Nick Lachey Encourages Dog Owners to Test Their Animal Instincts to Help Understand When an Itch is More than Just an Itch
Zoetis launches Itch Instinct tool in support of its K-9 Courage™
Program
PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$ZTS #TestYourAnimalInstinct—Zoetis
Inc. (NYSE:ZTS), the leading global animal health company, today
announced that music and television star Nick Lachey* is teaming up with
the company to launch Your
Animal Instinct, a program to help your dog put its best
paw forward this spring. Your Animal Instinct aims to help pet
owners understand when their dog’s itching may be due to an
allergy-related skin condition – and what they can do about it.
During the program’s kick-off this spring allergy season, dog owners are
encouraged to take an online itch quiz at YourAnimalInstinct.com
to help them distinguish between their dog’s normal itch and when
frequent scratching, licking, biting, and/or rubbing could be the sign
of allergic skin disease. Completion of the “Itch Instinct” quiz will
trigger a donation made by Zoetis to expand the number of recipients in
its K-9 Courage™ Program, which provides healthcare assistance to
retired military and police dogs, as well as service dogs that assist
veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress.
“I’m excited to be a part of this program because I know first-hand how
tough it is to witness your dog scratch so much that he can’t sleep, and
all you want to do is help him,” said Lachey, whose dog, Wookie, was
diagnosed with allergic skin disease. “We tried some creams and
antihistamines, which didn’t provide much relief. When our vet told us
what was causing his itch, we were relieved to find out there was a
treatment called Apoquel that could help him.”
While an occasional itch may be normal for dogs, it should never
interrupt activities such as playing or eating, cause hair loss or skin
damage, or be often enough that it’s bothersome to dogs or their owners.
“If your dog is frequently or constantly scratching, licking, biting,
scooting and/or rubbing, the underlying cause might be an allergic skin
disease which can lead to additional problems including infection and
severe skin irritation. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian if
your dog is exhibiting this behavior,” said Dr. Jeff Werber**,
veterinary medical journalist and owner and chief medical director at
Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles. “The good news is that Zoetis’
revolutionary treatment for allergic itch, Apoquel, can help your dog in
as little as four hours. Unlike over-the-counter remedies, Apoquel
targets your dog’s itch at the source and provides long-lasting,
noticeable relief.”
While it’s common for pet owners to try over-the-counter treatments such
as antihistamines or prescription corticosteroids, these often do not
provide the necessary relief, or may come with unwanted side effects
such as drowsiness, increased panting, thirst, frequent urination, liver
disease and an increased risk of infection.
Zoetis has an innovative, diverse dermatology portfolio to address the
unique needs of your dog, including two targeted therapies that provide
fast and safe relief. Apoquel®
(oclacitinib tablet) is a daily oral medication that stops allergic
itch at the source for dogs one year of age and older. It works quickly,
in as few as four hours, for all types of allergic dermatitis, including
food and environment allergies, with minimal side effects. CytopointTM
is an injection that provides long-lasting relief for dogs of all ages
with atopic dermatitis (dogs with allergies due to dust mites, pollens
and molds) that is administered at the veterinarian’s office.
Lachey and Dr. Werber have teamed up with Zoetis to help educate dog
owners about allergic skin disease and treatment, while also supporting
its K-9
Courage™ Program. Dog owners can learn more and support the program
just by taking the itch instinct quiz at YourAnimalInstinct.com.
About Apoquel
Apoquel was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May
2013 and is the first and only Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor approved for
veterinary use. Unlike over-the-counter treatments such as shampoos and
antihistamines which do not provide necessary relief, or corticosteroids
which cause short and long term side effects such as excessive drinking,
urination, behavior changes and can damage the liver, Apoquel is the
only treatment specifically designed to go straight to the source of the
itch. Because Apoquel targets the cause of the itch, it has minimal
effect on other organs and functions. Apoquel starts to relieve the itch
within 4 hours and effectively controls the itch within 24 hours.
Clinical studies have shown that Apoquel provides rapid relief from
itching and improves inflammation in dogs that suffer from allergies,
without many of the side effects commonly associated with steroids. It
can be used concomitantly with many other medications and can be used
long term. For more information, please visit www.apoqueldogs.com.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use Apoquel in dogs less than 12 months of age or those with
serious infections. Apoquel may increase the chances of developing
serious infections, and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations
or pre-existing cancers to get worse. Apoquel has not been tested in
dogs receiving some medications including some commonly used to treat
skin conditions such as corticosteroids and cyclosporines. Do not use in
breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. Most common side effects are
vomiting and diarrhea. Apoquel has been used safely with many common
medications including parasiticides, antibiotics and vaccines. For more
information visit ZoetisUS.com/ApoquelPI.
About Cytopoint
Cytopoint is a ready-to-use, sterile liquid injectable containing a
monoclonal antibody specifically designed to target and neutralize
cytokine interleukin-31 (IL-31), a key cytokine (protein important in
cell to cell communication) involved in triggering the itch associated
with canine atopic dermatitis. Cytopoint works by mimicking the activity
of natural antibodies to selectively bind and neutralize IL-31, thus
interrupting the itch cycle in atopic dogs. It begins working within 1
day and delivers 4 to 8 weeks of relief from the clinical signs of
canine atopic dermatitis, allowing the damaged skin the chance to heal.
It is safe for dogs of any age, even those with concomitant diseases,
and can be used with many common medications. For more information,
please visit http://www.cytopoint4dogs.com.
About the K-9 Courage Program
The K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis provides healthcare assistance to
retired police and military dogs as well as service dogs that
assist veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. In partnership
with the Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve, the National Police Dog
Foundation and American Humane, the program provides the owner of each
dog with $300 annually on a debit card that can be applied toward any
veterinary expense ranging from wellness visits and vaccines to
prescription medications and treats. To learn more, please visit www.k9couragefromzoetis.com.
About Zoetis
Zoetis
is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its
customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of
experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures
and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by
diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services.
Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise
and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in
more than 100 countries. In 2016, the company generated annual revenue
of $4.9 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more
information, visit www.zoetis.com.
*Nick Lachey is a spokesperson for Zoetis
**Dr. Jeff Werber is a
consultant for Zoetis
Contacts
Zoetis
Colleen White, 973-822-7203
colleen.white@zoetis.com
or
Elinore
White, 973-443-2835
elinore.y.white@zoetis.com
or
GCI
Health
Diana Bardusk, 312-596-3108
diana.bardusk@gcihealth.com
