Pet parasiticides: A decade of innovation

Dogs bring immeasurable joy to the lives of their owners, and they have a positive impact on their health and well-being. Many dog lovers can barely remember what life was like before their dogs took hold of their hearts and homes as trusted companions.

People caring for dogs who sit loyally at their sides also may forget what it was like earlier in the 21st century to protect dogs from pesky fleas and potentially dangerous ticks. Without protection, external parasites can cause irritation, itching, and discomfort, and may also transmit serious diseases. Not long ago, there were only a few options to protect dogs against fleas and ticks, mostly topical products.

Ten years ago: a breakthrough introduction of parasiticides

In 2014, Boehringer introduced a new product with an innovative molecule called afoxolaner, which became the first in a new class of isoxazoline products for flea and tick protection in dogs, with a unique mode of action with rapid absorption.

For the first time, pet owners in the United States could give their dogs an oral, beef-flavored chew that protects from both fleas and ticks, available by prescription through their veterinarian. Availability soon followed in Europe and other countries. Not long afterwards, the flea and tick product became the top selling animal health product.

From fleas to ticks: continued commitment to dogs’ health

Beyond the initial product that protected dogs from fleas and ticks, Boehringer Ingelheim has launched several innovative product extensions to protect dogs against a variety of internal and external parasites and developed Isooxazoline-based products for cats.

“This small, chewable flea and tick product has had an impact on the health of millions of dogs around the world. In 10 years, we have distributed 1 billion chews from this product family for dogs across over 100 countries,” said Michael Horn, Head of Pet Parasiticides at Boehringer Ingelheim. “We are thankful to our veterinarian, retailer and pet owner customers worldwide who inspire us to continue leading the pet parasiticides category by innovating with new solutions for decades to come.”

For Boehringer Ingelheim, providing state-of-the-art protection against parasites is a continuous endeavor. As more people become pet owners, and pet lovers everywhere prioritize their pets’ health and wellbeing, we continue to invest in new innovations to better protect pets around the world.