Tick ​​Vaccines for Dogs (Bravecto Injection)

One of the biggest dilemmas for dog owners is how to reliably protect pets from ticks and the diseases they spread. The most commonly chosen means are tablets, drops or collars. They are widely used and effective, but generally have a shorter duration of action (4 to 12 weeks) and may cause irritation to the skin or gastrointestinal tract in some pets.

Today, owners have another means of protection – vaccination against ticks for dogs, also called «Bravecto» injection. It is a modern product that provides protection against ticks and fleas for up to 12 months in just one visit to the vet.

Why do dogs need protection from ticks?

Ticks are one of the most dangerous parasites, they threaten the health of the dog not only because of their bite, but also because of the diseases they carry. Every owner must protect their dog from ticks because:

• Ticks are active almost all year round, not just in spring or autumn. Every responsible homeowner should know that ticks are active until the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius and lasts about 3-4 days.
• Parasites can transmit dangerous diseases: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Lyme disease (borreliosis), etc., which damage blood circulation, liver, kidneys and nervous system. Combinations of diseases and illnesses that complicate treatment and the chances of a full recovery are also possible.
• The disease can be asymptomatic. Some diseases, such as Lyme or anaplasmosis, can take weeks or even months to develop. When symptoms appear, the dog may already be seriously affected by the disease;

Ticks cause discomfort and secondary problems: inflammation, itching, skin infections, allergic reactions, etc.

Are there tick vaccines for dogs?

Until now dog owners use various means: drops, tablets, collars or sprays that need to be used every few months. While they can help, this protection is usually short-lived and not always reliable enough. Therefore, scientists, together with veterinary specialists, looked for a long-term solution that would provide long-term protection.

in 2023 In the European Union the first device of this type was approved: Bravecto Quantum injection, and from 2025. it was also registered in Lithuania in February. It is an extended-release suspension that provides tick and flea protection for dogs for up to 12 months.

It is important to know that from a medical point of view it would be more correct to talk about an injection against ticks, because it is not a classic vaccine. However, most owners are used to calling it a dog tick vaccine because the effects last as long as regular rabies or viral vaccines.

This injection can only be administered by a licensed veterinarian, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and observing possible reactions of the body.

What is Bravecto injection?

Bravecto 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for injection is a modern product for dogs with the active ingredient fluralaner. It effectively kills both fleas and ticks, and the injectable form provides up to 12 months of protection after a visit to the vet.

How does tick vaccination work for dogs?

The active ingredient of the injection is fluralaner, which inhibits the receptors of the nervous system of fleas and ticks. After biting the dog, the tick receives a dose of the active ingredient, becomes paralyzed and soon dies. So, the dog tick vaccine, also known as Bravecto shot, works systemically.

Who is Bravecto Injection recommended for?

The Bravecto tick vaccination for dogs is especially useful if:

• the animal spends a lot of time in nature – in the woods, meadows or farms;
• the dog has already suffered from babesiosis or other tick-borne diseases;
• other means (drops, tablets, collars) do not protect effectively enough.

If you want reliable protection, it is important to evaluate the dog’s age, health and living environment together with your veterinarian. Since the dog matures up to 12-18 months. and during this period his weight changes rapidly and the injection is dosed according to weight, in practice we do not recommend using this tool for children under 12 months of age. for dogs.

How long does the vaccine protect the animal?

One injection provides protection for the entire 12 months. This means that your dog only needs one visit per year to ensure reliable protection against ticks and fleas.

Vaccinations for dogs against ticks: what is the price?

And finally, the most relevant information: how much do these vaccinations cost? The price of the injection depends on the weight of the animal: it will be lower for animals of reduced weight and vice versa. In general, the cost of tick vaccinations for dogs does not significantly exceed other methods of protection, especially considering that the vaccine is effective for up to a year.

Main advantages of Bravecto injection

Bravecto injection is considered one of the most convenient and reliable means against ticks and fleas, as it provides long-term protection and reduces the risk of diseases. Below we will mention its most important advantages.

Effectiveness against ticks and fleas: rapid effect and long-term effect up to 12 months.

Lower risk of disease:

• One year protection against tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, borreliosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.
• Protection against dermatitis caused by transmitted fleas and worms

Convenience for the host:

• No short-acting or shorter-acting drops or tablets are needed.
• One injection provides protection for a whole year.

Other protective measures against ticks

Not all pets are suitable for or need the Bravecto injection. In this case, you can choose other preventive measures that help reduce the risk of ticks:

• Tablets that work for 4 to 12 weeks.
• Drops that work for 4 weeks.
• Special collars that work for up to 9 months.
• Disposable spray

For more information on protecting against ticks, see this article.

What to do if the tick has already sucked the dog?

If your dog has been bitten by a tick, but you have not had time to adequately protect him against these leeches, first remove the tick with tweezers. After that, watch for symptoms of tick-borne diseases for at least a few more weeks:

If you notice at least one of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately: timely treatment can save your pet’s life. Untreated tick-borne diseases are always fatal, so noticing the symptoms can save your life.

Insure your dog in advance

Tick ​​vaccinations for dogs are not only a convenient preventative measure, but also a long-term investment in your pet’s health. Contact our veterinary clinic and provide your dog with reliable protection all year round.