Parasite Protection For Your Pet

Thursday, March 1, 2001

Pfizer Animal Health Helps Animal Shelters And Pet Owners Nationwide (NAPSA)—Americans and their pets look forward to spending time outdoors in the nice weather that spring, summer and fall bring. But the warm weather can cause some unwanted problems, as well. In warm weather, commonparasites that affect companion pets, such as heartworm and fleas, can pose health risks for our furry friends. That’s why this spring, one company, Pfizer Animal Health, is donating 700,000 dosesofits heartworm and flea medication, Revolu- tion (selamectin) to some 700 animalshelters across the country. Campaign spokeswoman, actress and long-time pet owner Angie Harmon, of the NBC television show Law & Order, says the campaign is designed to help animal shelters and pet owners, too. “The Revolution Donation Program will help animal shelters keep the pets in their care healthy, happy and adoptable, says Ms. Harmon. “It will also help educate pet owners about the importance of protecting their dogs and cats from dangerous parasites, like heartworm andfleas.” All pets, even those who remain indoors, are susceptible to parasites. Some types of parasites, such as fleas, can cause annoying symptoms, such as itching and skin rash. But other parasites can lead to serious health problems. For instance, heartworm can cause severe damageto the heart and lungs before the animal shows any symptoms. Yet, a recent veterinary publi- month to the base of the pet’s neck, in front of the shoulder blades. It is the only topical product to protect against both fleas and heartworms. “This is good news for anyone who has ever tried to give a pill to a cat or dog,” says Dr. Buzhardt. Revolution is generally well tol- erated. In studies, less than one cation survey reveals that as many as 77 percent of cats and 55 percent of dogs may not be adequately protected against heartworm andfleas. | “Protecting dogs and cats from parasites is one of the most important responsibilities of pet ownership,” says Lynn Buzhardt, a veterinarian in Baton Rouge, LA. “Andit’s easier than ever thanks to newer medicines that protect against a broad range of parasites with ease.” In years past, protecting pets from parasites required a combination of products—collars and sprays to ward off external parasites, and pills and pastes to protect against internal parasites. One newer approach in the fight against pet parasites is a medication called Revolution. “Revolution is an FDA-approved topical medication that offers the convenience of flea and heartworm protection with just one product,” says Dr. Buzhardt. “In the past, to get the same protection, you would have to purchase two separate products.” Revolution is applied once per percent of cats and dogs experience digestive upset. Approximately one percent of cats experience temporary hair loss at the application site. Use with caution in sick, weak or underweight animals. See package insert for complete prescribing information. Beyondhelping animals in shelters, the Revolution Donation Pro- gram helps new pet adopters continue good care at home. The Program provides coupons worth up to $15 toward the purchase of Revolution. The coupons can be found in Homeless Homer Adoption Kits, available at participating shelters. They are redeemable throughlocal veterinarians. “Pfizer Animal Health is proud to offer the Revolution Donation Program to the animal welfare community and to pet owners everywhere,” says Jim Brick, an executive with the Pfizer Animal Health Group. “We hope the program will help to improve the quality of life for all pets in the care of shelters and for pets at home, too.” For more information about the Revolution Donation Program, call 1-888-REVOLUTION or log onto the Web site: www.revolutionpet.com.