Selamectin for dogs

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting, stopping, or changing any medication for your pet. Your veterinarian can determine whether this medication is appropriate for your pet’s specific condition and health status.

Content review: This content has been written and reviewed by licensed veterinary professionals. For complete prescribing information, consult the official product labeling or speak with your veterinarian.

Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, an FDA-approved topical parasite control product for dogs. Your veterinarian may prescribe Revolution to your dog for the treatment, control, or prevention of certain internal and external parasites. Revolution treats and prevents fleas, prevents heartworm disease, and controls American dog tick infestations. It also treats and controls skin and ear mites. Revolution is manufactured by Zoetis® and is available by veterinary prescription only.

Guidelines from both the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) and the Canadian Parasitology Expert Panel (CPEP) emphasize the importance of regular parasite protection for dogs against heartworms, fleas, and intestinal parasites.

In Canada, Revolution is also approved for the treatment and control of brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) infestations and as an aid in the treatment and control of roundworm (Toxocara canis) infestations in dogs.

After being applied to the skin on the back of a dog’s neck, selamectin is absorbed into the bloodstream and spreads to tissues throughout the body. It protects dogs against several important parasites:

• Fleas: Kills adult fleas when they bite and feed on the dog’s blood and prevents flea eggs from hatching, helping to break the flea life cycle over time.
• Heartworms: Prevents heartworm disease by killing the immature larval stage of heartworms (transmitted by mosquitoes) before they can grow into adult worms that damage the heart and lungs. Revolution is only a preventive and does not treat existing heartworm infections.
• Ear and skin mites: Kills ear mites and sarcoptic mange (scabies) mites that live on a dog’s skin or in the ear canals, helping relieve itching and irritation. Selamectin does not kill mite eggs, which means new mites can still hatch for a few weeks after treatment begins. A second dose may be needed in some dogs.

Research studies show that flea-allergy symptoms may also improve as a result of killing adult fleas. This includes reducing skin redness, hair loss, skin infection, and itchiness. Since flea saliva is a common allergen, vets often recommend treating dogs with allergic dermatitis year-round for fleas.

Revolution comes as a colorless or yellow liquid contained in a small plastic tube and applied topically to the skin on the back of the neck. Each tube is for single use only. The tubes are available in eight separate dose strengths, each corresponding to a dog’s weight.

The medication should not be applied to broken skin, since it contains alcohol, which can further damage or irritate the skin. Revolution is not to be applied if your dog’s coat is wet. If treating fleas or preventing heartworm, a dog should not be bathed within two hours of a treatment.

To apply Revolution:

1. Firmly press the cap down to puncture the seal (you’ll hear or feel it “click”), then remove the cap.
2. Part your dog’s hair on the base of their neck above the shoulder blades so that the skin is visible.
3. With the tip of the tube touching the skin, squeeze the tube three or four times to empty all its contents directly onto the skin (there is no need to massage the product into the skin).
4. Once the tube is empty, discard of it with your ordinary household waste.

A veterinarian or veterinary technician can demonstrate how to apply or give instructions for applying Revolution.

The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends all dogs in the US receive year-round parasite prevention. Pests can find their way indoors, and keeping your dog on continuous prevention helps protect both them and the rest of the household.

In Canada, veterinarians often follow recommendations from the Canadian Parasitology Expert Panel. These guidelines are adapted to Canada’s climate and seasonal parasite risks. Depending on where you live, your vet may recommend you use prevention on your dog year-round or only during the warmer months when certain pests are most active.

For flea prevention, give your dog Revolution year-round on a monthly basis or at least one month before fleas become active until one month after fleas stop being active in your region. If your dog already has fleas when Revolution is applied, the adult fleas die rapidly, often before they can lay eggs. However, it takes at least three months of regularly treating all pets in the household to eliminate an existing infestation because of flea eggs and pupae that are already present in the environment. If your vet prescribes Revolution for a flea infestation, be sure to tell them about any other animals in your home, since it’s usually necessary to treat all pets in the home to successfully eliminate an infestation.

For tick control, Revolution is applied on a monthly schedule. For heavy infestations, an additional dose two weeks after the initial treatment may be prescribed, after which monthly dosing can then continue.

To treat and control ear and skin mites, Revolution is administered in the same way as all other applications: to the skin over the shoulder blades. Revolution is not applied to the ear canal, though cleaning infested ears is recommended to remove debris. Ear and skin mite eggs, like flea eggs, are resistant to treatment, so repeated monthly dosing over two or three months is necessary to eliminate ear mites. Regular, year-round monthly use prevents future ear or skin mite infestations.

Heartworm disease can be prevented by applying Revolution once a month year-round. Alternatively, it can be started within one month of your dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes, with the final dose being given within one month from their last exposure to mosquitoes. Waiting to apply Revolution until more than two months after exposure to heartworm larvae increases the risk of your dog acquiring adult heartworms. If your dog has an unknown heartworm history but tests negative for heartworm before starting Revolution, it’s possible the heartworm infection is present but still undetectable. In this case, another heartworm test is advised three to four months after starting Revolution. When replacing another monthly heartworm preventative product, the first dose of Revolution should be given within a month of the last dose of the former medication.

