BRAVECTO® Wins “Best in Show” in New TV Ad with Actor John Michael Higgins
Creative Commercial Educates Pet Parents about Long-Lasting Parasite Protection
MADISON, N.J., March 29, 2021 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today launched a new advertising campaign for BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) flea and tick treatment to raise awareness and help pet parents understand the importance of long-lasting parasite protection. The new campaign, which is titled “Bravo, BRAVECTO®” and features actor John Michael Higgins (best known for his roles in films like Best in Show and Pitch Perfect), also aims to spark conversations between pet parents and veterinarians about the unique benefits of BRAVECTO for the protection of fleas and ticks.
“I have played a variety of roles throughout my career, but the truth is that one of my favorite roles in life is being a pet parent to my dog, Jimmy. I love spending time with him and want to make sure he is as healthy as possible, which involves protecting him from pesky parasites,” said Higgins, who currently hosts the game show America Says and appears in the Saved by the Bell reboot. “That’s why I’m partnering with Merck Animal Health on this campaign. I’m a fan of BRAVECTO for my own dog and want other pet parents to realize it’s ‘best in show’ for long-lasting flea and tick protection.”
“It’s no surprise that pet parents want the best for their furry friends; however, it’s important to understand the differences between various parasite preventives to make sure pets remain healthy and protected for life. With the support of actor and dog parent, John Michael Higgins, we developed the new campaign to help educate pet owners about flea and tick treatment in a memorable way,” said Christine Royal, DVM, Associate Vice President, U.S. Companion Animal and Equine at Merck Animal Health. “We hope our message not only captures the attention of pet owners, but that it also inspires them to talk to their veterinarians about BRAVECTO.”
BRAVECTO is the number one veterinarian-recommended, long-lasting chew for fleas and ticks. One BRAVECTO Chew provides 12 weeks of powerful flea and tick protection, which means extended duration and fewer chances to forget a treatment. In addition to the long-lasting protection and convenience for pet owners, BRAVECTO Chews are fast-acting, killing parasites within just two hours of use. “With pet adoptions on the rise, understanding the benefits of parasite protection is critical to keep pets healthy for life,” added Dr. Royal.
About BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)
Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection with more than 125 million doses distributed in 85 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of extended-duration formulations, including products for both dogs and cats six months of age or older. One treatment with BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs lasts up to 12 weeks, protects almost three times longer than monthly treatments and is proven to kill fleas on dogs and to eliminate them from the home.[i] BRAVECTO products are only available through licensed veterinarians.
BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and the treatment and control of tick infestations (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for one month in dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older. Side effects may include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are indicated for the treatment and control of lone star tick infestations for one month in dogs and puppies six months of age and older.
BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs are for dogs six months of age or older. BRAVECTO Chews kill adult fleas and are indicated for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations and the treatment and control of tick infestations (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO Chews are also indicated for the treatment and control of lone star tick infestations for eight weeks.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence. BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs have not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks’ duration in puppies less than six months of age. BRAVECTO Chews are not effective against lone star ticks beyond eight weeks of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
About Merck Animal Health
For 130 years, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.
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