Responsible dog owners know the importance of keeping their dog on a monthly flea and heartworm preventative, but with the variety of choices available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your pet. Many veterinarians recommend Revolution because it prevents many of the most common internal and external parasites in one dose per month, instead of using two separate products. Although Revolution is very effective, it has both advantages and disadvantages.
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What It Is
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Revolution is Pfizer’s brand name for selamectin, a topical liquid parasiticide for dogs and cats. Although it is a parasiticide, it is not a pesticide and does not remain on the skin, so it is safer for the human family than many other topical flea preventatives. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is available only by prescription.
What It Does
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Applied correctly once per month, Revolution kills adult fleas, stops their eggs from hatching, and prevents heartworm infestation. It also protects against ear mite infestation and ticks, and can be used to treat sarcoptic mange.
Although the product is applied topically, it is absorbed into the skin where it works systemically to paralyze and disable the nervous system of the parasite, causing death.
Application/Dose
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Revolution is sold in single-dose tubes, according to your dog’s weight. The entire contents of the tube are applied to the skin (not the hair) between the shoulder blades and left untouched until it soaks in. For very large dogs, many vets recommend dividing the dose between the shoulder area and the base of the tail.
Revolution is bath-proof, but it should not be applied until at least two days after a bath to allow the oils that assist in its distribution time to build back up.
Advantages
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Revolution’s main advantage is the convenience of having only one medication to keep track of. It kills a good variety of parasites, and unlike other heartworm prevention medications, it is applied topically instead of orally, making it a good choice for dogs who are resistant to taking oral medications. Revolution is safe when used properly.
Disadvantages
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Revolution’s main disadvantage is the cost. The typical price is almost twice that of a flea or heartworm preventative alone, although Revolution performs both functions. Collies may be sensitive to selamectin, and should not use Revolution.
Although side effects are rare, the most common is hair loss at the application site. Vomiting, diarrhea and tremors have been reported in cases of sensitivity or overdose.
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