Which type of medication is most effective against Lyme disease and how do Bravecto, Advantage or Nexgard work?

Original Question: My dog has tested positive for Lyme disease. My vet recommended Revolution in the past but that didn't prevent Lyme disease. My mini Schnauzer is extra sensitive to drug so what would be the best for prevention of Lyme disease, Bravecto, Advantage or Nexgard? - Terrie

Which type of medication is most effective against Lyme disease and how do Bravecto, Advantage or Nexgard work? Mar 4, 2018

Hi Terrie,

Thanks for your question.

Revolution is an anti-parasitic medication that has effectiveness against ticks, however it does not work fast enough to prevent Lyme disease transmission. A tick needs to bite a dog for a minimum of 24 hours to transfer Lyme disease. Therefore, it’s ideal to use a medication that will kill a tick within a 24 hour period so that the Lyme bacteria does not have the chance to transfer from the tick to your dog. Revolution actually takes a few days to kill a tick and therefore can’t prevent the transmission of Lyme disease.

The drugs that will work to kill a tick within 24 hours are Bravecto, Nexgard and Advantix. These drugs will prevent the transmission of Lyme disease to your dog if they are used as indicated by your veterinarian. These medications work a little differently from each other. The first two are medications that come in pill form and they work by killing the tick after it has been attached to your dog and allowed to bite for a few hours. Advantix is a topical treatment that you apply to the skin and it has the benefit of preventing a tick from even biting your dog in the first place which will prevent Lyme disease. I encourage you to take a look at our video ‘Ticks and Lyme Disease Prevention in Dogs’ for more information about tick prevention.

All the best and good luck.

Dr. Clayton Greenway

Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.

Related Q&A

  • Why is my dog eating poop?
  • Answered by: Paul
  • Mar 9, 2023
  • Why is my dog licking so much?
  • Answered by: Paul
  • Mar 8, 2023
  • Why is my dog sneezing?
  • Answered by: Paul
  • Mar 7, 2023
  • Why is my dog drooling?
  • Answered by: Paul
  • Mar 6, 2023