🐾 Revolution Plus vs. Advocate: Which is Better for Your Pet’s Protection?

When it comes to choosing the best flea, tick, and parasite prevention for your pet, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with options. Revolution Plus and Advocate are two of the most popular treatments on the market, but how do they compare?

Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Revolution Plus and Advocate

• What do Revolution Plus and Advocate treat? 🦟 Revolution Plus targets fleas, ticks, mites, heartworms, and intestinal worms, while Advocate covers fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms but not ticks.
• Which one covers more parasites? ✅ Revolution Plus has broader coverage, including ticks.
• Which is safer for my pet? 🩺 Both are generally safe, but Revolution Plus is newer and has undergone extensive modern safety testing.
• How are they administered? 💧 Both are topical treatments applied monthly to your pet’s skin.
• Which product is better for multi-pet households? 🐾 Advocate may be more economical for homes with multiple pets, but Revolution Plus offers wider protection, especially if ticks are a concern.

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What Do Revolution Plus and Advocate Treat? 🦟 A Comprehensive Comparison

When comparing Revolution Plus and Advocate, it’s important to know which parasites each product targets:

• Revolution Plus covers a broad range of external and internal parasites, including:
  • Fleas (kills adult fleas and prevents eggs from hatching)
  • Ticks (kills black-legged, American dog, and Gulf Coast ticks)
  • Ear mites
  • Heartworm prevention
  • Intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms)
• Advocate (also known as Advantage Multi in some regions) offers protection against:
  • Fleas
  • Heartworms
  • Ear mites
  • Intestinal worms (roundworms, hookworms, whipworms)

The major difference here is that Advocate does not protect against ticks, making Revolution Plus the better option if you live in a tick-prone area. Ticks are responsible for spreading diseases like Lyme disease, so comprehensive protection may be essential depending on your pet’s lifestyle and environment.

Feature	Revolution Plus	Advocate	💡 Tip
Flea control	Yes, kills adults and eggs	Yes, kills fleas	Both are effective against fleas, but Revolution Plus also kills flea eggs 🐜
Tick control	Yes	No	Choose Revolution Plus if ticks are a concern 🦠
Heartworm prevention	Yes	Yes	Both provide heartworm protection 💧
Intestinal worm protection	Yes	Yes	Both treat common intestinal worms 🐛
Ear mite treatment	Yes	Yes	Equally effective against ear mites 👂

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Which Product Covers More Parasites? ✅ Revolution Plus for Broader Coverage

In terms of overall parasite coverage, Revolution Plus offers more comprehensive protection than Advocate. While both products are effective against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms, Revolution Plus stands out by also protecting your pet from ticks, which Advocate does not cover.

Ticks can be particularly dangerous for pets, as they transmit diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis. If you live in an area with a high tick population or your pet spends time outdoors, Revolution Plus would likely be the better choice for more complete protection.

Parasite Coverage	Revolution Plus	Advocate	💡 Tip
Broader parasite range	Revolution Plus covers more, including ticks	Advocate lacks tick protection	Opt for Revolution Plus in tick-heavy areas 🌲
Heartworm and flea protection	Both cover heartworms and fleas	Both effective for these pests	Both are solid choices for basic flea and heartworm control 💧

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Which is Safer for My Pet? 🩺 Evaluating Safety and Side Effects

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate are considered safe for most pets when used as directed, but as with any medication, there are potential side effects to be aware of:

• Revolution Plus: Since it’s a newer product (introduced in 2018), it has undergone modern safety testing and is approved for use in cats and dogs. The most common side effects are mild, including temporary hair loss or redness at the application site. Rarely, some pets may experience vomiting or lethargy.
• Advocate: Advocate has been around for longer and is widely regarded as safe. The most common side effects include similar reactions like skin irritation at the application site or mild digestive upset. It’s important to note that Advocate is toxic to certain dog breeds (such as collies) due to its ivermectin component, so always check with your vet if your dog belongs to a sensitive breed.

Both products are generally safe for pets, but Revolution Plus may have a slight edge due to its updated formulation and broader safety studies.

💡 Tip: Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new medication to ensure it’s the right fit for your pet’s health and breed.

