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 skin or gastrointestinal irritation in some pets.
Today, pet owners have another means of protection – a tick vaccine for dogs, also known as the Bravecto injection. This is a modern product that provides up to 12 months of protection against ticks and fleas in a single visit to the vet.
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Why do dogs need protection from ticks?
Ticks are one of the most dangerous parasites, posing a threat to a dog’s 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 fall. Every responsible pet owner should know that ticks are active until the temperature drops below 5 degrees Celsius and stays there for about 3-4 days.
- Parasites can transmit dangerous diseases: babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, Lyme disease (borreliosis), etc., which affect the circulatory system, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Combinations of diseases are also possible, which complicate treatment and the chances of a full recovery.
- The disease may also be asymptomatic. Some diseases, 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.
Is there a vaccine for dogs against ticks?
Until now, dog owners have used various products: drops, tablets, collars, or sprays, which need to be used every few months. Although these can help, such protection is usually short-lived and not always reliable enough. Therefore, scientists and veterinary specialists have been searching for a solution that would provide long-term protection for a long time.
In 2023, the first product of this type, Bravecto Quantum injection, was approved in the European Union, and in February 2025, it was registered in Lithuania. It is a prolonged-release suspension that protects dogs from ticks and fleas for up to 12 months.
It is important to note that medically speaking, it would be more accurate to refer to it as an injection against ticks, as it is not a classic vaccine. However, most pet owners are accustomed to calling it a tick vaccine for dogs, as its effect lasts as long as that of regular vaccines against rabies or viral diseases.
This injection may only be administered by a licensed veterinarian, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and monitoring for possible reactions.
What is Bravecto injection?
Bravecto 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for injectable suspension is a modern treatment for dogs, with fluralaner as its active ingredient. 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 work for dogs?
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. Thus, the dog’s tick vaccine, also known as the Bravecto injection, works systemically.
Who is Bravecto injection recommended for?
The Bravecto tick vaccine for dogs is particularly useful if:
- your pet spends a lot of time outdoors – in forests, meadows, or farmsteads;
- your dog has already had babesiosis or other tick-borne diseases;
- other measures (drops, tablets, collars) are not effective enough.
If you want reliable protection, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to assess your dog’s age, health, and living environment. Since dogs mature between 12 and 18 months of age and their weight changes rapidly during this period, and the injection is dosed according to weight, it is not recommended to use this product on dogs younger than 12 months of age.
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 pets 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 one year.
Key benefits of Bravecto injection
The Bravecto injection is considered one of the most convenient and reliable treatments for ticks and fleas, as it provides long-lasting protection and reduces the risk of disease. Below are some of its most important advantages.
Effectiveness against ticks and fleas: fast-acting and long-lasting protection for up to 12 months.
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- or shorter-acting drops or tablets are needed.
- One injection provides protection for the entire year.
Other protective measures against ticks
The Bravecto injection is not suitable or necessary for all pets. In such cases, other preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of ticks:
- Tablets, effective for 4 to 12 weeks.
- Drops, effective for 4 weeks.
- Special collars, effective for up to 9 months.
- Disposable sprays.
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 provide adequate protection against these bloodsuckers, first remove the tick with tweezers. Then monitor your dog for at least a few weeks to see if any symptoms of tick-borne diseases appear:
- apathy, lethargy;
- loss of appetite;
- fever (above 38 °C);
- weakness in the hind limbs;
- dark urine;
- diarrhea, vomiting;
- pale or yellowed mucous membranes.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately—timely treatment can save your pet’s life. Untreated tick-borne diseases always result in 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 preventive measure, but also a long-term investment in your pet’s health. Contact our veterinary clinic and ensure reliable protection for your dog for the whole year.
Vet. gydytojas Robert
