Animal Health Solutions

15 Spring 2026 | Animal Health Solutions Making the In-Clinic Prevention Conversation Count To improve consistency in the in-clinic prevention conversation, the veterinary team should collaborate to develop a practical consultation framework that works for the clinic's needs. Consider the following steps: 1 Present the right information to your clients. The veterinary team should explain regional risks and why year-round parasite prevention is recommended. Consider displaying parasite and/or parasite-borne disease prevalence maps in exam rooms. Updated parasite prevalence maps are developed by CAPC .6 If your clinic has cat-only or dog-only rooms, the prevalence maps can be tailored to each species. Consider setting regular reminders to update maps at least annually. When discussing parasite risks in your area, it's important to discuss the risks to indoor-only animals, as well. 2 Discuss the individual pet's risk factors. After discussing regional risk factors, you'll want to delve into the individual pet's risk factors. These can be found through reviewing old records, gathering a thorough history, and performing a complete physical examination. The pet's risk factors should include those that increase their likelihood of contracting certain parasites or diseases, such as time spent outside, hikes in the woods, interactions with other animals, proximity to pools of water, and travel. While considering risks, make sure to consider the risks that the preventatives themselves pose to the specific pet. For example, a cat with a history of seizures may not be a good candidate for topical fluralaner because of the potential link between isoxazolines and neurologic disease. 5 Similarly, a dog with a known allergy to beef is likely to develop dermatitis or gastrointestinal issues if given a beef-flavored chew. Testing for existing heartworm disease and whether a pet needs treatment for any active infestations as part of their prevention plan should also be considered in this step. 3 Cover common compliance obstacles and lifestyle factors that may impact which preventative options fit your patient's needs. The first two topics—regional risks and the pet's individual risks—help the veterinary team determine which options should be on the table. To further narrow the list, the veterinary team should consider compliance obstacles and lifestyle factors. For example, if a dog is extremely reactive to needle pokes, long-acting injectable prevention may not be in the pet's best interest. If the pet's owner has a tendency to forget to administer monthly prevention, the long- acting injectables may improve compliance and provide better protection for the pet. The following are factors that should be considered: Pet parent reliability: Long-acting injectables may improve compliance compared with monthly topical or oral medications administered at home. Pet parent preferences: Would the pet parent prefer an all-in-one oral medication that they can administer at home, or do they prefer separate internal parasite treatment and ectoparasite treatment? Do they dislike the experience of oily topicals leaving residue, or would they rather place a preventative on the pet's skin as opposed to having them swallow it? Children or other pets in the home: If residue on the fur is a concern, oral or injectable preventatives may be a better option. If there is a pet who tends toward dietary indiscretion, perhaps a topical or injectable medication would suit the family better to reduce the risk of accidental overdose.

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