Numerous different parasites can infest your pet, and many of them can be deadly and difficult to treat. In addition to constantly attacking your dog, insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can also lead to illnesses like alopecia. They may potentially spread deadly internal parasites like heartworms if left untreated. Veterinarians typically suggest using Revolution flea treatment on dogs and cats to help treat and prevent flea infestations.
But can it endanger your dog’s life? This article will provide an answer to that question as well as other Revolution and dog-related questions.
What is Revolution
Revolution® for Dogs offers protection against flea infestations and heartworm disease in canines and felines thanks to its active ingredient selamectin. Revolution helps to manage and treat dogs with sarcoptic mange, ear mites, and infestations of the American Dog Tick. Dogs and puppies must be at least six weeks old to use Revolution®
What is the active ingredient in Revolution and how does it work?
The active ingredient Selamectin is an ectoparasiticide and an anthelminthic Following product administration, the ingredient absorbs through the epidermal layers and travels to the bloodstream, where it destroys intestinal worms and microfilariae. It has a paralyzing effect on the parasite’s central nervous system, which causes the parasite to die. The item redistributes itself throughout the skin as well. Therefore, the product enters the pet’s bloodstream and kills any fleas, ticks, or mites that attach to it and try to draw blood.
How long does Revolution take to start working?
Revolution begins to function shortly after being applied. Within 36 hours, you should see a considerable decrease in adult fleas. Since Revolution also targets flea eggs and larvae, it may take a little longer to entirely eradicate a serious infestation.
Revolution Killed My Dog
Below are some of the reasons why a dog can die after using Revolution;
Allergic Reactions
While Revolution has been successfully tolerated by most pets, it is not without potential side effects. Some signs of allergic reactions in a dog can be seen by swelling at the application site, itching, hives, or difficulty breathing. Though these incidents are uncommon, they highlight the significance of keeping a close eye on your pet after administering any medication.
Underlying Health Conditions
Some reports of serious adverse reactions or fatalities after using Revolution may be the result of underlying health issues. An older dog with a damaged immune system or a pre-existing sickness, for example, may react differently to the drug than a young, healthy dog. As a result, before initiating any new treatment, a comprehensive health check-up and vet consultation are required.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may possibly play a role in the Revolution-related side effects. If your pet is currently on any other medication, whether for a chronic illness like diabetes or a temporary issue like an infection, you must inform your veterinarian. Certain medicine combinations can lead to difficulties, worsening the side effects of either medication.
Overdosing
Overdosing is one of the major hazards linked with the use of Revolution, or any pet medicine. This can happen when pet owners misunderstand the dose guidelines or apply more than is necessary. Overdose symptoms can range from moderate (vomiting, salivation) to severe (seizures, loss of muscle control, and, in extreme circumstances, death). Always follow the veterinarian’s recommendations exactly and consult them if you have any concerns.
Veterinary Perspective
The majority of veterinarians recommend Revolution as a trustworthy product that, when administered properly, works well. They typically believe that Revolution is a safer option than many over-the-counter medicines because it has undergone extensive testing and regulation. However, since every drug carries a certain amount of danger, it’s crucial for pet owners to discuss any concerns with their veterinarian before beginning a new treatment plan.
Does Revolution protect against all types of worms?
While Revolution offers some protection from worms, such as heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms in cats, it does not offer complete coverage. Revolution primarily targets sarcoptic mange mites, ear mites, and heartworms in dogs. Your veterinarian might advise administering an extra deworming drug for complete worm protection.
Are there counterfeit versions of Revolution on the market?
Yes, sadly, there have been cases of the sale of imitation pet drugs, including Revolution. These counterfeit drugs may be hazardous or inefficient. Only get Revolution from a reliable retailer, like your clinic or a dependable pet supply store, to prevent buying fake medicine.
