Revolution Flea Treatment for Dogs
Revolution is the flea treatment from Pfizer which has the added benefit of preventing heartworm infection in those areas where that is an issue.
Revolution has quite a broad list of claims. It:
- prevents heartworm infection
- kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching
- treats and controls ear mites and sarcoptic mange – Otodectes cynotis and Sarcoptes scabiei
- also controls the American dog tick - Dermacentor variabilis
Revolution flea treatment is applied once per month. The advice is to apply the product in front of the shoulder blades. It has a very strong waterproof claim, which states that animals can be washed within 2 hours of treatment (however, would you want too?? – surely you’d be organized and wash your dog before applying Revolution flea treatment!)
Unlike Frontline Top Spot or Frontline Plus, which stay on the outside of the animal in the sebaceous glands, Revolution flea treatment is actually absorbed into the blood stream, before being ‘redistributed’ back to the skin to allow it to give the month long flea control.
Interestingly the most common side effect of the product is gastrointestinal upset (or stomach upset) which was recorded in less than 1% of dogs.
Revolution can be used in puppies from 6 weeks of age which is younger than Frontline (at 8 weeks)
However, there are certain precautions you should observe before using Revolution a prescription medicine.
- Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before commencing Revolution for dogs.
- It should not be used in sick, convalescing or underweight animals
- It’s flammable – so watch out for your cigarette when applying!!
- Look out for digestive upset. In studies less than 1% of dogs were affected, but certainly something to look out for.
So Revolution flea treatment for dogs may well be suitable for your pet where you need to control fleas and other parasites such as ear mites or the American dog tick. But second to fleas is the ability to prevent heartworm infection with monthly treatment.
More information on Revolution for Dogs can be obtained from the revolution4dogs website.