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In this installment of VetxChange, Kathryn E. Reif, MSPH, PhD, and Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, chat all about tiks and how to protect patients, and educated clients, on these tiny troublemakers.

Tik Tidbits: Ticking Off the 5 Ws of These Tiny Trouble Makers

And let's talk about the risk. So the risk that tis ticks pose to animals and human health.

Yeah, absolutely. So ticks are really phenomenal vectors of A plethora of different pathogenic species, numerous bacterial pathogens, like the agent of Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi and emerging tick borne bacterial pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, the agent of Anaplasmosis in people and pets. Of course, we have a variety of species, and that kind of are like the big bacteria when we think about tick borne bacterial pathogens, but they can also transmit protozoal pathogens, Babesia cytosoan, as well as a variety of different viral pathogens. And a lot of these viral pathogens are really emerging pathogens, and the majority of those have really only been discovered in the past decade or so.

So in addition to just being nuisance pests, they're really significant medical concerns when it comes to the types of pathogens that that they're able to or the diversity of pathogens that they're able to transmit. And I just also want to say that, you know, people in general have a different appreciation or opinion when they see a tick on themselves or on their pets, in comparison to other blood feeding arthropods, like a mosquito or a flea. For a lot of pet owners, finding a tick on them or on their pet is like an end of world scenario. It's just a lot more dramatic when it comes to ticks very frequently than some of these other creepy crawlies.

Yeah, Let's use an example. Let's. Let's talk about the lone star tick, for instance. Because I know those suckers are very aggressive ticks, and they'll readily infest and bite dogs. What else? What else should we know about them?

Sure so the lone star tick is, as you mentioned, an extremely aggressive tick species. It is a tick species that's rapidly expanding its geographic range. So we're finding it in a lot of places that we haven't found it in the past couple decades, the last the last 50 or so years, it's primarily been in the southeastern part of the US, but now it's moving westward. It's moving northward. We now see it in southern Wisconsin, southern Minnesota, even into Maine and in some focal areas, even as far north as as Kansas or not Kansas, sorry, Canada. So this tick is, is definitely on the move. It will readily bite I joke, but it's not really a joke. Anything with a pulse, be it a deer, a dog, a person, a lizard, a bird, if you are alive and you have blood, consider yourself for fair game. For this tick, this tick species can also transmit a variety of different types of pathogens, most notably for our dogs, a variety of species, it can also transmit some different types of spotted fever rickettsia. Most notably for our cats, it can transmit cytosine Felis, the agent of cytosine Gnosis. So it's a tick that definitely is, is, is of concern. And then one other notable thing about the lone star tick is that, for whatever reason, it is one of the more challenging ticks to kill. We don't exactly know why it's so much more hardy or robust, but when it comes to tick control products, it's the tick species that, if there's going to be a longer time period on a label to kill a specific tick species is going to be for that lone star tick. So there's just something inherently more challenging about these darn Lone Star ticks. Yeah,

 Credelio Quattro (lotilaner, moxidectin, praziquantel, and pyrantel chewable tablets) is indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by 

 and for the treatment and control of roundworm (immature adult and adult 

), hookworm (fourth stage larvae, immature adult, and adult 

) infections. Credelio Quattro kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations (

) and the treatment and control of tick infestations [

 (brown dog tick)] for one month in dogs and puppies 8 weeks of age and older and weighing 3.3 pounds or greater. 

 Lotilaner, an ingredient in Credelio Quattro, belongs to the isoxazoline class and has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions like tremors, ataxia, and seizures even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. Dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infections before Credelio Quattro administration as it is not effective against adult 

. The safe use in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs has not been evaluated. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. For full prescribing information see the Credelio Quattro package insert.

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On this episode of VetXChange, Kathryn E. Reif, MSPH, PhD, is tackling the world of tiks with our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA

Tick Tidbits: Ticking Off The 5 Ws on These Tiny Troublemakers

A new partnership between a pet insurance company and a technology company designing advanced pet trackers and collars is bringing a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered dog collar to market. The collar, called the SATELLAI Collar, offers insight into dogs’ behavior, energy levels, and rest patterns, in addition to having a customizable virtual fence.

"At SATELLAI, we believe technology has the power to enhance the lives of pets and their owners," Mark Mao, CEO of SATELLAI, said in a company news release.

