comparison

Bravecto vs NexGard in NZ: Which Flea Treatment Is Better for Your Dog?

An independent NZ comparison of Bravecto and NexGard — covering duration, cost per month, parasite coverage, and which dogs each suits best.

comparison comparison 10 March 2026

Quick answer

Bravecto lasts 3 months per chew and works out cheaper per month. NexGard is given monthly and offers more flexible dosing. Both are highly effective against fleas and ticks in NZ conditions. Your choice mostly comes down to whether you prefer a quarterly or monthly schedule — and your dog’s size, since pricing scales differently.

The basics

Both Bravecto and NexGard are prescription-grade flea and tick treatments available from NZ vets and authorised pet pharmacies. They’re both oral chews (flavoured, most dogs take them willingly) and they both kill fleas and ticks. The differences are in duration, coverage breadth, and pricing.

Head-to-head comparison

Duration

Bravecto: One chew lasts 12 weeks (3 months)
NexGard: One chew lasts 1 month

This is the biggest practical difference. If you forget monthly treatments, Bravecto’s quarterly schedule is a genuine advantage. If you prefer monthly health check-ins or your dog reacts to treatments, NexGard gives you more control.

What they cover

Bravecto: Fleas, paralysis ticks, brown dog ticks, bush ticks, and some mites (demodex, sarcoptes)
NexGard: Fleas and ticks (paralysis, brown dog, bush)

Bravecto’s mite coverage is a meaningful advantage if your dog is prone to mange or mite-related skin issues. For most NZ dogs, the tick and flea coverage is functionally equivalent.

What they don’t cover

Neither Bravecto nor NexGard covers worms. If you need all-in-one flea, tick, and worm protection, look at NexGard Spectra or Simparica Trio instead.

Active ingredient

Bravecto: Fluralaner
NexGard: Afoxolaner

Both belong to the isoxazoline drug class. They work the same way — killing parasites through the dog’s bloodstream after a flea or tick bites. Safety profiles are similar, though individual dogs can react differently to either.

NZ pricing comparison

Approximate NZ pricing for a medium dog (10–25 kg), March 2026:

Bravecto (single chew, 3-month protection): $45–65
- Monthly equivalent: ~$15–22/month
NexGard (single chew, 1-month protection): $18–28
- Monthly equivalent: $18–28/month

Bravecto typically works out 15–25% cheaper per month than NexGard for the same size dog. The gap varies by weight class — check with your vet or pharmacy for exact pricing.

Where to buy in NZ: veterinary clinics, PetDirect (prescription section), VetPost, Pet Chemist NZ.

NZ parasite context

New Zealand doesn’t have paralysis ticks (they’re an Australian problem), but we do have:

Fleas — year-round in most of NZ, worst in warmer months (November–March)
Brown dog ticks — present but less common than in Australia
Cattle ticks and bush ticks — more relevant for working dogs and rural properties

Both treatments handle NZ’s flea population effectively. The tick coverage matters most for dogs that spend time in bush, farmland, or rural areas.

Which should you choose?

Choose Bravecto if:

You prefer less frequent dosing (every 3 months vs monthly)
Your dog has mite issues (demodex, sarcoptes) — Bravecto covers these
You want to save money — it’s cheaper per month for most weight ranges
You tend to forget monthly treatments

Choose NexGard if:

You prefer a monthly routine and the control that gives you
Your dog has had a reaction to Bravecto or fluralaner in the past
You want the option to step up to NexGard Spectra later for worm coverage without switching drug families
Your dog is a puppy under 6 months — NexGard is approved from 8 weeks; Bravecto from 8 weeks but some vets prefer monthly dosing for young pups

Can you switch between them?

Yes. There’s no medical issue with switching from Bravecto to NexGard or vice versa. Just ensure there’s no overlap in active coverage periods and consult your vet if your dog is on other medications.

What about topical (spot-on) versions?

Both brands offer spot-on formulations for dogs that won’t take oral chews. Spot-on versions have the same active ingredients and coverage but are applied to the skin. They’re a good alternative for fussy eaters or dogs with digestive sensitivities.

Bottom line

For most NZ dog owners, Bravecto edges it on value and convenience — one chew every three months is genuinely easier to manage. But NexGard is an equally effective product, and its monthly cycle suits owners who want tighter control or plan to move to NexGard Spectra for all-in-one coverage.

Both are good choices. The “wrong” answer is skipping flea treatment entirely.

Prices and availability checked March 2026. Always consult your vet before starting or switching flea treatments.