Safety	Revolution Plus	Advocate	💡 Tip
Side effects	Mild irritation, vomiting in rare cases	Mild irritation, not for ivermectin-sensitive breeds	Consult your vet if your pet has sensitivities 🩺
Modern formulation	Yes, newer testing	Long-standing safety record	Both are safe, but Revolution Plus has newer safety research ✅

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How Are They Administered? 💧 Simple Topical Treatments

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate are topical treatments, applied to your pet’s skin once a month. The application is relatively simple: you part your pet’s fur at the base of the neck and apply the solution directly to the skin. It’s important to ensure that the medication is absorbed and not rubbed off, so try to keep your pet from licking or grooming the area immediately after application.

The treatments are waterproof after a few hours, making them convenient for pets who love to swim or get bathed frequently.

💡 Tip: Mark your calendar each month to ensure you don’t miss a dose—consistent monthly application is crucial for maximum protection.

Administration	Revolution Plus	Advocate	💡 Tip
Type	Topical once a month	Topical once a month	Apply to dry skin and avoid baths for 48 hours for best results 🧴
Ease of use	Simple, once-a-month application	Same, applied monthly	Keep pets from licking the area immediately after application 🚫

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Which Product is Better for Multi-Pet Households? 🐾 Advocate for Budget, Revolution Plus for Coverage

If you’re managing multiple pets in your household, cost and convenience become important factors. Advocate is often more economical, especially if you’re focusing primarily on flea and heartworm prevention. Its lower price point makes it a practical choice for large families.

However, if your pets are exposed to ticks or have other specific needs (such as cats prone to mites), Revolution Plus may be worth the extra investment due to its wider coverage.

Household Size	Revolution Plus	Advocate	💡 Tip
Best for large families	More costly for multiple pets	More affordable for multiple pets	Choose Advocate for larger pet households if ticks aren’t a concern 💰
Comprehensive coverage	Revolution Plus offers more protection	Advocate is budget-friendly but lacks tick control	Opt for Revolution Plus if broader coverage is needed 🏡

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Final Thoughts: Revolution Plus vs. Advocate 🐾 Which is Right for Your Pet?

Ultimately, both Revolution Plus and Advocate are highly effective treatments, but they serve different needs. If you’re looking for broader protection that includes ticks as well as fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms, Revolution Plus is the clear winner. However, if you’re primarily concerned with flea and heartworm prevention and need a cost-effective solution for a multi-pet household, Advocate might be a better fit.

Quick Recap: Revolution Plus vs. Advocate

• What do they treat? 🦟 Revolution Plus covers more, including ticks, while Advocate lacks tick protection.
• Which is safer? 🩺 Both are generally safe, but Revolution Plus is a newer formulation with updated safety testing.
• How are they applied? 💧 Both are simple topical treatments applied once a month.
• Which is better for multi-pet households? 🐾 Advocate may be more cost-effective, but Revolution Plus offers broader protection.

Choosing the right parasite prevention is crucial for your pet’s health, so consider your pet’s lifestyle, environment, and specific needs when making your decision.

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Comment 1: “Can Revolution Plus and Advocate be used on puppies and kittens?”

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate are formulated for use on younger pets, but there are specific age and weight requirements you must adhere to:

• Revolution Plus can be used on kittens as young as 8 weeks old and with a minimum weight of 2.8 pounds (1.25 kg). This makes it a great option for early parasite prevention in kittens, especially since it covers a wide range of parasites, including ticks, fleas, and heartworms.
• Advocate can be used on puppies and kittens starting at 7 weeks old and weighing at least 2 pounds (0.9 kg). It offers comprehensive flea and heartworm prevention at an early stage but lacks tick coverage, which may be something to consider depending on your pet’s exposure to the outdoors.

For both products, it’s essential to follow the dosage instructions carefully based on your pet’s weight to avoid any adverse reactions.

💡 Tip: Always consult with your vet before starting a new treatment for young pets, as they may need a specific product tailored to their growth and needs. Puppies and kittens are more sensitive, so erring on the side of caution is always wise.

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Comment 2: “Can I use Revolution Plus or Advocate on pregnant or lactating pets?”

Using parasite prevention products on pregnant or lactating pets requires extra caution. Here’s how Revolution Plus and Advocate compare:

• Revolution Plus has been approved for use in lactating, pregnant, and breeding cats, making it a reliable choice for cat owners looking to protect their pregnant or nursing pets from parasites. However, it’s always best to discuss your options with your vet before applying any medication to ensure it’s the right fit for your pet’s specific situation.
• Advocate is also approved for use in pregnant, lactating, and breeding pets. It’s widely used in pregnant and nursing dogs and cats without significant risks when applied correctly.

