We all want our dogs to be happy and healthy. But then you spot your dog scratching, probably due to the presence of parasites. Unfortunately, parasites seriously affect your dog’s overall health. To deal with it, you might have scrolled through many flea and tick treatments for your dog. If you’ve come down to Simparica and Bravecto Chews, surely, the dilemma of choosing “THE RIGHT ONE” for your dog is quite challenging.

Both are vet-recommended oral treatments specially formulated to protect your dog against external parasites. In this blog, we are going to make a comparison of Simparica vs. Bravecto and discuss their similarities and differences in detail.

Read further to know more…

What are Simparica and Bravecto Chews?

Simparica chewables is a monthly flea and tick treatment that protects your dog for 35 days. It contains sarolaner, which targets adult fleas, multiple tick species and helps reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission by killing black-legged ticks in dogs. Manufactured by Zoetis, Simparica is approved for dogs from 6 months of age and at least 2.8 pounds of bodyweight.

Bravecto is a flavored chew that offers long-lasting protection against fleas and ticks. It contains fluralaner, which works against fleas and common tick species for up to 12 weeks. Manufactured by Merck Animal Health, Bravecto is approved for dogs and puppies from 6 months of age and at least 4.4 pounds of body weight.

Similarities Between Simparica and Bravecto

  • Both are vet-recommended flea and tick treatments for dogs.
  • Both protect against fleas.
  • Both treatments may help reduce the signs of flea allergy dermatitis as a direct result of eliminating fleas.
  • Both protect against multiple tick species.
  • Both start working quickly after administration.
  • Both are available in dog chewable form.
  • Both offer weight-based options for appropriate dosage.

Difference Between Simparica and Bravecto

Below, we have mentioned clear differences between Simparica and Bravecto to make your decision easier.

Duration & Dosing

Given once a month, Simparica chewables last for 35 days, which can be ideal for routine-driven pet parents who prefer monthly tracking. In contrast, Bravecto chews provide up to 12 weeks (approx. 3 months) of protection against fleas and ticks for dogs, which can be a good choice for busy pet parents preferring fewer doses.

Active Ingredients

Simparica chewables contain Sarolaner, while Bravecto chews contain Fluralaner as their active ingredients.

Speed of Action

In separate well-controlled laboratory studies by the manufacturers,

  • Simparica began to kill fleas faster, within 3 hours after initial administration and showed ≥ 99% effectiveness against various types of ticks 48 hours post-administration.
  • Meanwhile, Bravecto started killing fleas within 2 hours and showed ≥93% effectiveness against various types of ticks 48 hours post-infestation.

Parasite Coverage

Simparica covers 6 types of ticks, including lone star ticks, American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, brown dog ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, and Asian longhorned ticks. In contrast, Bravecto covers 5 common tick types, including black-legged ticks, American dog ticks, brown dog ticks, Asian longhorned ticks, and lone star ticks.

Additionally, Simparica may help prevent infections that may cause Lyme disease by directly killing black-legged (deer) ticks.

Age & Weight Considerations

  • Simparica is approved for use in dogs and puppies from 6 months of age or older and at least 2.8 pounds of body weight.
  • Bravecto Chew is indicated for dogs 6 months of age and older and weighing at least 4.4 pounds.

Quick Comparison of Simparica Chewables and Bravecto Chews for Dogs

Here’s a clear side-by-side overview:

So, Which Flea and Tick Treatment Is Right for Your Dog? 

While Simparica chewables and Bravecto chews have their differences, both are effective oral flea and tick treatments for dogs.

  • Choose Simparica if…

You prefer monthly dosing routines, or if you live in high tick-prone areas.

  • Choose Bravecto if…

You want fewer doses of treatments, and an extended period of protection against fleas and ticks.

Note: Before administering, it’s always best to talk to your vet. They may consider your dog’s age, weight, lifestyle, and overall health condition in order to recommend the appropriate treatment.

Final Thoughts

Well, apart from the comparison, both Simparica Chewables and Bravecto Chews for dogs are widely used and offer quick and effective action against parasites. You can check out both flea and tick prevention options for dogs at an affordable rate on PetCareSupplies. Most importantly, go for regular vet check-ups and discuss your dog’s concerns; your vet will help you make the best decision for your fur babies.