Macrocyclic lactone (avermectin) antiparasitic · For Dogs

Revolution dosage reference for dogs (Selamectin)

This page's standard weight-based reference is 6 mg per kg (2.72 mg per lb), with Once monthly (topical) recorded as the reference frequency. Use the calculator to see the arithmetic for your dog's weight, then confirm the indication, product, and actual dose with a veterinarian.

Onset: 12-36 hours
Duration: 30 days
Class: Macrocyclic lactone (avermectin) antiparasitic

Weight-based calculator estimate from the references listed on this page. This page has not been independently DVM-reviewed — see our methodology .

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian before giving medication to your pet. Do not use this calculator for emergencies, overdoses, pregnancy, very young animals, very old animals, pets with liver/kidney disease, or pets taking multiple medications.

Each medication page lists the references recorded for its data. The calculator math and editorial presentation are maintained by PetDosageChart; a page is independently DVM-reviewed only when a named reviewer byline appears. See our methodology and limitations.

Selamectin (often known by brand names such as Revolution and Stronghold) is a macrocyclic lactone (avermectin) antiparasitic commonly used in veterinary medicine for Flea prevention and treatment, Heartworm prevention, Ear mite treatment, Sarcoptic mange treatment, and Tick prevention (American Dog tick). Understanding the correct dosage, administration, and potential side effects of Selamectin is critical for your dog’s safety and well-being.

A typical Selamectin dose for dogs is around 6 mg/kg Once monthly (topical), within a usual range of 6-12 mg/kg. Available forms include Topical solution.

Calculator Warning: Use this only as an educational estimate. Your veterinarian may prescribe a different dose based on your pet’s condition, age, weight, other medications, and medical history.

Selamectin Dosage Calculator for Dogs

Enter your dog’s weight below to estimate the Selamectin dose from the 6 mg/kg guideline. Your veterinarian may adjust it for your dog’s age, condition, and other medications, so treat the result as an educational starting point, not a prescription.

Dosage Calculator · 01

Enter your dog's weight

Quick Dosage Chart

Typical Selamectin amounts for common dog weights, for quick reference:

Dosage Chart · 02

Revolution weight-based reference chart for dogs

Scroll sideways to see full table

Weight	Lower Reference	Standard Reference	Upper Reference	Frequency
5 lbs (2.3 kg)	13.8 mg	13.8 mg	27.6 mg	Once monthly (topical)
10 lbs (4.5 kg)	27.0 mg	27.0 mg	54.0 mg	Once monthly (topical)
15 lbs (6.8 kg)	40.8 mg	40.8 mg	81.6 mg	Once monthly (topical)
20 lbs (9.1 kg)	54.6 mg	54.6 mg	109.2 mg	Once monthly (topical)
25 lbs (11.3 kg)	67.8 mg	67.8 mg	135.6 mg	Once monthly (topical)
30 lbs (13.6 kg)	81.6 mg	81.6 mg	163.2 mg	Once monthly (topical)
40 lbs (18.1 kg)	108.6 mg	108.6 mg	217.2 mg	Once monthly (topical)
50 lbs (22.7 kg)	136.2 mg	136.2 mg	272.4 mg	Once monthly (topical)
60 lbs (27.2 kg)	163.2 mg	163.2 mg	326.4 mg	Once monthly (topical)
70 lbs (31.7 kg)	190.2 mg	190.2 mg	380.4 mg	Once monthly (topical)
80 lbs (36.3 kg)	217.8 mg	217.8 mg	435.6 mg	Once monthly (topical)
90 lbs (40.8 kg)	244.8 mg	244.8 mg	489.6 mg	Once monthly (topical)
100 lbs (45.4 kg)	272.4 mg	272.4 mg	544.8 mg	Once monthly (topical)
120 lbs (54.4 kg)	326.4 mg	326.4 mg	652.8 mg	Once monthly (topical)
150 lbs (68 kg)	408.0 mg	408.0 mg	816.0 mg	Once monthly (topical)

Parenthetical tablet amounts are arithmetic comparisons only. They do not account for scoring, release type, concentration, product labeling, or whether this medication is appropriate for an individual animal.

By Weight

Revolution reference by dog weight

Choose a common weight to open its optional reference page. Use the main medication calculator for a different exact weight.

Common-weight pages are convenience views of the same educational reference, not separate medical recommendations.

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How to Give Selamectin to Your Dog

Revolution is a topical (spot-on) treatment applied to the skin — it is NOT given by mouth. Part the fur at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades, and squeeze the entire tube directly onto the exposed skin. Do not rub it in. Apply monthly on the same date. Do not bathe your dog for at least 2 hours before or after application. Keep your dog from licking the application site until dry. A heartworm test is required before starting treatment.

It may interact with Generally safe with most medications, Use caution with other macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin), and Can be used alongside most oral medications.

Side Effects and Safety

Common side effects include Temporary hair loss at application site, Mild skin irritation, Lethargy, and Drooling if licked. More serious side effects can occur, such as Seizures (rare), Tremors, Severe skin reaction at application site, and Vomiting and diarrhea if ingested orally.

Cautions · 12

When Revolution should be used with caution or avoided

Some dogs should not take Revolution, or need a different dose and closer monitoring. Tell your veterinarian about your pet's full health history and every other medication or supplement they take before giving Revolution.

Puppies under 6 weeks of age
Dogs with existing heartworm infection (must test negative first)
Known hypersensitivity to selamectin
Severely debilitated or underweight dogs

Interactions · 13

Revolution drug interactions

Revolution can interact with other drugs. This list is not complete — always give your veterinarian a full list of your dog's medications and supplements.

