable and convenient parasite control.
Moreover, Bravecto's effectiveness is not limited to adult ticks alone. It also demonstrates efficacy against tick larvae and nymphs, providing comprehensive protection throughout the life cycle of these parasites. This broad-spectrum activity contributes to the overall health and well-being of dogs by preventing tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.
In conclusion, Bravecto's mechanism of action against ticks is multifaceted, involving rapid absorption, distribution throughout the body, selective inhibition of tick nervous system functions, and sustained release over a prolonged period. This combination of properties makes Bravecto an exceptional choice for protecting dogs from tick infestations and the associated health risks.