# Selamectin: veterinary dose and monograph

> Selamectin is a veterinary antiparasitic. Macrocyclic-lactone (avermectin) spot-on with broad endo- and ecto-parasite cover from a single monthly topical dose: fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange, some ticks, heartworm prevention, and feline hookworm / roundworm. Indications include flea control and prevention; heartworm (Dirofilaria) prevention; ear mites (Otodectes), sarcoptic mange. This monograph lists 4 reference doses for dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets, each with route, frequency and source.

Source: https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/selamectin · Last reviewed: 2026-10-01

## At a glance

- **Drug class:** Antiparasitic
- **Also known as:** Revolution, Stronghold
- **Species with doses:** Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Ferrets
- **General dose range:** 6–12 mg/kg Topical monthly — check the species tables for the indication
- **Routes:** Topical
- **Last reviewed:** 1 October 2026

## Indications

- Flea control and prevention
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria) prevention
- Ear mites (Otodectes), sarcoptic mange
- Feline roundworm / hookworm

## Selamectin dose by species

Doses are per administration unless stated. mg/kg doses scale with body weight; per-animal, per-quarter and infusion-rate doses are shown as the reference writes them.

### Dogs

*Selamectin doses for dogs*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flea / heartworm / mite prevention | 6–12 mg/kg | Topical | monthly to skin at base of neck | — |

- Flea / heartworm / mite prevention: Papich 5e and Plumb’s p.1053 (Revolution label): 6 mg/kg minimum (label bands 6–12 mg/kg) topically every 30 days; sarcoptic mange/ear mites once, repeated in a month (many dermatologists repeat at 2–3 weeks); Cheyletiella every other week for 4 treatments (Mueller 2002).

### Cats

*Selamectin doses for cats*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Flea / heartworm / ear mite / worm control | 6–12 mg/kg | Topical | monthly to skin at base of neck | — |

- Flea / heartworm / ear mite / worm control: Papich 5e and Plumb’s p.1053 (label): 6 mg/kg topically every 30 days (preferred dose in cats); ear mites once, repeated in a month if needed; roundworms/hookworms once; Notoedres 6 mg/kg once (Arther 2009). 6 mg/kg is the minimum dose; the weight-banded tubes deliver roughly 6–12 mg/kg.

### Rabbits

*Selamectin doses for rabbits*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) / fur mites | 6–18 mg/kg | Topical | once, repeat in 2–4 weeks | — |

- Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) / fur mites: Plumb's p.1053 (McTier et al. 2003): rabbits 6–18 mg/kg topically for ear mites; repeat in 2–4 weeks. Also used for Cheyletiella fur mites.

### Ferrets

*Selamectin doses for ferrets*

| Indication | Dose | Route | Frequency | Duration |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Heartworm prevention / fleas / ear mites | 18 mg/kg | Topical | monthly | — |

- Heartworm prevention / fleas / ear mites: Plumb's p.1053 (Johnson 2006): 18 mg/kg topically every 30 days for heartworm prevention; also controls fleas and Otodectes ear mites.

## Contraindications

Do not apply to wet / broken skin. Caution in sick, debilitated or underweight animals. Not for pups / kittens < 6 weeks. Avoid in known avermectin-sensitive (ABCB1/MDR1 mutant) dogs at high doses — label topical dose is generally safe.

## Adverse effects

- Transient local alopecia / irritation at application site
- Rare hypersalivation if licked

## Drug interactions

- No significant drug interactions at the label dose
- Avoid stacking with other macrocyclic lactones at high doses, particularly in MDR1-mutant dogs

## Pregnancy and lactation

Considered safe in breeding, pregnant and lactating dogs and cats per label studies.

## Monitoring

- Application-site skin reaction
- Heartworm status before starting in endemic areas

## Toxicity and overdose

Very wide margin at topical doses, including in MDR1 dogs; licking the application site may cause transient hypersalivation. Massive ingestion could produce avermectin CNS signs (ataxia, mydriasis, tremor).

## Clinical pearls

- One topical covers fleas, ear mites, sarcoptic mange and heartworm — a tidy single product for multi-pet households
- Apply to dry skin at the base of the neck so the animal cannot lick it off
- At the labelled topical dose it is safe even in collie-type MDR1 dogs

## Mechanism of action

Avermectin (macrocyclic lactone). Binds glutamate-gated chloride channels in parasite nerve and muscle → hyperpolarisation, paralysis and death of nematodes and arthropods. Absorbed transdermally and redistributed systemically, giving combined internal and external parasite cover from a topical dose.

## Formulations and products

- Revolution / Stronghold 6% topical (60 mg/mL)
- Revolution / Stronghold 12% topical (120 mg/mL)
- Revolution (Zoetis) — 6 % / 12 % spot-on, Topical pipette
- Stronghold (Zoetis) — 6 % / 12 % spot-on, Topical pipette

## Storage

Store ≤30 °C in the original packaging; protect from light.

## Before you use this dose

> **Caution:** Reference doses for veterinary professionals. Confirm the dose against the product label, the patient’s condition, current guidance and local regulations before use; the attending veterinarian remains responsible for every clinical decision.

## Other antiparasitics

- [Pyrimethamine](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/pyrimethamine)
- [Rafoxanide](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/rafoxanide)
- [Ronidazole](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/ronidazole)
- [Sarolaner](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/sarolaner)
- [Spinosad](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/spinosad)
- [Toltrazuril](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/toltrazuril)
- [Triclabendazole](https://vetmasterji.com/drugs/triclabendazole)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the dose of Selamectin for dogs?

Reference doses for Selamectin in dogs: 6–12 mg/kg Topical monthly to skin at base of neck (Flea / heartworm / mite prevention). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Selamectin for cats?

Reference doses for Selamectin in cats: 6–12 mg/kg Topical monthly to skin at base of neck (Flea / heartworm / ear mite / worm control). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### What is the dose of Selamectin for rabbits?

Reference doses for Selamectin in rabbits: 6–18 mg/kg Topical once, repeat in 2–4 weeks (Ear mites (Psoroptes cuniculi) / fur mites). Confirm against the label and the patient before use.

### When should Selamectin not be used?

Do not apply to wet / broken skin. Caution in sick, debilitated or underweight animals. Not for pups / kittens < 6 weeks. Avoid in known avermectin-sensitive (ABCB1/MDR1 mutant) dogs at high doses — label topical dose is generally safe.

### What are the side effects of Selamectin in animals?

Transient local alopecia / irritation at application site; Rare hypersalivation if licked.

## Sources

- Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook
- Papich, Papich Handbook of Veterinary Drugs, 5th edition

---

VetMasterJi is a clinical decision-support and education platform for veterinary professionals and students. It does not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment for specific animals. All drug doses, calculators and differentials are references that must be independently verified before clinical use; the attending registered veterinarian remains solely responsible for every clinical decision.