Seresto vs Bravecto
Protecting your pet from fleas and ticks is an essential part of pet ownership. However, with numerous options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which preventative treatment is the best choice for your furry friend. Today, we’ll compare two popular products: Seresto and Bravecto. While both are effective for controlling parasites, they work differently and have their own unique strengths.
Understanding Flea and Tick Prevention: What are Seresto and Bravecto?
Seresto: More Than Just a Collar
Seresto, produced by Bayer, is a flea and tick collar that offers 8 months of continuous protection. The collar uses two active ingredients, imidacloprid and flumethrin, that work together to repel and kill fleas, ticks, and lice.
One of the key advantages of Seresto is that it repels ticks, meaning the tick doesn’t need to bite your pet to be affected. The collar is also water-resistant, allowing your pet to get wet without compromising the collar’s effectiveness.
Bravecto: A Chewable Solution
Bravecto, on the other hand, is a product of Merck Animal Health. It’s an oral treatment that is available in a tasty chew form. One chew provides 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks.
With Bravecto, ticks and fleas must bite your pet to ingest the medication, at which point they die. While this may seem like a drawback, it’s important to remember that the time it takes for ticks to transmit diseases is typically greater than the time it takes for Bravecto to kill them.
Comparing Seresto and Bravecto: Which One is Best For Your Pet?
Mode of Administration
If your pet isn’t a fan of wearing collars or has a history of skin issues, Bravecto may be a better choice since it’s an edible treatment. Conversely, if your pet has a sensitive stomach or is picky about treats, Seresto’s non-invasive collar might be the preferred option.
Duration of Protection
Both products offer extended protection, but their durations vary. Seresto provides protection for up to 8 months, while Bravecto needs to be administered every 12 weeks (roughly 3 months). This means less frequent administration with Seresto, but more flexibility with Bravecto if you need to switch treatments.
Protection Against Parasites
Both products protect against fleas and ticks. However, Bravecto also covers the deadly tick-borne disease-causing parasites, the Lone Star tick and the black-legged tick, for the full 12-week period. This makes it a particularly good choice for pets in high tick activity areas.
Can You Use Seresto and Bravecto Together?
Technically, you can use both, as they work differently and do not have harmful interactions. However, most experts agree that using both is unnecessary. Both products effectively protect against fleas and ticks, so there isn’t a compelling reason to double up on treatments. Always consult your vet before starting, stopping, or changing any medication for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do Seresto and Bravecto work?
Seresto functions by gradually releasing active ingredients through its innovative collar design. It disperses imidacloprid and flumethrin through the natural oils on your pet’s skin and fur, providing protection that repels and kills fleas, ticks, and lice.
Bravecto, a chewable tablet, is ingested by your pet. Its active ingredient, fluralaner, is absorbed into the bloodstream. When a flea or tick bites your pet, it also ingests the fluralaner and dies shortly after.
Q2: What are the side effects of Seresto and Bravecto?
Like all medications, both Seresto and Bravecto have potential side effects. For Seresto, some pets might experience mild hair loss and skin irritation at the site of the collar. If the pet ingests the collar, gastrointestinal upset may occur.
For Bravecto, side effects can include decreased appetite, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. It’s crucial to remember that side effects are typically rare, and most pets tolerate these treatments well. Always consult your vet if you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior or health after administering any new medication.
Q3: Are there any specific conditions in which Seresto or Bravecto should be avoided?
Yes, some conditions might warrant caution. For Seresto, pets with severe skin issues might need alternative treatments to avoid further irritation. Also, puppies under seven weeks old should not use Seresto.
For Bravecto, it’s not recommended for puppies less than 6 months old or dogs weighing less than 4.4 lbs. Dogs with a history of seizures should only use Bravecto under close veterinary supervision.
Q4: How quickly do Seresto and Bravecto start working?
Seresto starts repelling and killing fleas within 24 hours and ticks within 48 hours after the application of the collar.
Bravecto starts killing fleas within 2 hours and ticks within 12 hours after administration, making it a quicker option for immediate infestations.
Q5: What if my pet has allergies?
If your pet has a known allergy to any of the components in Seresto or Bravecto, you should avoid using these products. In the case of suspected allergies or adverse reactions, immediately consult your veterinarian.
Q6: Can I bathe my pet or let them swim wearing a Seresto collar?
