Selamectin for Dogs and Cats

With so many different flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives available for dogs and cats it’s sometimes difficult to keep track. Selamectin is a topical antiparasitic medication for dogs and cats prescribed for various parasite infections. Selamectin is the active ingredient found in multiple products including Revolution For Dogs, Revolution for Cats, Selarid for Dogs, Selarid for Cats, Revolt for Cats, Revolt for Dogs, Senergy for Cats, and Senergy for Dogs. Selamectin is used in dogs and cats to prevent heartworm disease and treat and control flea and ear mite infestations. In dogs, Selamectin also controls tick infestations of the American dog tick and treats sarcoptic mange. In cats, it also treats intestinal roundworm and hookworm infections. 

How Does Selamectin Work?

Medications containing selamectin for dogs and cats are applied to the skin and are absorbed with the natural oils secreted by their skin. Selamectin works to kill parasites by interfering with the nervous system of the infecting parasite. 

What Parasites Does Selamectin Work Against?

Dogs:

  • Prevents heartworm disease
  • Treats ear mites
  • Treats sarcoptic mange
  • Controls American Dog tick infestations
  • Kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching

Cats:

  • Prevents heartworm disease
  • Treats ear mites
  • Treats hookworms & roundworms
  • Kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching

Selamectin Prevents Heartworm Disease

Selamectin is labeled for the prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. It is important to know that Selemctin only prevents heartworm disease and does not treat existing heartworm infections. This is because it is only effective against killing the immature heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) and does not kill the adult stage heartworms found in animals with existing infections. 

Products with Selamectin

Does Selamectin Require a Prescription?

Products containing Selamectin for dogs and cats require a prescription from a veterinarian because of their ability to prevent heartworm disease. The American Heartworm Society and most veterinarians recommend an annual heartworm test before prescribing a heartworm preventative for your dog or cat. This is because dogs and cats with existing heartworm infections can have serious complications after taking preventatives.

It is always recommended to speak with your veterinarian about the right parasite preventative product for your dog or cat’s needs. Your veterinarian can recommend the best product for your dog or cat based on your location and the type of parasites they may encounter. 


This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease and is purely educational. Please seek advice from your pet’s veterinarian with any questions regarding the health of your pet.