Parasite protection is crucial for our canine patients’ health and wellbeing. As veterinary professionals, we advocate for pet health by recommending safe, effective and convenient protection for various lifestyles. The products we sell in our practices can significantly impact compliance and, subsequently, pet health.
Brent Lakia, DVM, co-owner of Vale Park Animal Hospital in Valparaiso, Indiana, found his ideal canine parasiticide in NexGard PLUS chews. We sat down with Dr. Lakia* to learn about his practice and his experiences with this innovative chew that provides One-And-Done monthly protection for dogs.
Q: Can you tell us about your practice?
Dr. Lakia: I started working here in 1998 as a kennel kid and have been in every position in the hospital since then, becoming a partner in 2018. My partner and mentor, Dr. Mary Ann Sheller, and I built a new 12,600-square-foot facility in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. I’ve still got the former owner practicing with us, which speaks to the community we’ve built. I have about 65 employees, and our reputation in the community is excellent.
Q: What is your client base like?
A: We have steel mill workers, attorneys, farmers, doctors, managers, you name it, who come here for exceptional patient care and the best level of customer service we can provide. We take care of all clients as best we can, because it doesn’t matter what they do—they’re looking for the best level of care for their pet.
Q: How has your online pharmacy impacted parasite control products sales and compliance?
A: Our compliance numbers went through the roof, because we were meeting clients where they wanted to buy. Plus, we use the same home delivery distributor day in and day out, which means the client’s getting a product with sourcing that I trust. My brick-and-mortar pharmacy sales have continued to grow, but now I’ve got this whole other source of revenue from the online pharmacy.
Q: Do you have any pearls or keys to your success with the online pharmacy?
A: Every script that you fill is an opportunity to direct clients to the online pharmacy. We talk about it in the exam rooms and ask owners about their pet’s parasite protection, and then tell clients to check us out online. We can even send a link through text right there in the exam room. Most clients would rather buy from their veterinarian and our pricing is competitive—they want to support us.
Q: How does Boehringer Ingelheim support your investment in NexGard® PLUS (afoxolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets) chews?
A: Our rep, Christy, comes in and educates the team, so they can educate the clients, which gives me time to be a doctor. I trust what she’s saying and that she’ll be accurate and honest. We participate in the rebate and bulk discount programs, which keep our pricing competitive. Boehringer Ingelheim also puts on a CE event every year where all the different area clinics get together, meet with the reps and let our hair down a little bit.
Q: Why did you choose to recommend NexGard PLUS for dogs?
A: My whole veterinary life, I’ve used HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) because it’s a product that everybody knows and trusts. When NexGard (afoxolaner) came out, the experience was the same. Dogs loved the taste and clients loved not having a greasy spot or dealing with the hassles of topicals. When NexGard PLUS chews came out, it was a no-brainer, because it combined NexGard chews with a heartworm disease preventive. We trust the company, the reputation of their products, and the support they give us to offer competitive pricing.
Q: Why do your clients choose NexGard PLUS chews?
A: A lot of folks would tell me that when giving 2 meds at the same time, their dog would like one but not the other, or they would forget one. They’d get confused about which product to give and when. Palatability certainly plays a role. In our online pharmacy, clients can buy other all-in-one products, but they’re buying NexGard PLUS chews. They’re buying the brands that we, as veterinarians, believe in, trust, and recommend.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts about NexGard PLUS chews?
A: It’s a brand that everybody’s familiar with. It’s a product that dogs like. It’s a convenience factor. As a practitioner, I love that I can stand behind a product the manufacturer will stand behind, as well. If there’s a product failure, they’re going to take care of that pet. My staff knows about this product, understands how to talk to clients about it. We choose Boehringer Ingelheim products because the company supports our independent veterinary practice.
Are NexGard PLUS chews the right solution for your practice?
Visit NexGardPLUSClinic.com or speak to your local Boehringer Ingelheim Representative to learn more.
*Dr. Lakia was compensated for his participation and the thoughts and opinions expressed are his own.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: NexGard® PLUS chews are for use in dogs only. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and itching. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection prior to starting a preventive. For more information, see prescribing information or visit NexGardPLUSClinic.com.
Use NexGard® (afoxolaner) with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. For more information, including full prescribing information, call 888-637-4251 or visit NexGardClinic.com.
Following the use of HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) in dogs, digestive and neurologic side effects and pruritus have been reported. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program. For more information or for the full prescribing information, call 888-637-4251, or visit
HEARTGARDClinic.com.
NexGard® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health France, used under license.
HEARTGARD® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
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