We mostly take care of our pets’ grooming routine, like regular brushing or bathing, but that doesn’t mean they are protected from nasty parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms. And as pet parents, we all have dealt with fleas at home. You already know it’s never just one problem, right? These parasites may start as a few itchy bites, but if left untreated, they may turn into skin infections, worm infestations, or even life-threatening conditions like heartworm disease in your pet.
Modern parasite care not only focuses on treating the parasite infections, but it also focuses on covering as many risks as possible to protect your pet. For that, we have covered the well-known pet parasite treatments Revolution and Revolution Plus for your pet. Both are effective and provide broad-spectrum protection, so we will see the differences and help you pick the ideal one for your pet.
What is Revolution?
Revolution (selamectin) is a simple monthly topical treatment used widely for both dogs and cats. It is designed for routine parasite prevention that pet parents typically use for a monthly pet care plan. Revolution (selamectin) protects your dog or cat from heartworm disease, fleas, and ear mites. Further, it is also used on dogs for the control of American dog tick infestations and treatment and control of canine sarcoptic mange. Meanwhile, for cats, it is used to treat and control hookworms and roundworms.
Revolution (selamectin) is typically considered for essential parasite protection that can be a good option for indoor pets with moderate exposure risk.
What is Revolution Plus?
Revolution Plus is the advanced formula, specifically formulated for cats. It’s a once-monthly application that helps protect your cat from common parasites. It contains two active ingredients, selamectin and sarolaner. In addition to everything Revolution covers in cats, Revolution Plus also helps reduce the risk of flea tapeworm transmission by killing fleas and protects your cat against 4 types of tick infestations. Revolution Plus broadens the scope of parasite protection, particularly against ticks that are harmful to both indoor and outdoor cats and kittens.
Key Differences Table for Parasite Coverage
Ingredient Comparison
Revolution contains only selamectin as an active ingredient.
Revolution Plus combines two active ingredients:
- Selamectin (same as Revolution)
- Sarolaner (added for enhanced parasite control)
Effectiveness
Both Revolution and Revolution Plus treatments are highly effective when used as directed. But there are some efficacy differences in how quickly it works across different parasites.
Flea control:
Studies show Revolution killed >98% of fleas within 36 hours of administration. In comparison, Revolution Plus started to kill fleas within 12 hours of treatment and killed >98% of fleas within 24 hours.
Both products are indicated for the prevention and control of flea infestations when used consistently.
Both treatments showed improvement in clinical signs of flea allergy dermatitis (FAD).
One of the major distinctions is that Revolution Plus helps reduce the likelihood of flea tapeworm infections that your cat may get by eating fleas that carry developing tapeworms while grooming themselves.
Heartworm prevention:
Both Revolution and Revolutions Plus must be administered on a monthly basis to prevent heartworm disease. Bothact on heartworm larvae and minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.
Ear mites:
These hitchhikers (ear mites) easily spread to other pets by direct contact, causing severe irritation. Both products are effective in treating ear mite infestations and may help relieve associated irritation.
Intestinal worms:
Both help reduce intestinal parasite burden over time by treating roundworm and hookworm infections, especially in cats.
Tick control:
Tick control is a key differentiator between the two products.
- Revolution can be used for the control of tick infestation due to American dog ticks in dogs only.
- Revolution Plus, on the other hand, treats and controls tick infestations caused by lone star ticks, Gulf Coast ticks, American dog ticks, and black-legged or deer ticks in cats.
Safety
- Revolution is safe for dogs from 6 weeks of age and for cats from 8 weeks of age.
- Comparatively, Revolution Plus is formulated exclusively for cats and should not be used in dogs. It is approved for cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age, and at least2.8 lbs of body weight.
Application &convenience
Both are monthly topical solutions that come in a small-volume tube. It is applied at the base of your pet’s neck. The quick-drying formula makes application very simple. The huge advantage for most pet parents is the ease of use, as there’s no need to chase your pet around to administer pills.
Price comparison
Revolution has budget-friendly options for most of the pet parents. Revolution Plus is also available in different weight-based ranges,but itmay beslightly costlier due to the expanded parasite protection.
Though prices may vary depending on where you are purchasing (physical store or online platforms), weight category, and the number of pipettes in the dose pack.
Which One Should You Choose?
Revolution and Revolution Plus, both monthly topical treatments, work best at their ranges and efficacy. The selection between them depends on the type of pet you have, their lifestyle, and the risk exposure.
Choose Revolution if your dog/cat is mostly indoors and you may have a low tick exposure risk. It offers reliable and essential parasite protection for both dogs and cats.
Choose Revolution Plus if your cat explores the outside world and lives in a high tick-prone region. It offers maximum coverage for cats in one dose.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, both products are unique in their own ways. They are trusted widely and offer comprehensive parasite coverage to protect your pet. We at DiscountPetMart offer a wide range of flea and tick preventatives and other pet essentials from reputable brands that you can explore at a reasonable rate. If you are still confused about which one to get, your veterinarian can help you choose the ideal one for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Revolution Plus instead of Revolution for my cat?
Yes, if your cat meets the age and weight requirements. Revolution Plus offers broader protection, including ticks. But always talk to your veterinarian before switching.
2. Does Revolution protect against ticks?
Revolution provides limited tick control (American dog ticks) in dogs only and does not cover ticks in cats.
3. Is Revolution Plus safe for indoor cats?
Revolution Plus is safe for both indoor and outdoor cats. It provides a broader protection against parasites, including various types of ticks.
4. How often should I apply these treatments?
Both Revolution and Revolution Plusshould be applied once a month for consistent parasite protection.
5. What happens if I miss a dose?
If you ever miss a dose, it can leave your pet unprotected. It’s best to apply it as soon as you remember and continue the monthly schedule starting from that date only. Consult your veterinarian if you need further guidance.
