Product Spotlight: Revolution

Revolution Topical Parasiticide

Revolution is a topical parasiticide that is available for both dogs and cats.  It is produced by Zoetis, Inc.; formerly Pfizer Animal Health.  Zoetis is known for many novel and cutting edge pet medications.  In this case, Revolution is a medication that has been available for use in cats and dogs for the past 15 years or so.  With that track record, it is one of the more common topical medications; yet it still is effective.  There are many parasite medications of that are not longer effective, but Revolution has remained effective to date.  So what does it do?

General

Revolution is a monthly topical product that provides protection against many of the parasites that we see here in the Seville, Rittman, Lodi and Wadsworth areas.  These parasites include both "bugs" and "worms."  "Bug" is an easy way to classify external parasites and includes fleas.  "Worms" is a way to say internal parasites, including  heartworm disease.  This product should be applied directly on the skin, in the area between the shoulder blades of both dogs and cats.  In cats, we actually recommend applying the product half way in between the top of the head and the shoulder blade area so that cats can not groom any product off within the first few hours.

Dogs

We separated this product spotlight into dogs and cats.  The reason for this is that dogs and cats are different.  With this difference comes different protection, even though there is little difference between the "Cat" revolution and the "Dog" revolution.  The main difference is the concentration of the medication.  The bugs and worms that are covered is where the main difference lies.  In dogs, Revolution is approved for the prevention of fleas, flea eggs and ear mites.  It also protects against heartworm disease. Revolution is a good option in dogs, but it is not an "all-in-one."  There are no true "all-in-one" medications, we feel that there are some better options for our canine friends.

Cats

Cats and dogs are different in many, many ways.  The main focus for purposes here is that cats are extensive groomers.  This ultra-grooming behavior gives cats more protection than dogs from Revolution.  This is the reason that Revolution is our most recommended monthly parasite control for cats.  In cats, Revolution protects against the same parasites as in dogs: Heartworms, fleas, flea eggs and ear mites.  In addition, Revolution covers roundworms and hookworms, two of the most common internal parasites in cats.

Written by Dr. Jeff Fink for use by Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic and our partner clinics:  Orrville Veterinary Clinic and Akron Barberton Veterinary Clinic.