Yes, the Seresto collar is water-resistant and remains effective even if your pet gets wet. However, frequent, prolonged exposure to water or excessive shampooing should be avoided, as it may reduce the duration of protection.
Q7: Can I use these treatments for my cat?
Yes, both Seresto and Bravecto have versions specifically designed for cats. However, dosage and usage instructions differ from those for dogs, so ensure you’re purchasing the correct product for your pet’s species.
Q8: How often should I use Bravecto and Seresto?
Bravecto is a long-lasting treatment option with a single dose providing up to 12 weeks of protection against fleas and ticks. If you live in a region with year-round flea and tick activity, you might need to administer Bravecto approximately every three months.
The Seresto collar offers sustained protection for up to 8 months. It’s a set-and-forget solution making it convenient for those who prefer not to maintain a strict treatment schedule.
Q9: Can I use Seresto and Bravecto simultaneously?
While both Seresto and Bravecto are safe when used as directed, using both simultaneously might be unnecessary as they both tackle fleas and ticks. However, they function differently, and no harmful interactions are noted. If you’re considering using both, consult your vet to ensure it’s the best course of action for your pet.
Q10: Do Bravecto and Seresto protect against the same parasites?
Both Seresto and Bravecto offer protection against fleas and ticks. However, they differ slightly in the range of parasites they target. Seresto also repels and kills lice and can aid in the treatment and control of sarcoptic mange. Bravecto also provides treatment and control of tick infestations for 8 weeks.
Q11: Are Bravecto and Seresto safe for pregnant or lactating pets?
The safety of Bravecto in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has been established. However, the safety of Seresto in pregnant or lactating pets has not been determined. If your pet is pregnant or nursing, consult your vet before choosing a flea and tick treatment.
Q12: What should I do if my pet shows an adverse reaction to Seresto or Bravecto?
If your pet shows any signs of a negative reaction, such as persistent irritation, vomiting, lethargy, or changes in behavior, immediately remove the Seresto collar or contact your vet if you’ve administered Bravecto. Always inform your vet of any adverse reactions to adjust your pet’s flea and tick prevention strategy as necessary.
Q13: Can Bravecto and Seresto be used on other animals like rabbits or ferrets?
Seresto and Bravecto are only approved for use in dogs and cats. Using these treatments on other animals could lead to serious adverse reactions. Always consult with a vet for appropriate flea and tick prevention for different types of pets.
Q14: Is there a risk of resistance development in parasites with the use of Bravecto or Seresto?
In general, the development of resistance in parasites is a concern for all anti-parasitic drugs. However, there is no widely reported or documented evidence of flea or tick resistance to either Bravecto or Seresto. The use of these products as directed should ensure effective parasite control.
Q15: How long should I wait to bathe my pet after applying Bravecto or Seresto?
Bravecto is an oral medication, so bathing or swimming doesn’t affect its efficacy. It remains effective for the full 12 weeks, regardless of your pet’s bathing schedule.
For the Seresto collar, it’s water-resistant and remains effective if the pet gets wet. However, prolonged, intense exposure to water or excessive shampooing should be avoided as the duration of activity may be reduced.
Q16: Are there any age restrictions for the use of Bravecto or Seresto?
Bravecto chewable tablets are approved for use in dogs 6 months of age or older. For Seresto, the collar is suitable for puppies 7 weeks of age and older.
Q17: Can Bravecto or Seresto be used in dogs with seizures?
If your pet has a history of seizures or epilepsy, you should consult your vet before administering any new medication. Bravecto is considered safe to use in dogs with seizures when administered as per the prescribed dose.
Seresto is also generally safe, but individual reactions can vary. Always consult your vet if your pet has a specific medical condition to ensure the safest and most effective treatment option.
Q18: Can Bravecto or Seresto interact with other medications?
Currently, there are no known clinically relevant drug interactions with Bravecto or Seresto. However, if your pet is on other medications, it is always a good idea to discuss this with your vet to ensure there are no potential interactions.
Q19: Are Bravecto and Seresto safe for use in breeding dogs?
Yes, Bravecto has been shown to be safe in breeding, pregnant, and lactating dogs. As for Seresto, there isn’t enough definitive information available regarding its use in breeding dogs, so it’s always best to consult with your vet.
