Revolution vs Advantage for Dogs
Every pet parent wants the best for their four-legged companion. Part of this involves selecting the right flea and heartworm preventative. Revolution and Advantage are two popular choices, but which is the better option for your furry friend?
Understanding Flea and Heartworm Preventatives
Flea and heartworm prevention is crucial to ensure the overall health of your pet. Fleas are not just irritating pests. They can transmit diseases and cause severe discomfort for dogs, while heartworm disease can be fatal. To protect your pet, you need a product that is both safe and effective.
What is Revolution for Dogs?
Revolution, produced by Zoetis, is a monthly topical treatment known for its broad-spectrum efficacy. The active ingredient, Selamectin, works to eliminate fleas, ticks, ear mites, and mange mites. More than that, Revolution also protects against deadly heartworm disease, making it a well-rounded choice for pet owners.
What is the Advantage for Dogs?
Advantage, developed by Bayer, focuses specifically on flea control. The active ingredient, Imidacloprid, works by disrupting the nervous system of fleas, thus resulting in their death. It’s highly effective against adult fleas and larvae, ensuring your pet and its environment are free from these pests.
Revolution vs Advantage: The Showdown
Coverage
When it comes to the range of coverage, Revolution takes the lead. In addition to fleas, it also protects against ticks, heartworm, ear mites, and some types of mange. On the other hand, Advantage primarily targets fleas. While it’s excellent for flea control, it doesn’t provide the same wide-ranging protection that Revolution does.
Cost
Advantage tends to be more budget-friendly than Revolution. However, the overall value should also take into account the spectrum of protection offered. Revolution may be more cost-effective in the long run since it addresses multiple parasites, reducing the need for additional treatments.
Administration
Both Revolution and Advantage are topical treatments that are applied once a month. It’s important to remember that they must be applied correctly and directly on the skin, not on the fur, to ensure absorption and effectiveness.
Safety
Both products are considered safe for dogs when used as directed. However, some dogs may have allergic reactions to topical treatments. Always monitor your dog after application for any adverse reactions.
Conclusion: What’s Best for Your Dog?
So, Revolution or Advantage? The answer lies in your dog’s specific needs. If you’re battling a flea infestation, Advantage may be the way to go. However, if you’re seeking a broad-spectrum preventive treatment that covers fleas, ticks, heartworm, and more, Revolution is the clear winner.
FAQs
How do Revolution and Advantage Work?
Revolution and Advantage work as parasiticides, eliminating parasites that can compromise your dog’s health. They are topical treatments that you apply directly to your dog’s skin.
Revolution contains the active ingredient Selamectin, which gets into the bloodstream and gastrointestinal tract of your dog. It effectively kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching. Moreover, it also targets heartworms, ticks, ear mites, and certain types of mange.
Advantage uses Imidacloprid to exterminate adult fleas by disrupting their nervous system. The ingredient works fast, killing fleas within 12 hours of application. However, its coverage is limited to fleas and does not extend to other parasites.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Revolution or Advantage?
Both Revolution and Advantage are generally safe when used as directed. However, as with any medication, there may be potential side effects. These might include temporary hair loss at the application site, skin irritation, and digestive upset. More serious reactions, though rare, can include seizures or other neurological signs. Always monitor your pet after administering any new medication and consult your vet immediately if you notice anything unusual.
Can I Use Revolution or Advantage on Puppies?
Revolution is safe for puppies as young as six weeks old. Advantage, on the other hand, can be used for puppies seven weeks and older. Nevertheless, it is always recommended to seek your vet’s advice before administering any medication to young puppies.
Are Revolution and Advantage Waterproof?
Once fully absorbed, both Revolution and Advantage are considered waterproof. This means your dog can swim or be bathed without losing protection. However, it’s advised to avoid bathing your dog or letting them swim for at least 24 to 48 hours after application to ensure complete absorption.
Can I Use Revolution or Advantage if My Dog is Pregnant or Nursing?
Revolution is considered safe for use in pregnant and nursing dogs. Advantage also states it is safe for use in pregnant and lactating dogs. As always, you should discuss these treatments with your vet to assess any potential risks and consider your pet’s individual health condition.
How Quickly Do Revolution and Advantage Start to Work?
