The Philippines is one of the top 10 countries with high population of dogs and high interest in dog ownership.

In a data by Rakuten Insight, 67 percent of Filipinos have dogs in their house. The study also revealed that dogs are five times more popular than cats.

With this comes the thriving problem of ectoparasites that pose health risks to dogs and humans.

The most common of these ectoparasites are the fleas or pulgas and the ticks or garapata.

"These parasites cause harm to dogs through their blood-sucking habit, thus robbing them of nutrients. If the infestation is high, it can cause anemia," Dr. Remil Galay, professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, UP Los Baños, said.

These parasites' saliva contains lots of allergens. Even if they bite just in one side of the dog, immediate allergic reaction can spread all over its body.

Ticks and fleas can also transmit several diseases such as monocytic ehrlichiosis, cyclic thrombocytopenia to dogs and ehrlichiosis to humans.

Animal health pharmaceutical company Virbac brings Effitix to the Philippines. The new product is a spot-on solution for dogs suffering from fleas and ticks infestations.

With active ingredients fipronil and permethrin, Effitix keeps dogs safe from external parasites for up to four weeks. It has an added repellent activity against mosquitoes that are known to transmit heartworms.

Fleas and ticks can be killed within 24 hours following treatment. It remains effective even after bathing, shampooing, water immersion or sunlight exposure.

Effitix can be used as part of a treatment strategy for the control of Flea Allergy Dermatitis, reducing the risk of transmission of tick-borne diseases (babesiosis), and repellent (anti-feeding) activity against mosquitoes (Culex pipiens, Aedes aegypti).

Effitix is easy to apply with its "drop-stop" pipette technology. This innovative topical solution is available for puppies and dogs eight weeks old or older in three dose sizes for dogs from four to 40 Kg.

Effitix will be available starting 16 December at authorized online pet stores, and February 2023 at leading physical pet shops and vet clinics.

Visit ph.virbac.com/home.html.