How Long Does It Take for Revolution to Work?
When dealing with a flea infestation or working on preventive measures for your pet, knowing how your chosen treatment works and how long it takes to be effective can be critical. One of the popular choices among pet owners is the Revolution flea treatment. But how long does it take for Revolution to work?
What is Revolution Flea Treatment?
Revolution, with its active ingredient Selamectin, is a topical parasiticide used for treating and preventing heartworm disease, fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, and certain types of ticks in dogs and cats. Additionally, it can also protect your pets from roundworms and hookworms.
How Long Does Revolution Take to Work?
Revolution starts to work within 36 hours of application. However, it can take up to 48 hours to fully kill fleas. If used correctly and regularly, it can provide a month-long protection against new infestations.
Efficacy Timeline of Revolution Flea Treatment
Initial Hours
Once applied to your pet’s skin, Revolution gets absorbed into the bloodstream and starts to work within a few hours. However, it’s important not to bathe your pet with a detergent-based soap within 2 hours before or after application, as it can hamper absorption.
24 – 48 Hours
Within the first 24 to 48 hours, Revolution starts killing the fleas present on your pet. You may still see some fleas on your pet during this period, but they are likely to be slow moving or dead, indicating the treatment’s effect.
Day 3 Onwards
The latest studies have shown that Selamectin (Revolution) is 100% effective by day 3 when dosed correctly. Hence, you should see a noticeable reduction in the flea population on your pet by this time.
Maintaining Monthly Treatment
For continuous protection against flea infestations, Revolution should be administered at monthly intervals throughout the flea season. Maintaining this monthly treatment schedule ensures that any new fleas that come into contact with your pet are killed before they can reproduce and cause a new infestation.
Does Revolution Start Killing Fleas Immediately?
While Revolution starts working within a few hours of application, it does not immediately kill all the fleas. Fleas feeding on the treated animal will ingest Revolution, leading to their demise. Therefore, it can take a little while for all the fleas to be affected.
Why Do I Still See Fleas After Using Revolution?
Even after using Revolution, you might still see some fleas on your pet. This is because new fleas can jump onto your pet from the environment, which will then be killed by the Revolution present in your pet’s system. Additionally, it’s also crucial to remember that Revolution only kills adult fleas, not their eggs or larvae. So, it’s equally important to treat the environment as well.
Wrapping Up
Revolution is a reliable option for flea control in dogs and cats when used correctly. It starts to work within a few hours and can offer complete protection by day 3. However, to maintain its effectiveness, a regular monthly treatment schedule is essential. Furthermore, ensuring your pet’s environment is also treated can help prevent new infestations. Always consult with your vet before starting any new treatment for your pet.
FAQs
1. How is Revolution Flea Treatment Administered?
Revolution is a topical treatment, which means it’s applied directly onto the skin of your pet, preferably at the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades where it cannot be licked off. Make sure your pet’s skin is dry and not irritated at the application site. Once applied, Revolution gets absorbed into your pet’s bloodstream and distributes throughout your pet’s body.
2. How does Revolution Kill Fleas?
Revolution’s active ingredient, Selamectin, works by disrupting the nervous system of the flea, causing paralysis and ultimately death. Selamectin also hinders the development of flea eggs, preventing them from hatching, which disrupts the lifecycle of the fleas.
3. How Effective is Revolution in Treating Ear Mites?
Apart from fleas, Revolution is also effective in treating ear mite infestations in dogs and cats. Typically, a single dose of Revolution can effectively clear an ear mite infestation. However, in some cases, a second monthly dose may be needed to completely eliminate the infestation.
4. Can I Use Revolution for Lice Treatment?
Revolution is not specifically labeled for lice treatment, but it can be effective when applied every two weeks for three treatments. Always consult your vet before using Revolution or any other treatment for a condition it’s not specifically labeled for.
5. Can Revolution Be Used on Other Animals Like Rabbits?
While Revolution is primarily labeled for use in dogs and cats, it’s often used off-label to treat fleas and mites in other animals such as rabbits. Always consult with a vet before using Revolution on any animal not specified on the product label.
6. Can I Apply Revolution if My Pet is Still Wet?
For the best results, your pet should be completely dry at the time of application. Bathing your pet before applying Revolution is fine, but you should ensure your pet is fully dry before applying the treatment.
7. What Happens If My Pet Ingests Revolution?
If your pet manages to ingest Revolution, they may experience salivation or vomiting. If these symptoms occur, it’s best to consult your vet immediately. Revolution is intended for external use only, and care should be taken to apply it where pets can’t lick it off.
8. What if I Forget to Administer Revolution One Month?
If you miss a dose of Revolution, administer the missed dose immediately and then resume your regular monthly schedule. If the treatment gap is too long, there may be an increased risk of adult heartworm infections. It’s crucial to maintain a regular treatment schedule to ensure maximum protection.
9. How Should I Store Revolution?
Revolution should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children and pets. It should not be stored above 30°C (86°F) or below 0°C (32°F).
10. What If My Pet Experiences Side Effects?
Like any medication, Revolution can cause side effects, though these are usually rare and mild. Side effects can include temporary hair loss at the application site, digestive upset, or changes in behavior. If you observe any adverse reactions, contact your vet immediately.
11. Can I Use Revolution on a Pregnant or Nursing Pet?
Revolution is generally safe for use on pregnant and nursing dogs and cats. However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment regimen on a pregnant or nursing pet to ensure the safety of the mother and her offspring.
12. Can I Use Revolution on Puppies and Kittens?
Revolution can be safely used on puppies and kittens from as young as six weeks of age. However, always adhere to the recommended dosage guidelines on the product label or those provided by your vet.
13. Can Revolution Be Used to Treat Internal Parasites?
Apart from external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, Revolution also protects against some internal parasites. It can prevent heartworm disease in dogs and cats, and treat and control roundworm and intestinal hookworm infections in cats.
14. How Long Does it Take for Revolution to Absorb?
Revolution is absorbed into the pet’s bloodstream within hours of application. However, it’s recommended to keep the pet dry and avoid bathing or swimming for at least two hours after application to ensure the treatment is fully absorbed.
15. Can I Use Other Flea Treatments with Revolution?
It’s generally not recommended to combine flea treatments unless advised by your vet, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you feel Revolution is not effective for your pet, consult your vet about potential alternatives.
16. Can Fleas Become Resistant to Revolution?
While it is possible for parasites to develop resistance to certain treatments over time, there is currently no widespread evidence to suggest that fleas have developed resistance to Revolution.
17. Does Revolution Protect Against Ticks?
While Revolution is effective against certain types of ticks, it does not protect against all tick species. If ticks are a concern in your area, you may need to consider a supplementary tick prevention product. Always consult your vet before adding any additional treatments.
18. What Should I Do If I Apply Too Much Revolution?
If you believe you’ve applied too much Revolution, contact your vet immediately. Signs of overdose may include excessive salivation, vomiting, tremors, or decreased appetite.
19. Can Revolution be Used Year-Round?
Revolution can and should be used year-round for the best protection against parasites. Even in colder months, parasites can survive indoors and pose a threat to your pet.
20. Are There Any Known Drug Interactions with Revolution?
Currently, there are no known drug interactions with Revolution. However, if your pet is on other medications, always discuss this with your vet before beginning treatment with Revolution.