Both treatments are considered safe, but it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet beforehand, especially since pregnancy and nursing can make pets more sensitive to certain medications.

💡 Tip: If you’re uncertain, schedule a vet visit to review your pet’s overall health before applying a treatment. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet and their babies are safe from parasites.

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Comment 3: “What if my pet is already infested with fleas? Which product works faster?”

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate work to kill fleas quickly, but there are slight differences in how they handle an active infestation:

• Revolution Plus starts killing adult fleas within hours after application, and it continues to break the flea life cycle by preventing flea eggs from hatching. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with a large infestation, as it reduces future generations of fleas from taking over.
• Advocate is also highly effective against fleas and starts working within 24 hours. It not only kills adult fleas but also prevents flea larvae from maturing, which helps control infestations over time.

For a heavy flea infestation, both products work fast, but Revolution Plus might offer a slightly faster start in killing adult fleas, making it a better option if you’re dealing with an immediate problem.

💡 Tip: Remember that dealing with fleas isn’t just about treating your pet. Clean and treat your pet’s environment—such as bedding, furniture, and carpets—to prevent re-infestation.

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Comment 4: “Can I use Revolution Plus or Advocate along with other medications?”

Whether you can combine Revolution Plus or Advocate with other medications depends on the specific treatments your pet is receiving. Both products have been tested for safety when used with other common pet medications, but it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before combining treatments.

• Revolution Plus is generally safe to use alongside antibiotics, steroids, vaccines, and other common medications. However, if your pet is on treatments for seizures, heart conditions, or other serious ailments, it’s critical to get a vet’s approval first to avoid any drug interactions.
• Advocate also has a good safety record when used in conjunction with other medications. However, you should avoid using any additional flea or heartworm treatments while your pet is on Advocate, as this could lead to an overdose of active ingredients like imidacloprid or moxidectin.

💡 Tip: Always provide your vet with a complete list of your pet’s current medications, supplements, and any over-the-counter treatments they may be using. This will help them determine if Revolution Plus or Advocate is safe to add to your pet’s regimen.

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Comment 5: “Which product is better for indoor pets?”

If your pet lives primarily indoors, you might not think parasite protection is necessary, but even indoor pets are at risk of contracting fleas, worms, or mites through contact with humans or other animals. Here’s how Revolution Plus and Advocate compare for indoor pets:

• Revolution Plus offers the advantage of covering a broader spectrum of parasites, including ticks and mites, which can still pose a threat to indoor cats or dogs if these pests enter your home. It’s ideal for pets that might have occasional outdoor exposure or homes in areas where ticks are common, even for indoor pets.
• Advocate is sufficient for pets that are truly indoors-only, as it provides excellent protection against fleas, heartworms, and intestinal worms. If ticks aren’t a concern, Advocate might be the simpler, more cost-effective choice for keeping indoor pets protected from fleas and worms.

Both products are effective, but Revolution Plus offers a little more peace of mind for pets that occasionally venture outside or are in areas where tick exposure is still possible indoors.

💡 Tip: Even indoor pets need year-round parasite protection! Fleas and worms can still find their way inside, so regular treatment is essential.

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Comment 6: “Can I switch between Revolution Plus and Advocate, or should I stick to one?”

Switching between Revolution Plus and Advocate is possible, but it’s important to make the transition carefully and with your vet’s guidance. Both treatments have different active ingredients and target different parasites, so making the switch too quickly could overlap treatments or leave gaps in protection.

If you’re planning to switch from one product to the other, ensure that your pet’s next dose aligns with their regular monthly schedule. This prevents any lapse in protection, which could leave your pet vulnerable to parasites. A vet can help determine the safest way to transition between products based on your pet’s health, weight, and exposure to parasites.

💡 Tip: If you’ve decided to switch products, talk to your vet about the right timing and any potential risks to ensure your pet stays fully protected throughout the change.

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Comment 7: “What are the environmental impacts of using Revolution Plus or Advocate?”

