Article sponsored by Neogen

Would it surprise you to know that on average, only 30% of your clients leave the clinic with parasite prevention?

Pet owners want a recommendation from their veterinarian, but the options for parasite prevention are overwhelming.

From orals to collars to topicals and shampoos, it makes sense clients would be confused and unsure which products to choose for their pet. In addition to all of the options, clients do not always understand the importance of year-round prevention. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin condition in dogs and can be prevented with proper parasite control.

Heavy flea and tick infestations can cause anemia and even death. Many of our clients do not realize their pet is exposed to ticks. With wildlife being the primary host for most ticks, the exposure to our patients is constant.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) the cases of Lyme disease in dogs has gone from 245,971 in 2015 to over 390,000 reported cases in 2022. CAPC also shows an increase in ehrlichiosis with 107,985 cases in 2015 to 274,000 in 2022. Not only are the pets at risk for tick borne illness, but the people are too. As the veterinarian, it is our job to educate our clients about the health concerns parasites present and to analyze the products on the market and make a clear recommendation for our patients.

The newer class of parasite prevention, the isooxazolines, is very popular among pet owners and veterinarians. Oral flea and tick products are absorbed systemically so both fleas and ticks must bite the pet for the medication to work. This is an important fact to understand, as clients become frustrated when they see parasites on their pet. The onset of action for most preventatives in the isooxazoline class is between 2 and 4 hours killing close to 100% of the fleas by 8 hours after administration and at least 90% of ticks in 24 to 48 hours.

The oral parasite preventions are a great option for dogs who will easily take pills and who are heavily exposed to fleas and ticks such as hunting dogs. Topical or spot-on flea and tick preventions are also a good option.

Topical preventions typically contain a combination of adulticides, insect growth regulators, and in some products also a repellant. These products are ideal for pets who will not take pills and for dogs who are heavily exposed to fleas and ticks. Unlike the oral parasite prevention options, fleas and ticks do not have to bite the pet for topical preventions to work.

Parasites on the pet are killed within minutes. The American Heartworm Society recommends the year round use of a parasite prevention containing a repellent in addition to year-round heartworm prevention to increase efficacy of the heartworm prevention program.

Fleas are easy to kill but reproduce rapidly. By the time owners (or the veterinarian) see fleas on the pet, they are dealing with an infestation. It typically takes at least 3 months of prevention and treatment of the home before the infestation is gone. Often it can take longer.

Ticks are a real problem as there isn’t a product that can prevent transmission of all tickborne illness 100% for 30 days. This is an important fact for owners to understand. Lyme disease is transmitted after the tick has been attached for 24-48 hours; however, the transmission of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis is variable and often documented to occur in less than 24 hours. So, how can you make a clear recommendation for your patients? The options available in your clinic should meet the needs of your clients.

Choose 3-4 preventions to carry. Consider options that are priced differently so all patients can purchase protection from you. Make a holistic evaluation of each patient. Do you have a Maltese who will not eat her dog food much less any type of pill? A topical is ideal for her. A hunting dog needs both an oral as well as a topical flea and tick prevention because of the increased exposure these dogs have ticks too. There is not one prevention that prevents all parasites and the diseases they transmit 100%. Clients need to know and understand that; and after all, the best prevention is one the owners remember to give every month!

PARADefense® Advanced for Dogs is a topical flea and tick prevention that not only kills but repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It is affordable so not only does it work as the sole prevention for ectoparasites, but it is easy to add on to a parasite protocol. For complete product information, including safety, refer to the package insert.

About the author Dr. Leigh Hofmeister is the creator and author of the blog My Vet + Me, at www.myvetandme.com, and she speaks frequently about pet health issues. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and graduated from Clemson University (BS, Animal Sciences) and the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her clinical studies at Oklahoma State University and has been working in small animal private practice since.