Generally safe with most medications

Use caution with other macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin)

Can be used alongside most oral medications

Calculator Limits · 14

When not to use this calculator

This calculator gives a general educational estimate for a healthy adult dog at a known weight. Do not rely on it in these situations — talk to your veterinarian instead:

In an emergency, or after accidental ingestion or a suspected overdose
For pregnant or nursing pets
For very young or very old dogs
For pets with liver disease, kidney disease, or another chronic illness
For pets taking several medications at once
When you are not sure of your dog's current, accurate weight
For combination products that contain additional active ingredients

Overdose · 15

Suspected overdose: what to do

If you think your dog had too much Revolution, or swallowed any medication by accident, act right away. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Call your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661

A consultation fee may apply to the poison hotlines. Have the medication packaging ready, and note how much your pet may have taken and when. Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.

When to Call the Vet

If your dog experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately:

Severe skin irritation, redness, or burns at the application site
Seizures, tremors, or incoordination
Excessive drooling or vomiting (may indicate the dog licked the product)
Persistent lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
Finding live fleas or heartworm-positive test despite consistent monthly application

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked · 07

Questions about this medication

How do I apply Revolution topically?

Part the fur at the base of the neck (between the shoulder blades where your dog cannot lick), and squeeze the entire tube directly onto the skin. Do not apply to fur only — it must contact the skin. Do not bathe your dog for 2 hours after application. The product spreads across the body through the skin's oil layer.

Can my dog swim or be bathed after applying Revolution?

Wait at least 2 hours after application before allowing your dog to get wet. Once absorbed, Revolution is waterproof and bathing or swimming will not reduce its effectiveness. However, frequent bathing with harsh shampoos may reduce efficacy over time.

Does Revolution protect against all types of ticks?

Revolution provides protection against the American Dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) but does not cover all tick species. If you live in an area with Lone Star ticks, Black-legged (deer) ticks, or Brown Dog ticks, you may need an additional or alternative tick preventive for comprehensive coverage.

Is Revolution safe for MDR1-mutant breeds?

Selamectin (Revolution) at the recommended topical dose has been shown to be safe for Collies and other breeds with the MDR1 mutation. It has a wide safety margin at approved doses. However, oral ingestion of the topical product should be prevented.

Can I touch my dog after applying Revolution?

Avoid touching the application site until it is fully dry, which usually takes about 2 hours. Once dry, you can pet and handle your dog normally. Wash your hands after application. Keep treated dogs away from children until the application site is dry.

Use This Guide Safely · 08

What weight alone cannot tell you

The calculator performs one narrow job: it multiplies your dog's weight by the lower, standard, and upper mg/kg values recorded for Revolution. It cannot decide whether this drug, indication, formulation, or schedule is appropriate for an individual animal.

Context in this medication record

Commonly listed uses: Flea prevention and treatment, Heartworm prevention, Ear mite treatment, Sarcoptic mange treatment, Tick prevention (American Dog tick)
Recorded forms: Topical solution
Reference timing: Once monthly (topical); onset 12-36 hours; duration 30 days

Individual checks a calculator cannot perform

Confirm the diagnosis and the reason this medication is being considered.
Match the exact product, concentration, route, and whether a tablet may be split.
Account for age, pregnancy, organ function, genetics, allergies, and prior reactions.
Review every prescription, over-the-counter product, and supplement your pet takes.

Recorded cautions

Puppies under 6 weeks of age; Dogs with existing heartworm infection (must test negative first); Known hypersensitivity to selamectin; Severely debilitated or underweight dogs.

Recorded interactions

Generally safe with most medications; Use caution with other macrocyclic lactones (ivermectin); Can be used alongside most oral medications.

These lists reproduce the structured record used by this page and may not be exhaustive. Show your veterinarian the product label and your dog's complete medication list before acting on a number.

Related · 08

Related medications for dogs

Sources · 09

Sources & references

The structured medication record behind this page names the references below. The links open the publisher or official resource; they do not turn this page into a prescription for an individual animal.

Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook — listed in this medication's source record.
Merck Veterinary Manual — listed in this medication's source record.
DailyMed label search for Selamectin — check current product and formulation labels; some veterinary uses may be off-label.

Source names are shown at the record level; passage-level page and label citations are still being added. Read our methodology and limitations.

Transparency · 11

How this page was made

This page's structured medication record includes Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook among its source names. PetDosageChart applies the record's mg/kg values to the entered weight and presents the arithmetic result. A source record is not the same as an individualized prescription or an independent clinical review.

Sources cited: Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
Merck Veterinary Manual
Calculator formula: Doses scale linearly from a standard basis of 6 mg per kg (2.72 mg per lb) of body weight, given Once monthly (topical). The calculator multiplies that basis by your dog's weight and shows an arithmetic comparison with recorded tablet sizes. That comparison does not determine whether a tablet is scored, splittable, or appropriate for your pet.
Editorial owner: Prepared and maintained by the PetDosageChart editorial team, a software-led publisher and not a veterinary practice.
DVM review status: Not independently DVM-reviewed. A named reviewer and review date appear here only after a confirmed review.

More on our methodology and editorial process — how we source, calculate, and review dogs dosage data.

Safety · 10

More resources

Pet Medication Safety Hub — What's safe, what's dangerous, and emergency signs
How we calculate dosages — Our sources, math, and review process
Printable emergency checklist — One-page reference for your fridge or first aid kit