Two of the biggest and most recognizable brand names in pet flea and tick control are Revolution and Frontline Plus. Both treatments are applied topically on a monthly basis, and both protect against fleas and ticks. The primary difference between the two treatments is that Revolution protects against heartworm, while Frontline protects against a broader spectrum of ticks, lice and mites. What other important differences come up when you compare Revolution vs Frontline Plus?
WHAT TYPES OF PESTS DO REVOLUTION & FRONTLINE PLUS PROTECT AGAINST?
Frontline Plus and Revolution both protect dogs against fleas and ticks.
- Additionally, Frontline Plus helps protect dogs from infestations of chewing lice and sarcoptic mites.
- Revolution protects against ear mites and scabies. It also prevents parasitic worms like heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm.
HOW LONG DOES A DOSE LAST?
Both medications are to be applied once a month, and will last for 30 days.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The primary ingredient in Revolution is selamectin. Happily, side effects are rare with this drug. If your dog exhibits hair loss, panting, hives, or itching, contact a vet immediately. You may also notice excessive drooling or appetite loss.
The active ingredients in Frontline Plus are fipronil and S-methoprene. Fipronil-related side effects typically present in the form of skin irritation. If redness or itchiness persists beyond 48 hours, get in touch with your vet. The S-methoprene is the “plus” in Frontline Plus. This drug goes to work on pests at the larval stage. Side effects in dogs from this drug are rare.
The primary cause for concern with all spot-on treatments is ingestion. If your dog accidentally gets into your stash and eats their spot-on, or somehow gets it up their nose or in their eyes, there can be long term devastating effects. Be sure to keep these drugs out of reach. When applied properly to the skin no more than once a month, reactions to both drugs are uncommon.
WHAT IS THE AGE MINIMUM FOR HEARTGARD?
Neither drug should be applied to puppies ‘till they’re at least 6-8 weeks of age.
CAN REVOLUTION OR FRONTLINE PLUS BE ADMINISTERED TO PREGNANT PETS?
Both drugs are thought to be safe to administer to pregnant dogs.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The flea and tick medications in both drugs work in essentially the same way. The active ingredients in each drug are neurotoxins that paralyze ticks and fleas so they’re unable to feed. Then they die, and fall off your pet. Both drugs target fleas and ticks at the larval stage so they’re unable to grow to adulthood, thereby interrupting the biological lifecycle to keep your pet flea and tick free.
The chemical formulation of Revolution also attacks parasitic worms. The medication is designed to cause paralysis and death in worms at the larval stage. They die before they develop, and are usually passed through your dog’s stool.
WHICH DRUG IS RIGHT FOR MY PET?
This decision should be made with your veterinarian, and the best answer will likely be based on the needs of your geographical location. If there’s a prevalence of mites and lice in your area, Frontline Plus may be better for your dog. In this case, you’ll likely want to administer an additional heartworm monthly medication.
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Application
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For the Prevention of...
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Recommended age of application
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Frontline Plus
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Topically applied to skin once a month.
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Fleas, ticks, chewing lice, and sarcoptic mites.
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6 weeks or older
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Revolution
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Topically applied to skin once a month.
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Fleas, ticks, ear mites, scabies, ticks, heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm
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6 weeks or older
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more effective, Frontline or Revolution?
Frontline and Revolution are both topical flea and tick prevention products for dogs and cats. They are both effective at preventing flea and tick infestations, but it's important to follow the instructions for use carefully and to apply the product at the appropriate interval as directed by the manufacturer. You should also consult with your veterinarian to determine the best product for your pet based on their specific needs. It's always a good idea to follow your veterinarian's recommendations, as they are familiar with your pet's health history and can advise you on the most appropriate treatment option.
Is Revolution the best flea treatment?
It is not accurate to say that Revolution is the "best" flea treatment, as the effectiveness of a particular product can vary depending on the individual pet and the specific circumstances. Different pets may have different sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients, and the prevalence and severity of flea infestations can also vary depending on the geographic location and the time of year. In general, Revolution is considered a safe and effective flea and tick prevention product for dogs and cats, and it is widely used by veterinarians. However, it is always important to carefully follow the instructions for use and to apply the product at the appropriate interval as directed by the manufacturer.
Can I use Revolution and Frontline together?
It is generally not recommended to use two different flea and tick prevention products on the same pet at the same time, as this can potentially lead to an overdose of the active ingredients. This can be harmful to your pet and may cause side effects. It is important to follow the instructions for each product and to apply only the recommended amount. If you are considering using two different flea prevention products on your pet, it is important to consult with your veterinarian first. They can advise you on the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet based on their specific needs.
Which flea treatment do vets recommend?
There are many different flea prevention products available on the market, and the best option for your pet will depend on a variety of factors, including their specific needs and any underlying health conditions they may have. It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best flea prevention plan for your pet. Your veterinarian is familiar with your pet's health history and can advise you on the most appropriate treatment option based on their specific needs. They may recommend a topical product such as Frontline or Revolution, or they may recommend an oral product such as Comfortis or Nexgard. In some cases, they may recommend using a combination of different products for optimal protection. It is important to follow your veterinarian's recommendations and to carefully follow the instructions for any flea prevention product.
What flea treatments should you not use?
It is important to be cautious when using any flea treatment product on your dog, as some products can be toxic or harmful if used improperly. Pyrethrin and pyrethroid insecticides are found in many flea treatments, but they can be toxic to dogs and can cause muscle tremors, seizures, and other neurological symptoms. Organophosphate insecticides, such as dichlorvos, are also toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and tremors. Some flea collars contain high levels of propoxur, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested. Flea bombs, which release insecticides into the air to kill fleas, can be dangerous if inhaled and should be avoided. It is important to carefully read the label of any flea treatment product and follow the instructions carefully to minimize the risk of adverse effects. If you have any concerns about a particular product, it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They can recommend safe and effective products that are appropriate for your dog's specific needs.
More on Pest Prevention
Are Flea Collars Safe?
What Is the Difference in Frontline vs. Frontline Plus
Using Tri-Heart vs. Heartgard for Dogs
This information is for informational purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.
