I'd hate to think of my seven pound yorkie-poodle mix sweltering down in Gitmo, so let's not tell Attorney General Ashcroft that my dog is a revolutionary. Isn't that what you call a dog who supports Pfizer's Revolution? Pfizer Revolution (Selamectin) is a wonderful parasitic treatment available for both dogs and cats. In fact, I began using it on my cat four years ago after she got ear mites from my ex's cat (yet another reason to abuse my ex) and quickly got my dog on it as well.

Revolution is quite impressive. First it's a topical, once-a-month application which means you don't have to force any pills or nasty liquids down a dog's throat. My little yoodle dog is very picky about food and has always refused any medicine that isn't well hidden--preferably in filet mignon (hey, we all have fantasies and this is hers). The odorless liquid is applied to the spot between the shoulder blades, on the back. Simply part the hair and apply to the skin. You won't have to worry about Spot or Rover licking it off. And it dries quickly, so you don't have to worry about rollovers and the medication rubbing into your carpet or furniture.

Once on, it provides an effective prevention for heartworms; kills adult fleas; stops flea eggs from hatching; treats and controls the most common form of mange; gets rid of ear mites; and controls ticks.

The drug, Selamectin, has no odor that I could detect so it didn't affect my asthma or cause my allergies to flare. It dried very quickly. The packet said it takes about two hours to dry, but I think it's quicker. The packet also states to wash hands after applying and avoid rubbing your face with it, etc, etc, etc. All the usual precautions you would expect.

Revolution is available only by a Vet and he/she may not recommend it if your dog has extraordinary health problems. It can be used on puppies over six weeks and adult male and female dogs even if breeding (well, not during the actual breeding, but if you're planning on breeding them). It is manufactured by Pfizer and is FDA approved for use as directed. Also, your vet will have to perform a blood test to make sure your dog (or cat) doesn't have heartworms. Once an animal is infected with heartworms, other treatment is required.

Despite having arthritis in both hands, the tube is easy to open by pressing the cap and using the built-in opener to poke through the sealed tube. I usually apply this a few days after she's been groomed so her hair is very short. When her hair is long, you do have to part the hair and apply to the skin. I'm not sure I would suggest using this on small puppies unless their mother is separated from them until it's dry. My vet has told me not to bath Mitzi for three days (not a problem as she is usually freshly groomed) after application.

My Mitzi dog takes this well, except for part of staying still long enough to apply. She also has allergies and this hasn't bothered her. Now, the bad part, it does run me $12.50 a month for her application from the Vet's office. Same thing for my cat. However, when you consider it's also heart worm-prevention as well as flea treatment, the price seems much more reasonable. Not to mention, it's one medication that replaces two others.

Dogs and cats can experience side effects (though it's said to be less than 1%). I fully expected Mitzi or Woe-be (aka the cat) to fall within that 1%, especially as Mitzi has allergies, but neither did. Side effects are usually gastric in nature and rare. So within three days of applying if your dog exhibits any sign of stomach upset, contact your vet.

With all medication and flea/heartworm options, talk to your vet about any concerns you might have. A good vet will be glad to explain any and all treatment options. I've not only used Revolution on my own pets, I've recommended it to family and friends as an alternative to using two products or trying to get that picky eater to really eat the heart worm medicine and not bury it in the couch. So far, neither my dog or cat has had fleas, heartworms, ticks, mange, ear mites, or (for the cat) worms.

Yoodle dog and I both support Revolution!


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