Revolution is generally well tolerated in most dogs. In some dogs, stiff hair, clumping of hair, hair discoloration, or a slight powdery residue may be seen at the treatment site. These effects are temporary and do not reduce the safety or effectiveness of Revolution.

Uncommon (less than 1% of dogs) adverse effects from clinical studies include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stool (with or without blood)
• Appetite loss (anorexia)
• Lethargy
• Salivation
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Muscle tremors

Understanding side effects

Reading through the list of side effects may feel alarming, but it’s important to understand how these lists are created. In clinical studies, every symptom that occurs is recorded, whether or not the medication is the cause. For example, if a dog develops diarrhea while in a trial, it must be noted, even if the diarrhea was due to something unrelated. Dogs receiving a placebo often show the same kinds of symptoms. Scientists compare these groups carefully to determine whether a medication is safe and effective.

Reported side effects are those that are reported to Zoetis by a veterinary professional or pet owner who has administered Revolution. Though the reported symptoms are seen after giving the medication, it’s difficult to confirm that the medication is the direct cause of the symptom noted.

The list of side effects is extensive, but it does not mean your dog is likely to experience them. If you’re still unsure, your vet can help you weigh the risks and benefits for your unique situation.

Are side effects more likely to happen with the first dose?

Some side effects may appear soon after the first dose because it’s the first time the body has been exposed to the drug; others may not emerge until a medication is used for a longer period of time. Even if a symptom appears shortly after starting a new medication, your vet may need to investigate further to determine whether the medication is truly the cause.

What should I do if I notice changes in my pet right after starting a new medication?

If your pet shows new symptoms after starting a medication, veterinary input is key to understanding whether the change is related to the drug or due to another cause. This is especially important if you see serious signs needing urgent action, like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Trouble standing up
• Severe vomiting or diarrhea
• Pale gums
• Seizures
• Collapse

These are emergency signs. Even though these symptoms may not be directly related to this medication, they always need to be urgently evaluated by a veterinarian. Decisions about stopping the medication, adjusting the dose, or switching medications are safest when made with guidance from your vet.

Where can I find more information?

The drug label and package insert have the most significant information, including the list of side effects seen during scientific studies. These studies are done in a controlled environment, which means external factors are limited to prevent them from affecting the data. Clinical studies are designed to measure the benefits and potential risks of a medication. Though the package label has extensive information, your vet is the best resource to guide you on whether this medication is right for your dog, since they can take into account their individual condition and circumstance.

For more details about Revolution, visit the Zoetis website.

There are no known drug interactions for using Revolution with other medications. In safety studies, Revolution was used safely in animals receiving other frequently used veterinary products, such as vaccines, antiparasitics, antibiotics, steroids, collars, shampoos, and dips. No adverse reactions were associated with using Revolution at the same time as these medications. However, absence of evidence is not proof against all drug interactions. Always check with a veterinarian before giving your pet any new medications, and make sure they are aware of all other medications and supplements you give your pet.

Research studies show Revolution to have a strong safety profile. Revolution is generally well tolerated in dogs, but just like with any medication, some dogs may be more at risk for side effects than others. Your veterinarian can determine whether Revolution is right for your dog.

Some of the main concerns include:

• Age: Revolution is not for use in puppies under six weeks of age.
• Breed: Certain dogs, such as herding breeds like Collies and Australian Shepherds, may carry a genetic variation known as the MDR1 gene mutation, which can affect how they process some medications. Revolution (selamectin) is generally considered safe for these breeds at prescribed doses, but your veterinarian is the best source of guidance if your dog is ivermectin-sensitive or known to have the MDR1 mutation.
• Existing and pre-existing health conditions: Dogs should be tested for heartworm disease prior to using Revolution. According to the product’s prescribing information, Revolution has been shown to be safe when given to heartworm-positive dogs. Revolution should not be applied to broken skin, since it contains alcohol, which can further damage or irritate the skin. If your dog has a chronic illness, always talk to your vet before starting any new medication.
• Contraindications: Revolution should not be used in sick, debilitated, or underweight dogs.
• Pregnancy and nursing: No adverse effects are noted with the use of Revolution in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs.

Veterinarians can take into account each dog’s specific health condition and circumstance. If at any time you have questions or concerns about the safety of a medication for your dog, your veterinarian can provide professional guidance tailored to your situation and your dog’s needs.

There are important safety details you need to follow if you give your dog medications that contain selamectin.

