Revolution for Dogs Side Effects
There are a wide variety of parasites that may infest your pet and many can be both intractable and dangerous. Insects like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can both pester your pet with constant biting and cause conditions such as alopecia. They can even spread internal parasites such as heartworms, which can prove fatal if left untreated. One of the best ways to treat heartworm infestations in canines is with Revolution for Dogs. This prescription medication kills ear mites, heartworms, scabies, fleas, and ticks.
Revolution is available in a variety of formulations to treat dogs of all sizes. Simply applying the appropriate dosage of the topical formulation onto your pet is enough to kill parasites and repel fleas for up to one month. Once the month is over, it can be reapplied such that your pet has protection against infestation year-round.
As with most medications aimed at preventing parasitic infestations, Revolution works by utilizing an ingredient that is toxic to insects. Selamectin, the active ingredient, causes neuromuscular paralysis in the parasites that ingest it. Due to its toxic nature, it is important that Revolution for Dogs is administered exactly as directed by your veterinarian to minimize the risk of it adversely affecting your pet.
Side Effects and Their Causes
Revolution is generally safe for dogs and very rarely causes any adverse reactions, particularly when it is used properly. Pets that have an allergy to the medication may experience typical symptoms of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and hives. Other pets that receive an abnormally large dose of the medication may experience the following symptoms:
- Temporary hair loss at the site of the application
- Inappetance
- Drooling and/or vomiting
- Bloody stools and/or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Rapid breathing and increased heart rate
- Muscle tremors
What Can I Do Lower My Dog's Risk of Side Effects?
If your pet experiences these symptoms, it’s important that you stop administering Revolution immediately and seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Drooling and vomiting generally only occur when the medication has been accidentally consumed. This can be prevented by applying the medication on the back of the neck, where it cannot be reached.
Other side effects are more likely to occur in animals that are sick, weak, or underweight.
To prevent overdoses, it can be useful to carefully track dates that the medication is administered and to never administer a double dose. It’s also vital that you inform your veterinarian of any other medications that your pet may be taking, especially those used for treating heartworms.
Other Considerations
Since Revolution for Dogs is fairly comprehensive in regards to the parasites that it treats, it can be incredibly cost-effective; however, for this same reason, it may be overkill for dogs that do not need prescription medication to stay healthy. Before your veterinarian prescribes Revolution, he may test your pup for heartworms to determine if this medication is necessary.
If your veterinarian finds that Revolution for Dogs is not appropriate for your pooch and you still need some form of flea or tick preventive then you may want to consider K9 Advantix II . K9 Advantix II does not require a prescription but effectively protects against fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and lice. It also eradicates existing flea infestations.
We hope that this information has helped assure you that Revolution is a safe and effective way to treat and prevent parasitic infestations in your dog.