 "Partnering with Fetch Pet Insurance enables us to reach more pet parents and provide them with advanced tools to monitor and support their pets' well-being.”

The collar has customizable training options to help train dogs to return to their owners when a tone is played. Moreover, the virtual fence can provide coverage of up to 100,000 acres with customizable vibration intensities and safe/danger zones.

Additional features include the following

A 5-day battery life with 2-hour charging time

Moreover, the product features a personal AI pet care assistant that offers advice on learning, training, diet, and health. The collar is also IP68-rated dustproof and waterproof, allowing the collar to withstand being submerged in water past 1 meter for a prolonged period of time.

"Our partnership with SATELLAI is a moonshot moment for pet health," said Paul Guyardo, CEO of Fetch Pet Insurance.

 "AI has long been hailed as the future of pet care, but real-world solutions have been slow to arrive. That changes today. The technology is real, it's here, and we can't wait for our community to experience what it can do."

According to SATELLAI's website, the smart collar uses 5 different satellite systems that can function in 180 countries with 680 network providers. It also provides an accurate location, even in “complex terrains.”

Still, the SATELLAI Collar is not the only AI-powered dog collar to be launched. Last month, the smart pet technology company Fi introduced the Fi Series 3+, an AI-powered collar with GPS tracking and real-time behavioral and health insights. 

The Fi Series 3+ offers AI detection for scratching, licking, barking, eating, and drinking, in addition to activity and sleep monitoring. According to the company, the collar’s insights into the user’s behavior are 80% accurate.

Moreover, the app for the collar allows owners to upload documents such as veterinary records, bills, and insurance documents. An AI system then analyzes these documents to provide more insight into the dog’s health.

Fetch partners with SATELLAI to introduce AI-powered collar for dogs. News release. Fetch Pet Insurance. July 24, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fetch-partners-with-satellai-to-introduce-ai-powered-collar-for-dogs-302512500.html 

SATELLAI Collar—smart collar and GPS dog fence. SATELLAI. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://satellai.com/products/satellai-collar

Fi unleashes the world’s first AI-powered smart dog collar, built for real-time health and behavior detection. News release. Fi. June 2, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250529695114/en/Fi-Unleashes-the-Worlds-First-AI-Powered-Smart-Dog-Collar-Built-for-Real-Time-Health-and-Behavior-Detection

Articles

How far can AI and satellite technology go in reshaping the future of pet wearables?

AI-powered dog collar is launched

(Image courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society)

Hill Country Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter in Buchanan Dam, Texas, received approximately $5000 worth of resources earlier this week following the recent floods in Texas. Pet retail franchise Pet Supplies Plus provided the donation in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization committed to ending the killing of dogs and cats in US shelters.

The donated resources were requested by Hill Country Humane Society and were provided by Pet Supplies Plus. The resources consisted of crates, leashes, harnesses, collars, cat litter, and flea and tick prevention. Best Friends Animal Society is supporting the distribution of these resources to the shelter.

"At Pet Supplies Plus, supporting both our 2- and 4-legged neighbors has always been at the heart of what we do," Chris Rowland, CEO of Pet Supplies Plus, said in an organizational news release.

 "We're proud to stand alongside Best Friends Animal Society to provide relief to local shelters like Hill Country Humane Society. Our goal is to ensure these pets receive the care, comfort, and stability they deserve during such a challenging time."

The floods, which occurred on July 4, 2025, in the central part of the state, represent the 10th-deadliest flash flood in the history of the US.

 According to news reports, the event has a probable death toll of 138 to 141 people.

To help communities impacted by the floods, Best Friends Animal Society has been contributing to funding emergency supplies for shelters and rescue organizations. The society has also been transporting cats and dogs from local shelters to other shelters in different regions to create more room for pets that the floods have displaced. Currently, Best Friends Animal Society has partnerships with more than 5000 shelters and rescue organizations. Together, Best Friends and these organizations run lifesaving facilities and programs across the US.

"Severe weather emergencies like the recent devastating floods in Texas impact entire communities, including the pets who depend on their people for safety and care," Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said in a news release.

 "We are so grateful to Pet Supplies Plus for their ongoing support in both good times and in challenging times. These supplies will provide much-needed relief to Hill Country Humane Society and the community as they navigate the coming weeks and months."

