Author: the HempyTails Veterinary Team
Reviewed by: the HempyTails Veterinary Team
Last updated: August 2026
Read time: 9 minutes
Quick Answer
NexGard and Bravecto are both excellent oral flea and tick preventives from the same drug family (isoxazolines), and for most dogs in India either is a good choice. The practical differences: NexGard is a monthly chew (afoxolaner) with the fastest flea kill (4–8 hours) — the better pick for dogs with Flea Allergy Dermatitis and for owners who want a lower per-dose cost. Bravecto is a single chew every 12 weeks (fluralaner) — the better pick for convenience, for dogs that resist monthly dosing, and for dogs that also have Demodex mange, which Bravecto treats directly. Both are available at HempyTails and both need weight-band dosing.
If you have been told to put your dog on a modern flea and tick preventive in Bangalore, the choice almost always comes down to these two. Both belong to the isoxazoline class — the group of drugs that has transformed real-world flea and tick control over the last decade — and both are far more effective than the older topical treatments most Indian pet parents grew up with.
So how do you choose? This guide breaks down where they are the same, where they genuinely differ, and which one is right for your dog.
NexGard vs Bravecto — At a Glance
| NexGard | Bravecto | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Afoxolaner | Fluralaner |
| Drug class | Isoxazoline | Isoxazoline |
| Dosing interval | Every month | Every 12 weeks (3 months) |
| Form | Flavoured chew | Flavoured chew (or spot-on) |
| Flea kill speed | 4–8 hours | Within 2 hours |
| Tick kill speed | 24–48 hours | Within 12 hours |
| Treats Demodex / mange | Yes (off-label, effective) | Yes — first-line |
| Affected by bathing/swimming | No (oral) | No (oral) |
| Puppies | From 8 weeks & 2 kg | From 8 weeks & 2 kg |
| Approx. cost | ₹550–900 / month | ₹1,200–2,200 / 3 months |
| Available at HempyTails | Yes | Yes |
What NexGard and Bravecto Have in Common
Because both are isoxazolines, they share the important fundamentals:
- They work from the inside. The dog eats the chew, the drug circulates in the bloodstream, and a flea or tick that bites the dog receives a lethal dose. This is why bathing, swimming and Bangalore’s humidity have no effect on them — unlike topical products.
- They are highly effective. Both reliably break the flea lifecycle by killing adult fleas before they can lay eggs, which is why isoxazolines control real infestations so much better than older spot-ons.
- They cover the same parasites. Fleas and all major Indian tick species, plus useful activity against Demodex and Sarcoptic mange.
- They have an excellent safety record when dosed correctly for the dog’s weight, and both are licensed from 8 weeks of age and 2 kg.
In other words, you are not choosing between a “good” and a “bad” product. You are choosing between two very good products with different strengths.
The Differences That Actually Matter
1. Dosing interval — and the compliance question
NexGard is monthly; Bravecto lasts a full three months per dose. This sounds like a simple convenience preference, but it is actually the single most important real-world difference — because the most common reason dogs get Flea Allergy Dermatitis and tick fever is a missed dose, not a failed product.
If you know you are likely to forget a monthly tablet, Bravecto’s quarterly schedule removes three chances to slip up every quarter. If you prefer a smaller, more frequent spend and don’t mind the reminder, NexGard is perfectly reliable. At HempyTails we can set up WhatsApp reminders either way.
2. Speed of kill
Bravecto kills fleas within about 2 hours; NexGard within 4–8 hours. Both are fast. This difference only becomes clinically important for one group: dogs with Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), where even a single flea bite triggers an intense allergic reaction. For these dogs, the fastest possible kill minimises allergen exposure — and here either product’s speed is far ahead of older topicals. (For the full picture on FAD, see our dog skin & coat health guide.)
3. Demodex and mange
If your dog has been diagnosed with Demodectic mange, this is where Bravecto pulls ahead: a single dose of fluralaner is a recognised first-line treatment for Demodex, and it is dramatically safer and more effective than the older amitraz dips and ivermectin protocols. NexGard also treats Demodex well, but Bravecto is the more common first choice for this specific condition. Always treat mange under veterinary guidance.