Human safety

Revolution may be irritating to the skin and eyes. Reactions like hives, itching, and skin redness have been reported with accidental skin contact of topical selamectin solution. People who have a sensitivity to selamectin should use caution or consult a healthcare professional before using Revolution. Revolution contains isopropyl alcohol and the preservative butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

• This medication is not intended for use in humans; keep out of reach of children.
• Avoid contact between the product and fingers. If accidental contact occurs, immediately wash the product off the skin with soap and water.
• Do not come into contact or allow children to come into contact with the application site for four hours after application.
• In case of accidental eye contact, flush eyes copiously with water. If wearing contact lenses, rinse the eyes first then remove the contact lenses and continue to rinse for 5–10 minutes and seek medical attention.

Storage

• This medication is flammable; keep away from heat, sparks, open flames or other sources of ignition. Store at or under 30° Celsius (86° Fahrenheit).
• Do not use after the expiration date on the label.
• Dispose of the used tubes in your household trash.

Use and administration

• Use Revolution only as directed by a veterinarian and follow label instructions exactly. Revolution should not be stopped and doses should not be skipped unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
• Verify that your pet’s species, age, and weight match the prescribed dose.
• Do not give Revolution to a dog with a known allergy to selamectin or any other ingredients listed.

Overdosage

Contact your veterinarian/a poison control center immediately if your dog receives more than the prescribed amount of Revolution.

Talk to your vet

Before starting Revolution, your vet needs to know if your dog has ever had a previous adverse reaction to selamectin.

Your vet needs to be aware of every medication and supplement your dog receives, including over-the-counter products, when prescribing Revolution. This information helps prevent drug interactions, avoids duplicate therapies, and guides safe dosing and monitoring. It’s also important to let your vet know if your dog is pregnant or nursing, or if you plan to breed your dog.

Accidental ingestion by other pets or people

Veterinary prescription medications are directly prescribed for an individual pet. Before prescribing a medication, a vet takes into account your pet’s species, weight, age, physical examination, previously existing conditions, and other details. It’s unsafe to give a veterinary prescription to a human or to an animal other than the pet it’s prescribed for.

If another pet of any species, including another dog, accidentally receives or ingests Revolution, contact a veterinarian or poison control center immediately for advice.

For complete safety and handling information, including situations when it might be harmful to use this medication, see the package insert for the specific product containing selamectin.

Emergency contacts:

• Pet Emergency: Contact your local emergency veterinary clinic
• Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661 (fee may apply)
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (fee may apply)
• Human Poison Control: Contact your local poison control center or emergency services
• FDA Adverse Event Reporting: Report suspected adverse reactions to the FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine at 1-888-FDA-VETS or online at www.fda.gov/reportanimalae
• To report a suspected adverse reaction to a veterinary drug in Canada, contact the Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) by calling 1-877-838-7322 or emailing pv-vet@hc-sc.gc.ca
• Manufacturer: Contact Zoetis Services at: Canada: 800-461-0917 US: 1-888-Zoetis1 (1-888-963-8471) UK: 0345 300 8034 or visit https://www.zoetis.com/contact-us

If a dose is missed, it can be given as soon as possible and then continued on the regular monthly schedule from there. Double doses or extra doses should not be given.

Based on your pet’s individual circumstance and condition, your vet may recommend other kinds of medications and products in addition to or in place of Revolution. To make an informed decision, always discuss side effects, long-term effects, and ease of administration.

Alternative or additional treatments include:

• Prescription oral and topical (spot-on) medications
• Injectable heartworm preventives, such as the 6- or 12-month moxidectin injection
• Over-the-counter medications
• Topical treatments

Each product has different advantages and disadvantages and plays different roles in parasite treatment and prevention. Talk to a veterinarian to determine which options are right for you and your unique situation.

When exposed to or infested with parasites, like fleas, ticks, mites, and intestinal worms, or disease vectors, like mosquitoes, a dog may be at risk for other conditions or diseases. If needed, your vet can recommend treatments additional to or in place of selamectin. Examples of commonly associated conditions include:

• Flea allergy dermatitis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Hyperkeratosis
• Pruritis
• Pyoderma
• Alopecia
• Seborrhea
• Tapeworm
• Heartworm disease
• Anemia
• Respiratory issues
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis

• If anything unexpected happens when your dog is taking this medication, contact a veterinarian.
• Revolution should be used only for the pet it was prescribed for and only for the specific condition your veterinarian intended.
• Follow the exact dosing instructions. Never adjust the dose, split doses, or share the medication with other pets.

• Zoetis: Revolution prescribing information
• Zoetis Petcare: Revolution for Pet Owners
• Zoetis: Revolution: For Animal Healthcare Professionals
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs
• Companion Animal Parasite Council: Sarcoptic Mite
• Western College of Veterinary Medicine: Dermacentor variabilis: American dog tick

This product information is based on FDA-approved labeling. For the most current prescribing information, safety updates, and regulatory status, consult the official product labeling or contact the manufacturer directly.

This educational content was developed independently by our veterinary editorial team without financial compensation, input, or approval from any pharmaceutical manufacturer. All information is based solely on FDA-approved labeling, published scientific literature, and independent veterinary professional judgment. While our organization may have separate business relationships with pharmaceutical companies, these do not influence our editorial content or medical recommendations.