Best Friends is one of multiple animal care organizations that have responded to the deadly floods in Texas. On the day of the floods, the Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team sent several members to the disaster site to provide veterinary care for rescue dogs.

 Meanwhile, other nonprofit organizations like Austin Pets Alive! and Wings of Rescue have also worked to provide emergency relief to pets affected by the disaster. Veterinary clinics have also stepped in, with Lindale Veterinary Clinic in Lindale, Texas, collecting and delivering supplies to displaced pets in addition to offering veterinary care.

Store to shelter: Pet Supplies Plus provides emergency relief for Texas pets amid recent floods. News release. July 24, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/store-to-shelter-pet-supplies-plus-provides-emergency-relief-for-texas-pets-amid-recent-floods-302513284.html 

Masters J, Burt CC. Henson B. The deadliest floods in US history. 

. July 28, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. 

https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2025/07/the-deadliest-floods-in-u-s-history/

Coppock Crossley K. Experts are providing animal care in flooded disaster areas of Texas. 

. July 9, 2025. Accessed July 29, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/experts-are-providing-animal-care-in-flooded-disaster-areas-of-texas

The Texas floods that took place on July 4, 2025, mark the 10th-deadliest flash flood in US history.

$5K in supplies donated to local Texas shelter after floods

Kathi Furnas of Marana, Arizona, lets her dog Kiki out every morning to "take care of business" while it is still dark out. However, one morning, instead of coming back relieved, Kiki came back with her face soaking wet. It turns out that during her time outside, Kiki dug up and ate parts of her owner’s agave plant.

Furnas believed that she chased some other type of animal into the plant and started to chew away. Several hours after this, Kiki's face began to swell, and her owners could tell she was in pain, so they wiped her down with a wet cloth. That night, because Kiki was still in pain, they brought her to the hospital.

Kiki was brought to the emergency room after ingesting an agave plant, whcih caused her face to swell and show signs of being in pain (Image courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline) 

Furnas brought Kiki to the Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Oro Valley, Arizona, where a medical team had Furnas call Pet Poison Helpline (PPH). The medical team and PPH worked together to assess Kiki physically and create a treatment plan based on her specific situation.

“Kiki likely had a severe reaction to the sap of an agave plant, which contains many different irritants,” Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director of veterinary medicine at PPH, said in an organizational release.

 “She developed hives, significant facial swelling, and redness and skin sloughing. In large grazing animals, liver failure can occur, but in dogs, we only expect skin irritation and [gastrointestinal] upset.”

The team at VEG placed Kiki under sedation so they could scrub her face and then administered antibiotics and pain medication. Because of the reaction Kiki had to the plant material, the veterinarians at PPH recommended that Kiki be bathed to remove any of the remaining sap and given an antihistamine, plus a short-acting steroid to help reduce the severity of her reaction.

 The team also learned that Kiki was in pain from the swelling and irritation that developed from chewing on the sharp spines of the leaves, so she was having trouble eating.

 The team administered analgesics and gave her an appetite stimulant.

Kiki is now officially back in full health and continues to chase creatures in her yard but has not gone near the agave plant since the incident. Furnas also told PPH that they now take a flashlight with them when they let Kiki out in the dark.

While she was with Kiki at the hospital, Furnas witnessed some pet owners struggling to make medical decisions for the pets because of the treatment's cost. Wanting to help, Furnas asked the staff whether there was anything they could do.

“We saw a young couple talking to the hospital staff, and they were trying to figure out how to pay for their pet’s treatment,” Furnas said.

 “We asked the hospital if we could help, and they have a fund people can donate to that helps offset some of the costs. The money stays local and helps local pets. We set up a small donation every month.”

 was released in recognition of National Tequila Day on July 24. Even though Kiki did not ingest any actual tequila, the team at PPH wants to share Kiki’s story and remind clients that alcohol is very dangerous to pets. It can cause serious drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Pets that become severely intoxicated can also potentially experience respiratory failure and seizures. Veterinary teams should instruct clients that if their pet was to ever ingest any alcohol, to call their veterinary hospital or PPH immediately.

A severely swollen face with no tequila high. News release. Pet Poison Helpline. July 23, 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/toxintails/a-severely-swollen-face-with-no-tequila-high/ 

A dog suffers severe reactions after chewing on an agave plant.