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate contain active ingredients that can impact the environment, especially if not disposed of properly:

• Revolution Plus contains selamectin and sarolaner, which are potent parasiticides that can be harmful to aquatic life. Therefore, it’s important to avoid contact with water bodies after applying the product and to properly dispose of any unused or expired treatments according to local regulations.
• Advocate contains imidacloprid and moxidectin, which are also toxic to aquatic environments. You should ensure that pets treated with Advocate don’t swim in or contaminate bodies of water soon after application, as this can negatively affect the local ecosystem.

💡 Tip: Always follow the disposal instructions on the packaging. Avoid washing treated animals in streams, rivers, or lakes for at least 48 hours after applying either product to minimize environmental impact.

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Comment 8: “Is one product better for senior pets?”

When it comes to senior pets, both Revolution Plus and Advocate are safe, but your choice might depend on your pet’s specific health concerns:

• Revolution Plus is often preferred for senior pets due to its broad parasite coverage, particularly if your pet is prone to mite or tick infestations, which can be more dangerous for older animals with compromised immune systems.
• Advocate is a good choice for senior pets who may not need tick protection but still require flea, heartworm, and intestinal worm prevention. It’s known for its gentle formula, making it a solid option for elderly pets who may be more sensitive to certain treatments.

For older pets with underlying health issues, it’s always crucial to consult with your vet, who can assess which product would be best based on your pet’s overall condition.

💡 Tip: Make sure your senior pet is regularly monitored by a vet, as their needs can change over time. This will help ensure they are receiving the most suitable and effective parasite protection.

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Comment 9: “Can Revolution Plus or Advocate prevent reinfestation if my pet already has fleas?”

Both Revolution Plus and Advocate can help in the prevention of reinfestation, but they work in slightly different ways to achieve this:

• Revolution Plus not only kills adult fleas but also targets flea eggs and larvae, effectively breaking the flea life cycle. This makes it a powerful tool for both eliminating an active infestation and preventing future ones. By inhibiting the development of new fleas, Revolution Plus provides long-lasting protection and reduces the risk of reinfestation over time.
• Advocate is equally effective at killing adult fleas and flea larvae, helping to halt the development of fleas in the environment. While it doesn’t specifically target flea eggs, it works to disrupt the flea life cycle, preventing larvae from maturing into adults, which can reinfest your pet or home.

While both products are highly effective at preventing flea reinfestation, Revolution Plus has the edge because it offers a more comprehensive approach by addressing flea eggs as well as larvae and adults. This ensures that the entire flea cycle is broken, making it less likely for fleas to re-establish on your pet.

💡 Tip: To fully prevent reinfestation, it’s also important to treat your home by washing bedding, vacuuming carpets, and using environmental flea control products.

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Comment 10: “What should I do if I miss a dose of Revolution Plus or Advocate?”

Missing a dose of Revolution Plus or Advocate can leave your pet vulnerable to parasites, but the good news is that both treatments are designed to allow for flexibility:

• If you miss a dose of Revolution Plus, administer it as soon as you remember, then continue with your regular dosing schedule, ensuring there’s at least 30 days between applications. Revolution Plus is effective for 30 days, so a missed dose won’t immediately leave your pet unprotected, but it’s important to apply the next dose as soon as possible to maintain continuous protection.
• Similarly, if you miss a dose of Advocate, apply it as soon as you can, and continue with the monthly schedule from there. Like Revolution Plus, Advocate protects your pet for a month, so missing a few days won’t drastically affect your pet’s protection, but applying the treatment promptly is key to avoiding any gaps.

In both cases, if you’ve missed more than a week, you should consult your vet to ensure your pet hasn’t been exposed to any parasites in the meantime. They may recommend additional parasite tests or preventive measures depending on your pet’s environment.

💡 Tip: To avoid missed doses in the future, set a reminder on your phone or mark your calendar with the application dates. Consistency is critical for optimal parasite prevention.

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Comment 11: “Is it safe to pet my dog or cat right after applying Revolution Plus or Advocate?”

After applying Revolution Plus or Advocate, it’s best to avoid touching the area where the medication was applied for at least a few hours. Here’s why:

• Revolution Plus absorbs into the skin within 2 hours, and after that, it’s considered safe to touch your pet. However, you should wait a bit longer—around 24 hours—before bathing or allowing your pet to swim to ensure the medication is fully effective.
• Advocate also absorbs into your pet’s skin relatively quickly, but it’s recommended to avoid direct contact with the application site for at least 1-2 hours. Like Revolution Plus, you should wait 24-48 hours before bathing or swimming to prevent the product from washing off.

