Veterinary 2025 Guide: Revolution® (Selamectin) for Parasite Protection in Dogs & Cats 🐶🐱🩺

Hello, I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc. This 2025 guide covers Revolution® (selamectin)—a monthly topical parasiticide approved for dogs (≥ 6 wk) and cats (≥ 8 wk). It offers broad protection against external and internal parasites. You’ll learn indications, dosing, administration, safety, monitoring, and owner support using Ask A Vet tools 😊.

🔍 1. What Is Revolution®?

Revolution® contains selamectin, a macrocyclic lactone that works by disrupting parasite neuromuscular function—paralyzing and killing many parasite species :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🎯 2. Indications by Species

• Dogs: Flea control, heartworm prevention, ear mite, sarcoptic mange, and American dog tick control :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Cats: Fleas, heartworms, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

💧 3. Dosing & Administration

• Standard dose: **2.7 mg/lb (6 mg/kg)**, once monthly :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Use only the species- and weight-specific tube. Part the hair and apply to dry skin between shoulder blades on dogs, and at the base of the neck on cats :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
• Do **not** massage; avoid wet fur. Dogs shouldn’t be bathed for 2 hrs, cats for 24 hrs post-application :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• If a dose is missed, apply as soon as possible and resume monthly schedule—never double up :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

⏱️ 4. Onset & Coverage

Flea protection begins within hours and lasts a month; heartworm prevention requires consecutive monthly dosing; ear mite and mange protection follow same schedule :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

⚠️ 5. Safety & Side Effects

• Usually well tolerated; occasional hair loss or irritation at application site (<1%) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Less common: vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, lethargy, tremors, respiratory changes, incoordination; seizures rare—possibly due to parasite die-off :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Overdose or accidental ingestion may cause CNS signs including tremors, disorientation, coma—especially in MDR1-sensitive breeds :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🚫 6. Precautions & Contraindications

• Avoid use on sick, debilitated, or underweight pets :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Always test dogs for heartworm before beginning; first doses in infected animals may trigger signs from microfilariae death :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Use cautiously in breeds with MDR1 mutation predisposition :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Human contact with wet skin is discouraged—medication is flammable and may irritate skin/eyes—wash hands thoroughly after application :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

🩺 7. Monitoring & Follow‑Up

• Track application date via calendar or app reminders.
• Monitor skin at application site; watch for systemic signs (GI, neurologic, breathing changes).
• In dogs with heartworm infection, monitor for pulmonary or neurologic signs during initial monthly dosing :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

📝 8. Client Education & Home Care

• Explain parting fur and applying to skin only; discourage licking application site.
• Demonstrate monthly reminders—integrate with Ask A Vet app for alerts and logs 😊.
• Avoid bathing and avoid wetting the application area for the recommended time.
• Warn owners to store the product safely away from children/pets and flammable sources.
• Provide guidance on signs of adverse reactions and prompt vet contact.

📌 9. 2025 Vet Takeaways

• Revolution® is a once-monthly spot-on providing broad-spectrum parasite control for dogs and cats.
• Dosage is weight-based and critical—use correct tube and application site.
• Side effects are uncommon—monitor for local or systemic reactions, especially in sensitive breeds or heartworm-positive dogs.
• Education combined with digital reminder tools improves compliance and outcomes 😊.

At Ask A Vet, we offer application reminders, exposure logs, side-effect alerts, and 24/7 messaging support to guide safe and effective parasite prevention. Encourage clients to download our app for confident home care ❤️