Agave plant triggers serious reaction in dog

The economic landscape is continuously shifting, and with it, so is the way clients manage their finances. For many pet parents, the rising costs of living have heightened the need for more predictable and manageable budgeting, extending even to the critical area of their pets' health care.

This evolving consumer behavior is not just a trend; it represents a significant opportunity and challenge for veterinary practices across the nation. As is highlighted in 

Many pet owners cannot afford veterinary care, survey finds

," the affordability of veterinary care is a critical issue for many pet owners, directly affecting their ability to provide optimal care for their companions.

Given these evolving financial realities, an alternative solution is emerging: subscription-based pet health plans. These models offer a refreshing alternative for pet owners, enabling them to make predictable, manageable monthly payments for a range of veterinary services. Additionally, a subscription model offers a solution for pets who are ineligible for traditional pet insurance due to age, preexisting conditions, or breed.

This transition from reactive, lump-sum payments to proactive, budgeted care creates a vital financial framework for pet owners while offering significant benefits to veterinary practices.

For practices, adopting subscription models can lead to several key advantages, including the following:

When financial barriers are lowered through predictable payments, pet caregivers are more likely to follow recommended wellness schedules, preventive care protocols, and early intervention strategies. While access to preventative care clearly drives improved outcomes, subscription care can also be leveraged for sick visits and unexpected in-hospital expenses. This improvement in access to care can decrease delays in treatment and the management of acute issues.

 Transitioning from a purely reactive, fee-for-service model to a recurring revenue stream provides practices with greater financial stability and predictability. This facilitates improved resource allocation, staffing decisions, and long-term business planning. Subscription-based health plans enable hospitals to consider their patients’ adherence and spending behaviors more holistically throughout the year than traditional transaction-based metrics that focus on single care episodes. Care plans should be designed and structured to drive improved pet parent behavior and a higher adherence rate with care, ensuring that care plan patients are a source of revenue growth over time.

Offering financial peace of mind through subscription plans strengthens the bond between pet owners and their veterinary team. As pet care expenditures become more fragmented due to market competition, care plans help consolidate spending and encourage pet parents to stay loyal to their veterinary practice. Clients appreciate the transparency and ability to budget for their pet's health, which builds trust and fosters long-term loyalty. This can also provide critical market differentiation, attracting new patients, improving client retention, and reducing client churn.

However, the move to a subscription-based model requires careful consideration. Organizations exploring this approach should thoughtfully focus on how subscription-based health plans can support their hospital’s overall strategy goals and key business metrics.

Health care plans aligned with your practice goals

Plans should be designed to meet the needs of your patient base and current market environment. Subscription care plans are most effective when they balance your clinical areas of focus with a high degree of flexibility for how patients can access them. Based on your patient mix, geographic area, and other factors, you want to design plans that are intended for use.

Care plans that drive revenue through high utilization create the highest value proposition for both pet parents and hospitals alike. The best subscription care plans are those that are utilized and allow pet parents to say yes more often to care.

Additionally, the care plan should consider market pressures and competitive threats when identifying revenue streams that are at the highest risk of practice revenue erosion. Ultimately, you want subscription plans that will attract a broader client base while increasing access to care throughout a patient’s life.

Effective pet parent education and marketing starts in-house

Clients have a variety of competing products and options available when seeking to pay for pet care and rely on their veterinarian’s recommendations. Practices should promote solutions that best serve both their patients' needs and their own business goals. These practices should utilize various channels, including in-clinic signage, website content, social media, and direct client conversations. Additionally, they should emphasize financial predictability, comprehensive care, and overall value proposition. Effective pet parent education will continue to grow in importance as clients seek improved and alternative payment options for their pets’ care.

Team engagement and buy-in start with your team understanding the goals for the practice and how care plans can influence critical business metrics. Focus on areas of clinical adherence that care plans can help improve, such as annual laboratory work and dental care. Owners of patients on care plans often say yes to proposed treatments and experience less emotional fatigue when discussing payment terms and estimates with pet parents.

Ensure all team members, from receptionists to veterinarians, are thoroughly familiar with the details of the subscription plans and how the practice aims to drive change. They should confidently answer client questions and effectively communicate the benefits.

Fostering internal enthusiasm for the subscription plans is key to their successful adoption, which begins with team education and buy-in.

