12 Jul Yearly Flea and Tick Injection for Dogs : Simple, Powerful Protection for Your Dog
Last updated: October 2025
Disclaimer: This article is provided for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional veterinary advice. For medical advice, please consult your vet or call us at 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726) or click here to book an appointment.
Why a Yearly Flea and Tick Injection Matters
In Australia, the risks from fleas and ticks for dogs are significant and year-round. The eastern paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) alone accounts for thousands of emergency vet visits annually (PubMed+1).
That’s why the concept of a flea and tick shot for dogs makes sense — it offers protection at times when monthly treatments might be missed.
Enter Bravecto Quantum — an injectable suspension (active ingredient: fluralaner) that was approved in Australia by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in 2023. (Pet Industry News+1)
It is indicated for:
- Treatment & prevention of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) for 12 months
- Control of paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclus) for 12 months
- Control of brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) for 11 months elabels.apvma.gov.au+1
Because Australia was the first country in the world to approve this annual-injection parasiticide, we at Southern Cross Vet, re able to offer a once-a-year flea and tick treatment for dogs under veterinary supervision.
At Southern Cross Vet, we’ve administered the annual Bravecto injection thousands of times, protecting many loved fur-babies from ticks and fleas!
How the Injection Works Compared to Other Treatments
| Treatment Option | Frequency | Key Advantages | Considerations |
| Bravecto Quantum (injectable) | Once a year | Guaranteed veterinary dose; no monthly compliance gaps | Must be administered by vet |
| Monthly tablets/topicals | Every 1 month | Broad availability, many options | Requires owner adherence; higher risk of missed dose |
| Collars/spot-ons | Varies (1–3 months) |
Some cost-effective options | Potential for low compliance and variable effect |
Is there a shot for dogs for fleas? Is there a shot for fleas and ticks for dogs? Is there a yearly flea and tick shot for dogs?
If you’ve ever asked yourself any of the above questions, the answer is a resounding, ‘Yes.’ And the solution is none other than Bravecto Quantum.
Pet owners often also ask if something like NexGard which is a monthly preventative, could be better for their pets than Bravecto? And our recommendation is that while they serve similar goals, NexGard (and similar monthly products) require more frequent administration. The 12-month flea and tick injection on the other hand, offers a different model of protection focused on once-a-year convenience.
Is It Right for Your Dog?
Use this checklist:
- Is your dog older than 6 months or older?
- No known hypersensitivity to fluralaner or isoxazoline class
- Under supervision of a vet
- Good general health (or cleared by vet if health conditions exist)
- Owner comfortable with annual visit rather than monthly tasks
If you check the above, your dog may be a good candidate for the once-a-year flea and tick treatment for dogs.
Emergency steps
If your dog exhibits symptoms such as tremors, loss of coordination, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulties or collapse within hours of the injection:
- Contact your veterinary clinic or emergency hospital immediately.
- Bring the product label and note the time of injection.
- Follow the vet’s instruction regarding monitoring or treatment.
How Often Do Dogs Need a Flea and Tick Shot?
- The 12-month flea and tick treatment via injectable is administered once per year.
- For other treatments (tablets, topicals), monthly repetition is required to maintain coverage.
- Compliance is key — missed doses increase risk of tick paralysis, flea infestations and associated health issues.
FAQs
Q: How long does it last?
A: The injection provides protection for up to 12 months for fleas and paralysis ticks (11 months for brown dog tick) when administered correctly.
Q: Is it safe for puppies?
A: This product is not recommended for dogs under 6 months of age. Your vet can advise on alternative treatments for younger puppies.
Q: Can my dog still swim?
A: Yes — once the injection is administered, usual pet activities including swimming are generally safe. Ensure your dog is monitored for injection-site reactions.
Q: Is this right for my dog?
A: If your dog is 6 months or older, in good health and you’d prefer a yearly protection model rather than monthly treatments, this shot may be a strong option. Discuss with your vet for suitability and pricing. You can always call us at 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726)
Post-Care and What to Expect
- Monitor your dog for at least 24 hours post-injection to observe for any adverse reactions.
- The full effect against ticks may take up to 3 days — during that time, continue tick-search protocols. elabels.apvma.gov.au
- Continue regular check-ups and parasite monitoring during the year. The injection complements — but does not replace — good pet-care habits such as weekly tick checks, grooming and environment control.
- Cost: Contact us for a quote, as pricing varies by dog size and clinic factors.
Why This Matters for Australian Dogs
In Australia, tick seasons are impacted by climate and geography. Research shows paralysis tick cases remain high in dogs and cats along the eastern coast. News+1
Flea infestations can also occur indoors and throughout the year. A once-year model addresses the compliance gap that monthly treatments struggle with. BioMed Central
Book Your Dog’s Year-Round Protection
At Southern Cross Vet, we are equipped and experienced — we’ve administered the annual Bravecto injection thousands of times, ensuring many dogs remain protected through Australia’s parasitic threats.
Call us on 1300 DOC SAM (1300 362 726) or click here to book an appointment online and discuss your dog’s suitability for this once-a-year flea and tick shot for dogs.
Related Reading
- Understanding the Impact of Ticks and Fleas on Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide — southerncrossvet.com.au/understanding-impact-ticks-and-fleas-dogs/
- Busting the Flea Bite Problem in Dogs and Cats — https://southerncrossvet.com.au/busting-the-flea-bite-problem-in-dogs-and-cats/
References
- APVMA, Bravecto Quantum – Label & Product Information, PDF. Retrieved from: https://elabels.apvma.gov.au/91883ELBL.pdf elabels.apvma.gov.au
- MSD Animal Health, Australia becomes first country approved for Bravecto Quantum, May 2023. https://petnews.com.au/australia-becomes-first-country-approved-for-bravecto-quantum/ Pet Industry News
- E. Teo et al., “The weather determines the number of cases of tick paralysis in dogs and cats”, Aust Vet J., 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37772326/ PubMed
- Fisara, P. & Guerino, F., “Year-round efficacy of a single treatment of fluralaner injectable suspension (Bravecto Quantum)…”, Parasites & Vectors, 2023. https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-023-05951-6 BioMed Central
- Atwell, R. et al., “Prospective Study of 506 Dogs with Tick Paralysis”, PMC, 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10812437/ PMC
Thank you for entrusting us with your dog’s year-round flea and tick care. We’re here to help you find the safest, most reliable solution for your pet’s health and wellbeing.
— Dr Sam Kovac
Simple and Effective Protection
The ONCE-A-YEAR flea and tick treatment for dogs offers a convenient and powerful solution:
- Single Injection: A single dose administered by your vet protects your dog for a full year.
- Continuous Protection: The medication provides uninterrupted protection against fleas and paralysis ticks.
- Broad Spectrum: It also helps control flea allergy dermatitis and brown dog ticks.
Protect Your Dog Today
Schedule an appointment with Southern Cross Vet to discuss the yearly injectable and ensure your dog receives year-round protection from these fleas and ticks.
Book Your Yearly Flea and Tick Prevention Now
* Kills fleas and paralysis tick for a full year in dogs 6 months or older with a single injection!
Dr Sam followed his dream of becoming a veterinary surgeon which began at age three. Since then, he has developed a strong interest in oncology, internal medicine and animal behaviour. Dr Sam continues his passion for providing the most up-to-date care to his patients and their two-legged family.