▷ Tick vaccines for dogs: how do they work and how long do they protect?

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

Today, pet owners have another means of protection available: the dog tick vaccine, also known as the Bravecto shot. This is a modern product that provides up to 12 months of protection against ticks and fleas in just one visit to the vet.

Why do dogs need protection from ticks?

Ticks are one of the most dangerous parasites and pose a threat to dog health not only because of their bites, 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 pet owner should know that ticks are active until the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius and they stay there for about 3-4 days.
Parasites can transmit dangerous diseases: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Lyme disease (borreliosis), etc., affecting the circulatory system, liver, kidneys and nervous system. Combinations of diseases that complicate treatment and the chances of a full recovery are also possible.
The disease can also be asymptomatic. Some illnesses, such as Lyme disease or anaplasmosis, can develop over weeks or even months. By the time symptoms appear, the dog may already be severely affected by the disease.

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

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Is there a vaccine for dogs against ticks?

Until now, dog owners have used different products: drops, tablets, collars or sprays, to be used every few months. While these can help, such protection is usually short-lived and not always reliable enough. Therefore, scientists and veterinary specialists have long been looking for a solution that provides long-term protection.

In 2023, the first such product, Bravecto Quantum injection, was approved in the European Union, and in February 2025, it was registered in Lithuania. It is an extended-release suspension that protects dogs from ticks and fleas for up to 12 months.

It is important to note that from a medical point of view it would be more correct to call it an injection against ticks, since it is not a classic vaccine. However, most pet owners are used to calling it a tick vaccine for dogs, since its effect lasts as long as that of regular vaccines against rabies or viral diseases.

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

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What is Bravecto injection?

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

How does the tick vaccine for dogs work?

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

Who is Bravecto injection recommended for?

The Bravecto tick vaccine for dogs is especially useful if:

your pet spends a lot of time outdoors – in the woods, meadows or farms;
your dog has already had babesiosis or other tick-borne diseases;
other measures (drops, tablets, collars) are not sufficiently effective.

If you want reliable protection, it is important to consult your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s age, health and living environment. Because dogs mature between 12 and 18 months of age and their weight changes rapidly during this period, and the injection is dosed based on weight, It is not recommended to use this product on dogs under 12 months of age.

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How long does the vaccine protect your pet?

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

Dog tick vaccines: how much do they cost?

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 lighter animals and vice versa. In general, the cost of tick vaccines for dogs is not significantly higher than 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 treatments against ticks and fleas, as it provides long-lasting protection and reduces the risk of disease. Below are some of its most important benefits.

Effectiveness against ticks and fleas: Fast-acting and long-lasting protection for up to 12 months.

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Lower risk of disease:

Year-round protection against tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, borreliosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis.
Protection against flea-induced dermatitis and transmitted worms.

Convenience for the owner:

No short-acting or shorter-acting drops or tablets are needed.
One injection provides year-round protection.

Other protective measures against ticks

Bravecto injection is not suitable or necessary for all pets. In these cases, other preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of ticks:

Tablets, effective for 4-12 weeks.
Drops, effective for 4 weeks.
Special collars, effective for up to 9 months.
Disposable spray.

For more information on tick protection, see this article.

What to do if a tick has already attached itself to your dog?

If a tick has attached itself to your dog, but you have not had time to adequately protect him against these leeches, first remove the tick with tweezers. So monitor your dog for at least a few weeks to see if symptoms of tick-borne diseases appear:

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately – timely treatment can save your pet’s life. Untreated tick-borne diseases always lead to death, so noticing the symptoms can save lives.

Take care of your dog’s protection 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 ensure reliable protection for your dog all year round.

Tick vaccines for dogs: how do they work and how long do they protect?

Why do dogs need protection from ticks?