Is Selamectin Toxic If Ingested by a Puppy Dog?

Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, a pet treatment for fleas and ticks that is applied to the pet's skin and enters the bloodstream. Other topical flea and tick prevention products are also applied to the skin but are absorbed into the hair follicles and released periodically. Selamectin has more benefits than most topical applications, as it also protects against ear mites and internal pests such as heartworms and intestinal parasites.

  1. Safety

    • Revolution is safer than most topical applications for pest control in dogs and cats. The Environmental Protection Agency warns consumers to take care when using topical pesticides, because most of the products stay on or near the skin. Pets can lick the spot where the product is applied, scratch it and get the substance on their feet, or get some of the product on furniture or pet bedding. Selamectin is not considered a pesticide and absorbs quickly into the pet's skin, leaving little or nothing behind on the application spot.

    Puppies

    • Pfizer Co., which manufactures Revolution, says the product is safe for use on puppies that are at least 6 weeks old. Pfizer warns, however, that if your puppy is underweight or has been ill with any disease, you should check with your veterinarian before using the product. Selamectin is well-tolerated, Pfizer says, causing stomach upset in fewer than 1 percent of dogs in studies.

    Prescription Required

    • Revolution is available only by prescription because it also prevents heartworm. Before prescribing a heartworm preventative, veterinarians will perform a test to make sure your dog does not already have heartworm disease. If heartworm is present, a preventative medication can be harmful. The heartworms must be treated before selamectin is prescribed.

    Ingestion

    • Puppies are curious creatures. They will bite, taste and swallow things that can harm them. If your puppy accidentally ingests selamectin, by biting or swallowing the tube, for example, he should be okay, according to Revolution's manufacturer. In safety tests, 5- to 8-month-old beagles given the recommended dosage by mouth showed no harmful effects. If your puppy shows any sign of illness after ingesting selamectin, however, play it safe and call your veterinarian.