flea + tick prevention

[Anna]

We are looking at starting Darwin and Ada on Frontline Plus.  Anyone here use it?  Any opinions on it?

[dogonit]

We prefer Revolution...Heard of several dogs with reactions to Frontline

[blanche]

I use Revolution as well, but that is largely because of the number of dogs coming through my house from shelters, etc and the fact that my dogs go to dog parks daily.

Have never used Frontline.

[Anna]

Revolution says it protects for heartworm and mentions fighting parasites.  Does it protect against worms for dogs along with fleas and ticks?  Does it do all ticks or just one or two kinds?

We have used Sentinel in the years past but since we are doing more hiking on the Bruce Trail these days and so I am concerned that we should be using tick prevention too.

[blanche]

Here's an article from Dogs in Canada about it:



When Revolution® hit the veterinary market, it was revolutionary. It was the first heartworm product that could be applied topically to the skin. Up until that time, only oral products were available.

The ingredient in Revolution is selamectin, an avermectin compound related closely to ivermectin (Heartgard®) and indirectly to milbemycin oxime (Interceptor ®). Selamectin prevents canine heartworm infestations by killing heartworm larvae that mosquitoes inject into dogs. It does not kill adult heartworms.

According to the Revolution label, it “may be safely administered to heartworm infected dogs, however, it is recommended, in accordance with good veterinary practice, that all dogs greater than six months of age be tested for existing heartworm infections before beginning medication with Revolution.” The need for testing depends on where you live. It’s up to your veterinarian to decide if testing is necessary or not.

To prevent heartworm, apply Revolution once a month to your dog’s skin. You may choose to do it all year round, or you can apply the initial dose within a month of the first mosquito hatching, then continue monthly until after the mosquito season has ended.

Revolution also kills adult fleas and by doing so, prevents eggs from being produced and stops the life cycle. Because flea larvae already in the environment may continue to hatch, you will occasionally see live fleas, but they will be quickly killed. With continued use of Revolution, the number of fleas in your environment will decrease over time.

Besides heartworm and fleas, selamectin can be used to manage intestinal roundworms and treat sarcoptic mange. As well, Revolution works on ear mite infestations. It usually takes just a single application (to the skin, not the ears) to kill ear mites.

The tick species Rhipicephalus and Dermacentor can also be controlled with Revolution. In the case of heavy infestations, the initial dose may not be sufficient to eliminate the ticks so a second dose should be applied two weeks later.

Monthly dosing is continued thereafter to maintain control.

Revolution is supplied in a small tube. You break off the top, place the tip of the tube directly on the skin and then squeeze the contents on one spot. The liquid is absorbed through the skin and distributed by the blood to the sebaceous glands (sweat glands in the skin).

Do not let your dog get wet for two hours after applying Revolution. After that, he can swim or be bathed with no risk of washing off the product.

By Jeff Grognet, D.V.M.
A multi-published writer, Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., B.S.c.(Agr.), runs a veterinary practice in Qualicum Beach, B.C., along with his wife, Louise Janes, D.V.M.

(Appeared in November, 2007 issue. To learn more about our print edition click here)

[Anna]

Thanks Blanche,

In your opinion, which is better - a product that kills adult fleas or one that kills flea larvae?

[blanche]

Not sure I've ever thought about it, to be honest.  I have used Revolution for quite a few years and have never had a flea problem--so it has worked for me.

[keep on pugging]

We prefer Revolution...Heard of several dogs with reactions to Frontline

Just picked up our Revolution. Wonder if anyone here started it May 1, verses the usual June 1? With this hot weather, just worried June 1 may be too late this year?  Let us know how the Frontline does work out, if you go ahead and decide to use it.

[clummy]

My vet said to start on May 15, so Maude and Rolly both began their treatments that day.

[dogonit]

We start May 1st and never had a flea here even though at on point we had 14 dogs including our mill fosters...it is the best.

[SpeedyPug]

we have Revolution this year and the vet said June 1st...

[blanche]

I started may 15th just because it's been so unseasonably warm, I figured the fleas are up and at 'em.  I usually do it every 6 weeks in any case.

[Jug and Pug]

Our vet suggested May 15 but I got my act together May 20.....so somewhere in between.  We use Revolution as well.

[Pam]

We have always had Revolution and start on June 1.