4. Cost
Per dose, NexGard looks cheaper; per year, they are closer than they appear. A rough Bangalore comparison for a mid-sized dog:
| Product | Per dose | Approx. per year |
|---|---|---|
| NexGard (monthly) | ₹550–900 | ₹6,600–10,800 |
| Bravecto (3-monthly) | ₹1,200–2,200 | ₹4,800–8,800 |
Bravecto is often slightly more economical over a full year, while NexGard spreads the cost into smaller monthly amounts. Either way, both cost far less than treating one episode of tick fever or a Demodex flare-up.
Which Should You Choose?
A simple decision guide for Bangalore dogs:
- Standard prevention, you don’t mind monthly dosing: NexGard.
- You want maximum convenience or tend to forget doses: Bravecto (once a quarter).
- Your dog has Flea Allergy Dermatitis: either works well; NexGard’s fast kill is a good default.
- Your dog has Demodex mange: Bravecto, as first-line, under vet supervision.
- High tick-exposure lifestyle (trekking, farms, tall grass): pair either oral product with a Seresto collar for the added repellent effect.
- Cats: neither — isoxazolines like NexGard and Bravecto are not licensed for cats. Use a cat-specific product.
What About Ticks and Tick Fever in Bangalore?
Both products kill ticks, but remember they kill after the tick bites. For dogs in genuinely high tick-exposure environments, adding a repellent-based collar (Seresto) to an oral preventive gives you both a repel-before-bite and a kill-after-bite layer — the most robust protection against tick fever (Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis), which remains a preventable killer of Bangalore dogs. Our complete flea & tick prevention guide covers this in detail.
Safety, Side Effects and Puppies
Isoxazolines have a strong safety record across millions of doses. Mild, transient effects such as an upset stomach are uncommon; giving the chew with food reduces the chance further. Regulatory bodies note that this drug class can rarely be associated with neurological signs (such as tremors) in susceptible dogs, so if your dog has a history of seizures, discuss it with your vet before starting. Both products are licensed from 8 weeks of age and 2 kg — for very young puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, always confirm with your veterinarian first.
The Bottom Line
There is no universally “better” product — there is a better product for your dog. NexGard rewards dogs and owners who want fast action and a lighter monthly spend; Bravecto rewards those who value convenience or are managing Demodex. Both are vastly better than doing nothing or relying on old topicals, and in Bangalore’s year-round parasite pressure, consistency matters more than the brand you pick.
Not sure which fits your dog’s weight, lifestyle and history? Our vet partner at Old Airport Road can advise and prescribe, and we dispense both from the in-store pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NexGard or Bravecto better for dogs in India?
Both are excellent isoxazoline-class preventives and both are widely available in India. NexGard (monthly) offers the fastest flea kill and a lower per-dose cost; Bravecto (every 3 months) offers maximum convenience and is first-line for Demodex mange. For most Indian dogs, the “better” choice depends on your dosing preference, budget rhythm and whether your dog has any concurrent condition — not on effectiveness, where they are very close.
Can I switch between NexGard and Bravecto?
Yes. You can move from one to the other at the next due date. For example, if a monthly NexGard dose is due, you can give Bravecto instead and then continue on the 3-monthly Bravecto schedule. Confirm the timing with your vet so there is no gap in cover.
Do NexGard and Bravecto need a prescription?
In India these are best purchased and dosed under veterinary guidance because dosing is strictly weight-based. Our vet partner at HempyTails Old Airport Road can weigh your dog, advise the correct band, and we dispense from the in-store pharmacy.
Are NexGard and Bravecto safe for puppies?
Both are licensed from 8 weeks of age and a minimum body weight of 2 kg, with a strong safety record at the correct dose. For younger, pregnant or nursing dogs, consult your veterinarian before starting.
Which is cheaper over a year?
Bravecto is often marginally more economical per year, while NexGard splits the cost into smaller monthly payments. Both are far cheaper than treating the diseases they prevent — Flea Allergy Dermatitis, tick fever or a Demodex flare.
This article was medically reviewed by the HempyTails Veterinary Team. It is general educational information, not a substitute for individual veterinary advice. Last updated August 2026.