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 (5 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.
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.
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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