For both treatments, it’s important to keep your pet away from other animals or children during this time, as licking or touching the treatment area before it dries can reduce its effectiveness or cause minor irritation.

💡 Tip: Apply the treatment in the evening or right before bedtime to minimize contact with the application site while the medication absorbs. This ensures your pet—and everyone else—stays safe and comfortable.

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Comment 12: “Which product works better for pets with sensitive skin?”

If your pet has sensitive skin, choosing the right parasite treatment is essential to avoid irritation:

• Revolution Plus is formulated to be gentle on the skin and is often well-tolerated by pets with sensitivities. The most common side effect is mild irritation at the application site, but this usually resolves quickly. Revolution Plus’s newer formulation means it’s designed with modern safety standards in mind, which can be beneficial for pets prone to skin reactions.
• Advocate is also safe for most pets, but as it contains imidacloprid, it may cause slight irritation in pets with very sensitive skin. Some pets may experience temporary redness or hair loss at the application site, though these side effects are generally rare.

Both products are considered safe for sensitive pets, but Revolution Plus may have a slight advantage due to its modern, gentle formulation. If your pet has a history of skin issues, consult your vet before applying either product to ensure it’s the best choice for them.

💡 Tip: If your pet has a mild reaction, try applying the treatment to a different area, such as a less sensitive part of the neck. This can sometimes reduce irritation at the application site.

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Comment 13: “Do Revolution Plus and Advocate protect against heartworm year-round?”

Yes, both Revolution Plus and Advocate provide year-round heartworm protection, but it’s crucial that you administer the treatment consistently every month to ensure full coverage:

• Revolution Plus contains selamectin, which effectively prevents heartworms by killing the larvae before they can mature into adult heartworms. By administering Revolution Plus every 30 days, you ensure that your pet is continuously protected from heartworm infections.
• Advocate uses moxidectin to prevent heartworms, working similarly to Revolution Plus in that it kills heartworm larvae before they develop. Monthly applications are necessary to maintain this protection throughout the year.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so even in colder months, it’s essential to keep up with regular dosing to prevent heartworm infection. Missing even one dose can leave your pet exposed, especially in areas where mosquitoes are prevalent year-round.

💡 Tip: Year-round heartworm prevention is vital, even if you live in an area with a seasonal mosquito population. Parasites can survive in various conditions, so monthly protection is a must to safeguard your pet.

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Comment 14: “Can I bathe my pet after applying Revolution Plus or Advocate?”

Bathing your pet after applying Revolution Plus or Advocate requires a bit of timing to ensure the treatments remain effective:

• After applying Revolution Plus, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours before giving your pet a bath. This allows the product to fully absorb into the skin and distribute throughout the body. Revolution Plus is waterproof after this initial period, so your pet can swim, bathe, or get wet without affecting the medication’s efficacy.
• With Advocate, it’s also best to wait 48 hours before bathing your pet to ensure the product has been completely absorbed. Once this time has passed, Advocate will remain effective even if your pet is bathed or exposed to water.

For both products, make sure your pet is dry when you apply the medication, and avoid excessive grooming or washing for the first couple of days to get the full benefit of the treatment.

💡 Tip: Plan your pet’s bathing schedule around their monthly treatment. Bathing them the day before applying the medication is a great way to ensure the treatment is applied to clean, dry skin for maximum absorption.

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Comment 15: “Do Revolution Plus or Advocate cover tick-borne diseases?”

When it comes to tick-borne diseases, Revolution Plus offers a significant advantage over Advocate:

• Revolution Plus not only kills ticks but also helps prevent tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis by effectively killing ticks before they can transmit these diseases. This makes it a superior choice for pets in areas where ticks are prevalent.
• Advocate, on the other hand, does not offer tick protection, so it does not prevent tick-borne diseases. If ticks are a concern, you’ll need to use an additional tick prevention product alongside Advocate or switch to Revolution Plus for full coverage.

If your pet frequently spends time outdoors in tick-heavy environments, Revolution Plus is the better option for comprehensive protection against both ticks and the diseases they can carry.

💡 Tip: If you live in an area with a high tick population, check your pet regularly for ticks, even if they’re on a preventive treatment. Early removal of ticks is key to avoiding disease transmission.