Revolution for Dogs Side Effects
Rapid Breathing/Panting
Because Revolution enters the bloodstream, it can have an adverse effect on your pet’s heart. This can cause hypertension in a small percentage of pets, which can lead to stroke or heart attack. If you observe your pet panting excessively or breathing rapidly, take them to the nearest veterinarian as soon as possible.
Muscle Tremors
If you find your pet shaking uncontrollably or experiencing severe muscle tremors, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Skin Burning
If you discover that your pet’s skin is covered in a rash, peeling, or that they appear to be in a lot of pain at the application site, you should take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Temporary Hair Loss
This occurs more frequently in animals who already have sensitive skin, and in most situations, the sensitive pet needs more pest control than pets who are not as sensitive. However, because the pet has sensitive skin, they may lose some fur around the area where the treatment is applied. As long as they do not appear to have been scorched, they should be able to regenerate their hair within a week or two.
Drowsiness
As your dog’s body adapts to the pest treatment process, they may require rest. If your dog exhibits this reaction, the best thing you can do is make them comfortable and then check on them from time to time to ensure they can still get up, wander around, and drink some water.
Drooling
To prevent pets from eating the drug, Revolution should always be administered between the pet’s shoulder blades. However, no matter how smart you are, we all know that our pets can find the area, therefore there is still a possibility that they could lick the medication.
Most frequently, when this occurs, the dog drools excessively as their body attempts to flush the taste and chemicals from their mouth. Giving your pet access to plenty of clean water to drink will help them get through this.
Digestive Upset
The most frequent digestive side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. For a short while, they may make your dog reluctant to eat or play as their body processes the parasiticide.
What Can I Do to Lower My Dog’s Risk of Side Effects?
You must stop giving Revolution to your pet immediately and seek emergency veterinarian care if they exhibit the above symptoms.
Dogs who are unwell, frail, or underweight are more likely to experience additional negative effects.
It can be helpful to carefully document the dates that the medication is taken and to never give a double dose to prevent overdoses. Additionally, you must let your vet know about any additional medications your pet may be on, especially those that are used to treat heartworms.
How Is Revolution® Dosed in Dogs?
A dose of Revolution® (selamectin) is based on the weight of the dog, and pipettes are available in 0.25 ml (15 mg/tube) for dogs up to 5 pounds, 0.25 ml (30 mg/tube) for dogs 5.1 to 10 pounds, 0.5 ml (60 mg/tube) for dogs 10.1 to 20 pounds, 1 ml (120 mg/tube) for dogs 20.1 to 40 pounds, 2 mls (240 mg/tube) for dogs 40.1 to 85 pounds, and 3 mL (360 mg/tube) for dogs 85.1 to 130 pounds. One pipette is applied topically every 30 days.
Alternatives
Below are some of the alternative flea treatments you can discuss with your vet if you do not wish to use Revolution;
Nitenpyram (Capstar)
Capstar is a flea medication. It is provided every day. Each pill is effective for 24 hours. Nitenpyram is the active component of Capstar. It only kills adult fleas; it does not affect flea pupae, larvae, or eggs. Furthermore, it does not offer defense against lice, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, heartworms, or other insects. Capstar begins to function after 30 minutes, and 90% efficacy is reached after 4 hours for dogs.
Nitenpyram has a good margin of safety in dogs, according to the book ‘Antiparasitic Drugs’ It has also proven to be safe for expecting or nursing dogs.
Methoprene or S methoprene (Direct Protect Plus)
Methoprene is an insect growth regulator. It is less dangerous than conventional insecticides. It destroys flea eggs and stops flea larvae and pupae from developing into adult fleas. Methoprene is mildly hazardous when absorbed via the skin and largely non-toxic when consumed or inhaled, according to a pesticide information project of Cornell University’s cooperative extension offices. Methoprene has no teratogenic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic effects. It also has no negative effects on reproduction. Additionally, it doesn’t irritate the skin or the eyes. It can be applied topically, as a spray, as a collar, in pet shampoo, etc.
