Nexgard and Bravecto are two of the most widely prescribed oral flea and tick treatments for dogs in the UK. Both are prescription-only medications, meaning you need a vet consultation before purchasing. But which one offers better value and protection? Here is a detailed comparison based on current UK pricing and veterinary data.

How They Work

Both Nexgard (afoxolaner) and Bravecto (fluralaner) belong to the isoxazoline class of parasiticides. They work by being absorbed into your dog's bloodstream after ingestion. When fleas or ticks bite, they ingest the active ingredient and are killed within hours.

  • Nexgard: Given monthly as a chewable tablet. Kills fleas within 8 hours and ticks within 48 hours.
  • Bravecto: Given every 12 weeks as a chewable tablet. Kills fleas within 12 hours and ticks within 48 hours.

Cost Comparison

Pricing depends on your dog's weight and where you buy. Vets typically charge more than online pharmacies (which still require a prescription).

  • Nexgard: £8–£15 per monthly tablet from an online pharmacy, or £12–£20 from your vet. That is £96–£240 per year.
  • Bravecto: £20–£35 per 12-week tablet from an online pharmacy, or £28–£45 from your vet. That is £80–£180 per year.

Bravecto generally works out cheaper over a full year because you need only 4–5 tablets instead of 12. However, the upfront cost per tablet is higher.

Effectiveness

Both products are highly effective against fleas and the common UK tick species (Ixodes ricinus). Clinical studies show flea kill rates above 99% for both products within 24 hours of treatment. The key difference is duration: Nexgard must be given every 30 days without fail, while Bravecto covers a full 12 weeks.

For owners who sometimes forget monthly treatments, Bravecto's longer duration can mean more consistent protection.

Side Effects

Both medications carry similar side-effect profiles. The most commonly reported reactions include:

  • Vomiting (usually mild, within 24 hours of dosing)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite

Isoxazoline-class products carry a warning regarding use in dogs with a history of seizures. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) updated safety labelling in 2021. If your dog has epilepsy, discuss alternatives with your vet.

Which Should You Choose

Choose Nexgard if you prefer a lower monthly outlay and want the flexibility to stop treatment at any time (for example, if your dog has a reaction). Choose Bravecto if you want fewer doses per year, a lower annual cost, and less risk of forgetting a treatment.

Both are excellent products. The CMA's investigation into veterinary pricing found that medication mark-ups vary significantly between practices — sometimes by 50% or more for the same product. Always compare prices between your vet practice and licensed online pharmacies.

Last updated: March 2026. Prices based on UK veterinary and pharmacy data. Always consult your vet before changing flea treatment.