The Quick Answer
Both Bravecto and Simparica Trio are excellent broad-spectrum parasite treatments for dogs — but they work differently, cover different parasites, and suit different lifestyles. The biggest practical difference is duration: Bravecto protects for 12 weeks per tablet, while Simparica Trio is monthly but adds heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm coverage that Bravecto lacks.
The right choice depends on what your dog needs and how you prefer to manage their parasite prevention. Both are available without a prescription from Australian retailers — read our guide on how to buy pet medications online from Australia for a full walkthrough of the process.
Active Ingredients
Bravecto contains fluralaner, an isoxazoline compound that kills fleas and ticks systemically. A single chewable provides 12 weeks of flea protection and 12 weeks of tick protection (8 weeks for lone star ticks).
Simparica Trio combines three active ingredients: sarolaner (fleas and ticks), moxidectin (heartworm prevention), and pyrantel (roundworms and hookworms). It's dosed monthly.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Bravecto | Simparica Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredients | Fluralaner | Sarolaner, Moxidectin, Pyrantel |
| Treatment duration | 12 weeks | Monthly (every 35 days) |
| Fleas | Yes | Yes |
| Ticks | Yes (4 species) | Yes (6 species) |
| Heartworm prevention | No | Yes |
| Roundworms | No | Yes |
| Hookworms | No | Yes |
| Minimum age | 8 weeks, 4.4 lbs | 8 weeks, 2.8 lbs |
| Available for cats | Yes (spot-on) | No |
Parasite Coverage: The Key Difference
Bravecto covers fleas and ticks only. Dog owners using Bravecto typically pair it with a separate monthly heartworm product like Heartgard Plus. Simparica Trio covers the full picture in one monthly chew. For a deeper look at Simparica Trio's speed and onset, see how long Simparica Trio takes to work.
Which Kills Ticks Faster?
Simparica Trio kills black-legged ticks within 8 hours. Bravecto kills them within 12 hours. Both act well within the typical 24–48 hour Lyme disease transmission window. For a broader look at tick prevention options, see our tick prevention for dogs guide.
Which Lasts Longer?
Bravecto. A single Bravecto tablet provides 12 weeks of protection compared to Simparica Trio's monthly dosing. If you find quarterly dosing more convenient, Bravecto's longer duration is a genuine advantage.
Pricing Comparison
Calculated per day of protection, Bravecto and Simparica Trio are broadly similar in cost. Both are significantly cheaper when purchased from Australian retailers compared to US vet prices. See why pet medications are cheaper from Australia for the full explanation.
Which Is Better for Puppies?
Simparica Trio can be used in slightly smaller puppies — minimum 2.8 lbs versus Bravecto's 4.4 lbs minimum. Both require puppies to be at least 8 weeks old.
Safety & Side Effects
Bravecto (fluralaner) and Simparica Trio (which contains sarolaner) both belong to the isoxazoline class of parasite treatments. The FDA has issued a safety communication noting that isoxazoline products have been associated with rare neurologic adverse events — muscle tremors, loss of coordination (ataxia), and seizures — including in some dogs with no prior seizure history. Both drugs remain FDA-approved and are considered safe for the vast majority of dogs, but the FDA recommends reviewing your dog's full medical history with a vet before starting any isoxazoline product, particularly if your dog has ever had a seizure.
Simparica Trio also contains moxidectin, a macrocyclic lactone used for heartworm prevention. Dogs with the MDR1 gene mutation — common in Collies, Australian Shepherds, and other herding breeds — can be more sensitive to this drug class at high doses. The heartworm-prevention dose in Simparica Trio sits well below the levels associated with toxicity in MDR1-positive dogs, but if you own a herding breed, it's worth mentioning MDR1 status to your vet regardless of which product you choose.
The most commonly reported side effects for both products are mild and short-lived: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or reduced appetite in the first day or two after dosing.
Missed a Dose?
Bravecto: because a single chew covers a 12-week window, giving the next dose within a few days of that mark won't create a meaningful coverage gap. If you're more than a week or two late, treat the next dose as a fresh start rather than trying to back-calculate the old schedule.
Simparica Trio: give the missed dose as soon as you remember, then resume monthly dosing from that date. Because it's dosed roughly every 30–35 days, waiting too long past that window can leave a short gap in coverage — this matters most for heartworm prevention, where consistency is what keeps protection effective.
Our Recommendation
If you want all-in-one protection including heartworm and intestinal worms in a single monthly product: choose Simparica Trio.
If you prefer quarterly dosing and are happy to use a separate heartworm product: choose Bravecto.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give my dog Bravecto and a separate heartworm pill at the same time?
Yes. Since Bravecto only covers fleas and ticks, many owners pair it with a monthly heartworm-only product to get full-spectrum protection.
Are Bravecto or Simparica Trio safe for pregnant or nursing dogs?
Neither has been extensively studied in pregnant or lactating dogs. Talk to your vet before using either product on a breeding female.
Can I switch between the two without a gap in protection?
Yes — as long as you start the new product on or before the day the old one's coverage window ends, there's no gap. Switching from Simparica Trio to Bravecto (or vice versa) doesn't require a "washout" period.
Do either of these treat an existing flea infestation in my home?
Both kill fleas on your dog, but neither treats your carpets, bedding, or yard. For an active infestation, you'll also need to vacuum thoroughly and treat the home environment — see our flea and tick prevention guide for a full household plan.
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Smartway Pet Supplies
Pet Care Specialist — Smartway Pet Supplies
A member of the Smartway team, writing practical guides to help US and Canadian pet owners choose the right parasite prevention products for their pets.
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