Both products start to work shortly after application. Advantage begins killing fleas within 12 hours, while Revolution also starts working within this timeframe. The exact timing can vary depending on the level of infestation and the individual dog’s metabolism.
Can I Switch Between Revolution and Advantage?
Yes, you can switch between the two products. However, you should always consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s flea and heartworm preventative regimen. This is to ensure that the switch is carried out safely and effectively, avoiding any periods without protection.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Revolution or Advantage?
If you miss a dose, it’s crucial to apply the medication as soon as you remember. For Revolution, it’s essential to maintain monthly dosing to ensure protection against heartworms. With Advantage, regular application will help prevent reinfestation of fleas. However, don’t double dose to make up for a missed application. Always consult with your vet if you’re unsure about what to do in case of a missed dose.
Can I Use Revolution and Advantage Together?
While both Revolution and Advantage are safe to use, they should not be used together without a vet’s recommendation. These medications have different active ingredients and target different parasites. The simultaneous use might lead to unintended side effects or interactions. It’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most effective treatment plan for your pet.
Can I Use Revolution or Advantage on Other Pets?
While both treatments are made for both dogs and cats, they come in different dosages depending on the size and species of the pet. You should never use a treatment designated for a dog on a cat or vice versa. Also, ensure that the weight category matches your pet’s weight to avoid overdosing or under-dosing.
What’s the Shelf Life of Revolution and Advantage?
Most flea and tick medications, including Revolution and Advantage, have a shelf life of a few years if stored correctly. Be sure to keep the box in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Always check the expiry date on the package before use.
How Often Should I Apply Revolution or Advantage?
Both Revolution and Advantage are monthly treatments. It’s recommended to apply these products every 30 days to ensure continuous protection. If you live in a high-risk area or during peak flea and tick season, consistent and regular treatment is crucial.
Are There Natural Alternatives to Revolution and Advantage?
While natural alternatives like essential oils, garlic, or vinegar are often promoted, they may not be as effective and can even be harmful to your pet. Always consult your vet before deciding to switch to a natural alternative.
Do I Need a Prescription for Revolution or Advantage?
While Advantage can be purchased over the counter, Revolution is a prescription medication. This means you will need a prescription from your vet to purchase Revolution. It’s essential because Revolution also protects against heartworm, which requires a vet’s diagnosis and monitoring.
How Do I Apply Revolution or Advantage?
Both Revolution and Advantage are applied topically. You should part your dog’s fur at the base of their neck or between the shoulder blades to expose the skin. Then, apply the entire content of the tube directly onto the skin. Be careful to ensure the medication does not run off the side of your pet. It’s essential that the product is applied to an area where the dog can’t lick it off.
How Does Body Weight Affect the Dose of Revolution or Advantage?
Both Revolution and Advantage doses are based on your dog’s body weight. This is to ensure your dog receives the correct amount of medication for their size, which is crucial for the product’s effectiveness and safety. Overdosing can lead to side effects, while under-dosing might not provide the desired protection. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and consult with your vet if you’re unsure.
What Do I Do If My Dog Experiences an Adverse Reaction?
If your dog experiences any adverse reactions, such as severe skin irritation, vomiting, lethargy, or anything out of the ordinary following the application, you should contact your vet immediately. In many cases, the reaction may be mild and temporary, but severe reactions can occur and prompt veterinary attention is essential.
Will Revolution or Advantage Interfere With Other Medications?
While Revolution and Advantage are generally safe to use with most other medications, you should always inform your vet about any other treatments your dog is receiving. Some drugs can potentially interact with Revolution or Advantage, so it’s always better to ensure a safe combination of treatments for your pet.
Can Revolution or Advantage Treat Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)?
While neither Revolution nor Advantage is a direct treatment for Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD), by effectively controlling flea infestations, they can help manage this condition. FAD is a hypersensitivity reaction to flea bites, so preventing the bites can significantly improve the symptoms. Always consult your vet if your dog suffers from FAD for a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can I Use Revolution or Advantage Year-Round?
Yes, both Revolution and Advantage can be used year-round for consistent and comprehensive protection. Even during the colder months, fleas, ticks, and other parasites can pose a risk to your dog’s health. Your vet can provide specific recommendations based on your geographical location and the local prevalence of parasites.
