Revolution Dog Medication Problems

Revolution is the brand name for selamectin, which helps kill fleas, ticks and heartworms in dogs. It is made by Pfizer Inc. Revolution is a spot-on product, which means that instead of tying to force a dog to take a pill, the medication is placed directly on the skin between the shoulder blades.

  1. Side Effects

    • Although dogs rarely experience side effects from Revolution, the side effects can be dramatic. They include uncontrolled trembling, vomiting, appetite loss, drooling far more than normal, diarrhea, fever and unexplained panting. Less dramatic side effects center only on the skin and hair in the area where Revolution was applied. These include a white powdery residue, hair loss and hair discoloration. The symptoms of an overdose are the same as for side effects. Contact a vet if a dog exhibits any side effects.

    Breed

    • Dogs with collie in their breeding may be more sensitive to selemectin than other breeds of dogs. However, veterinarian Dawn Ruben reports that this sensitivity is usually due to the dog having been given too much Revolution. Although many other dogs can tolerate a slight overdose, collies may suffer coordination problems and drool far more than usual. Contact a vet immediately.

    Allergy

    • Some dogs may be allergic to Revolution. Signs of allergy include problems breathing, swelling of the face, itchy hives on the skin, seizures, gums turning from a healthy salmon pink to pale pink or white, and collapse. Any dogs showing these symptoms need immediate veterinary attention because the dog is at risk of going into shock or slipping into a coma.

    Prevention

    • The best way to prevent side effects or overdose is to be sure that your dog gets the right dose. More is not better when it comes to Revolution. Dosage is based on the weight of the dog. Each tube contains only the amount for dogs of a certain weight range. Never give to puppies under 2 months old, because they are far too small to be able to tolerate the medication. Never give to malnourished or underweight dogs, because they, too, may not be able to tolerate the drug.

    Warning

    • Do not give to cats, even though Revolution for cats uses the same ingredients as revolution for dogs weighing up to 5 lbs. The amount of selamectin is slightly higher for the dog formulation than it is for cats. A cat will show the same signs of an overdose as a dog would. Cats in the U.K. have been killed by flea products made for dogs, although as of June 2010 Revolution had not been specifically listed as killing a cat.