Subscription-based care plans must offer significant value for both pet owners and practices. Pet owner behavior patterns, adherence strengths and weaknesses, and the financial performance of care plans should be regularly monitored to ensure they support your specific business goals. Partnering with an expert who provides ongoing business insights helps you adjust strategies and achieve sustained growth. The market is ever-changing, so your offerings should adapt accordingly.

The rise of subscription-based pet health plans reflects a broader trend toward predictable health care budgeting. For veterinary practices, understanding and carefully evaluating this model could offer a strategic way to improve client relationships, increase revenue, and ultimately support the long-term health of the pets they care for.

Heather Moore, CEO, PetCentric Health. (Image courtesy of PetCentric Health)

Heather Moore, CEO and founder of PetCentric Health, 

started her entrepreneurial journey to transform how pet health care is accessed in a way that is accessible, smart, and sustainable for veterinarians, their teams, and clients. PetCentric helps veterinary teams create and implement subscription-based care plans designed to cover the entire spectrum of primary care needs from both the veterinary and client perspectives. Today, Moore brings passion and focus to empowering veterinarians, improving pet health, and offering a brighter health care future where both veterinarians and clients benefit. Moore is also a dedicated animal lover, and her fur babies include dressage horses, dogs, cats, hamsters, fish…and her trusty office chameleon, who knows all the secrets!

How subscription-based pet health plans improve veterinary care, improve budgeting for pet owners, and foster client loyalty in a changing economic landscape.

Adopting subscription models to align client needs with practice goals

This week, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated announced that its ilunocitinib tablets (Zenrelia; Elanco Animal Health) have received approval from the European Commission (EU). The approval for the once-daily Janus kinase (JAK) Inhibitor means that the treatment will hit the EU canine dermatology market to help canine patients with pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and control atopic dermatitis in canine patients 12 months and older.

“Our EU approval for Zenrelia is a pivotal achievement, making it our most rapidly expanding product and solidifying our position as a leader in pet health innovation,” Ellen de Brabander, PhD, executive vice president of innovation and regulatory affairs at Elanco, said in an organizational release.

“We've seen remarkable results from our rigorous head-to-head study against the market leader and in real-world settings where Zenrelia is already approved and being used. We're excited to provide veterinarians across the EU with this impactful solution, offering relief to countless dogs suffering from itchy and inflamed skin,” she said. 

According to the organizational release, Elanco conducted a head-to-head noninferiority study vs the market incumbent, oclacitinib tablets (Apoquel; Zoetis), as part of the approval process.

 The study was randomized, double-blind, and consisted of 338 client-owned dogs confirmed with atopic dermatitis, and it took place in 25 study sites across 4 countries. The results of the show demonstrated that 1 daily dose of Zenrelia is at least as effective as the market incumbent JAK inhibitor on the primary end point on day 28.

With this approval, Elanco’s Zenrelia is now available in the United Kingdom, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the US, but the company is expecting additional approvals in key geographies. Elanco also stated in the release that the details for the marketing authorization will be shared on the European Commission website in the next few days.

“We’re excited to bring Zenrelia to veterinarians and pet owners in Europe and provide a new solution to bring relief to itchy dogs, while changing the standard of care to a single daily dose,” Ramiro Cabral, DVM, executive vice president of Elanco International, stated in the release.

“Our commercial teams are ready, and product launch will begin immediately, with supply availability expected in the third quarter. Zenrelia joins our growing pet health portfolio in Europe, including AdTab, Credelio, Galliprant, and others.”

Zenrelia is expected to launch immediately in the market before the end of Q3 2025.

Elanco secures approval of Zenrelia (ilunocitinib) in the European Union (EU), launching innovative canine dermatology treatment for itchy dogs. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. July 24, 2025. Accessed July 28, 2025. 

https://www.elanco.com/us/newsroom/press-releases/elanco-secures-approval-of-zenreliatm-ilunocitinib-in-the-european-union-eu-launching-innovative-canine-dermatology-treatment-for-itchy-dogs

Forster S, Boegel A, Despa S, Trout C, King S. Comparative efficacy and safety of ilunocitinib and oclacitinib for the control of pruritus and associated skin lesions in dogs with atopic dermatitis. 

. 2025;36(2):165-176. doi:10.1111/vde.13319

The JAK inhibitor will be available to veterinarians and dog owners in the United Kingdom by the end of Q3 2025.