NexGard Spectra launched in China as the first oral endectocide for dogs

At the product launch ceremony, experts of small animal protection and pet veterinary health in China advocated that a professional approach should be taken in raising pets. When pet owners enjoy the companionship and joy brought by their pets, it is important to pay close attention to the health of their four-legged friends and understand the importance of pet parasitic treatment to protect the health of the pets and their own family members.

Pet-raising as a new lifestyle

Nowadays, having a pet becomes a ‘new lifestyle’ for many. According to statistics, there are now 464 million households in China, of which 5.5 per cent own pet dogs, and the pet dog population has reached 34 million¹. According to the 2017 White Paper on the Pet Industry in China, more than 80 per cent of pet owners treat pets as their kids and relatives².

“Unfortunately, with the rapid growth of pet population and the number of households having pets, there have been apparently more cases of abandoning pets, which directly leads to the fast increase in the number of stray animals and to social issues,” explained Shen Ruihong, Secretary General of the China Small Animal Protection Association, who is deeply concerned about the status of small animal protection in China. “Many pet owners lack knowledge about how to take care of their pets, with little awareness about regular parasite control for their pets. Some even have biased beliefs, misunderstandings and prejudices.”

Regular parasite control is crucial

It is highly risky for dogs to get infected by both endo and ecto parasites, such as heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and ticks and fleas, all of which will seriously impact their health and thus even put the health of the pet owner and the families at risk.

Dr. Liu Xin, an academic leader at Meilian Zhonghe Veterinary Hospital and a mentor for postgraduates at Beijing University of Agriculture, shared: “We found out that some pet owners have limited knowledge about the risks brought by parasites, and do not do a regular parasitic treatment for the pets, so pets become parasite spreaders.”

NexGard Spectra, an oral endectocide for dogs

“The premise of raising pets properly is to effectively control parasitic infections. Pet owners should perform regular parasite control to ensure the health of both pets and their owners; in addition, pet owners are advised to use oral endectocide on the dogs which is effective regardless of bathing or skin problems. Therefore, it is important to build pet owners’ awareness of regular parasite control. It is also crucial to choose a safe and effective parasiticide,” Dr. Liu Xin concluded.

As the first oral endectocide for dogs launched in China, NexGard Spectra can conveniently meet the need of pet owners to treat endo and ecto parasites at the same time. Just one chew per month, it helps pet dogs prevent six common types of parasites, namely heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, fleas and ticks. NexGard Spectra is a beef flavored chewable tablet, so easy to feed.

Dr. Stephan Lange, Head of Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China, said: “We are passionate about animal health, and we believe in disease prevention. With NexGard Spectra, a globally leading endectocide, we are fully confident that it will also help Chinese veterinarians and pet owners to protect the health of pet dogs in a more reliable and convenient way.”

¹Source: China Statistics Bureau, Euromonitor
²2017 Chinese Pet Industry White Paper