Revolution Heartworm for Dogs

Pfizer Animal Health of Exton, Pennsylvania, distributes Revolution heartworm for dogs. While sold as a heartworm medication for dogs and cats, company literature describes it as a parasiticide, because it also effective for the treatment of fleas and ear mites, as well as heartworm.

The active ingredient in Revolution heartworm for dogs is a product called selamectin. A specific bacterium that lives in the soil produces a sugar by-product that is used to create selamectin. The soil is harvested for the bacterium, which is grown for the sugar by-product under lab conditions. The by-product is harvested and becomes part of the compound that makes up Revolution. Selamectin is among a family of vermicedes and kills the heartworm by disrupting its nervous system.

Revolution is applied to the back of a dog’s neck and is effective for one month as a preventative medication.

For Revolution to be toxic in animals, it would have to be given at a dosage level of ten times or more than its current prescribed dose. It is not and should not be given to dogs under six weeks of age.

Revolution is a prescribed medication and is FDA approved. The controversy surrounding the use of heartworm and flea protection medication and the use, present or past, of insecticides in the making of those products does not apply when it comes to Revolution.

Revolution works by helping prevent the development and growth of adult heartworms. Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes, and it is recommended at the very least to use Revolution one month prior of the beginning of mosquito season to one month after the dog’s exposure to mosquitoes.

As with all heartworm medication, your dog must be tested and come back negative prior beginning treatment. Heartworm medication given to dogs with an active heartworm infection can seriously harm the animal.

Revolution is also effective against the common dog tick, fleas, ear mites and sarcoptic mange in dogs.

Revolution heartworm medication was tested in over 100 different pure breeds and mixed breeds dogs. These tests included male and female breeding dogs, dogs that were nursing puppies, puppies (6 weeks of age and older) and Collies (a member of the herding breeds that demonstrate a sensitivity to ivermectin/avermectin, a primary compound in other heartworm medications). With the exception of one Collie that displayed temporary ataxia (trouble walking) after an administered dose, no other problems were detected.

Other side effects to watch for after administering Revolution are diarrhea or loose stool with or without blood, lack of appetite, fatigue and drooling caused by excessive salivation. These side effects were temporary and observed in less than .5 percent of all the animals tested.

Revolution® heartworm for dogs’ medication is supplied in packages of three or six single dose

tubes. It is administered in different strengths, beginning at 15 mg and going up to 240 mg, according to a dog’s weight. Dogs over 85 pounds receive a combo treatment of two different strength tubes – the 120 mg and the 240 mg – for a total dosage at the 350 mg level.

The product is a quick drying liquid and owners should wait at least two hours before exposing a dog to water (bathing or swimming) after it is applied. The preventative should be stored in a dry place below 86°F.

Revolution appears to be one of those medications that is used today among many breeders and owners with great success. It is a medication and therefore should be stored out of the reach of children and pets. It is also flammable, so do not apply it to your pet next to a grill or open flame. Also, remember to wash your hands after application.

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