Lufenuron -prescription only
Another insect growth regulator is lufenuron. This insect regulator interferes with insect hormones and stops flea eggs and larvae from maturing into adults. However, it does not kill adult fleas, ticks, mites, and parasites. Animals receive it once each month orally. The People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) claims that insect growth regulators are a secure substitute for pesticides. However uncommon they are, some sensitive animals have reported lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, itching skin, or other side effects.
Pyriproxyfen or Nylar
The insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen is marketed under the trade name nylar. It alters the flea’s life cycle by blocking the development of eggs and larvae into adults. Insect larvae and flea eggshells are affected. It does not kill Adult fleas and ticks. When pyriproxyfen is consumed in large doses or over an extended period, multiple studies have revealed certain health risks.
The Dos And Don’ts When Using Flea Control Medicine for Dogs
Dos
For a safer, more efficient treatment only use a flea control product that your veterinarian has prescribed.
Make sure the flea control product is suitable for your pet’s species, age, and weight by carefully reading the label guidelines.
To prevent pets from licking topical products off one another, keep pets apart in multi-pet households until the flea control product is dry.
Don’ts
Applying a topical flea control solution to the skin that is inflamed, irritated, scraped, or damaged is NOT advised.
Unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so, DO NOT use more than one flea control product on your pet at a time. When taken simultaneously, even two safe flea control products can be harmful.
FAQS
Can I give my pet a bath after applying Revolution?
Yes. According to studies, bathing or submerging your pet in water two hours after treatment will not affect its effectiveness.
When can I play with my pet again after a Revolution treatment?
Contact with the application site while it is moist should be avoided. Once the area where Revolution was treated has dried, you are free to hold or play with your pet whenever you like.
Can Revolution be given with other medicines?
Revolution was safely used with dogs and cats receiving other veterinary treatments such as vaccinations, anthelmintics, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, collars, shampoos, and dips in well-controlled clinical investigations.
However, the following drugs should be used with caution; Amiodarone, carvedilol, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, quinidine, spironolactone, tamoxifen, and verapamil
Inform your vet about any medications your pet is receiving, including vitamins, supplements, and herbal treatments.
Is there any monitoring that needs to be done with this medication?
While your pet is receiving this medication, no special monitoring is required. To ensure that the drug is having the desired effect, you can take your pet to a vet for a check-up.
How do I store Revolution?
Store selemectin at temperatures below 30 °C (86 °F). Keep in mind that this drug is flammable, so stay away from strong heat and open flames.
Is Revolution water fast?
Since Revolution’s active ingredient is absorbed through the skin and into the dog’s bloodstream, it continues to work after shampooing, bathing, and swimming. Revolution can be applied without first bathing your pet, but within two hours of the treatment, your pet should have a wet coat, be permitted to swim, or be shampooed.
Can Revolution be used on pregnant or lactating animals?
Revolution was given to breeding male canines, pregnant and breastfeeding females, and neither group experienced any negative side effects.
Can Revolution be administered without a prescription?
Yes, you may buy Revolution without a prescription from a vet. However, it is advised to inform the veterinarian about the application and consult with them regarding the appropriate dosage.
Can your dog be treated with “Revolution for Cat”?
No. Revolution for cats cannot be used to treat dogs and vice versa. Revolution’s pink package is the only one that may be used on both puppies and kittens.
Can I see parasites after applying Revolution?
Even after using Revolution, your pet can still have parasites. This does not imply that the product is ineffective. After being exposed to the pet, these parasites usually succumb within a few hours to a few days. However, speak with your veterinarian if you still notice parasites after a few days.
What happens if the Revolution solution gets in my pet’s eyes or mouth?
Revolution is only to be used externally, even if it is made to be pet-safe. Consult a veterinarian immediately if the solution accidentally enters your pet’s mouth or eyes, or if your pet ingests it by accident.