Use an old-school whiteboard to inform pet owners of local risks

Data on ticks, intestinal parasites and heartworms can provide a public service to your veterinary clients-and help protect your patients.

A simple dry erase whiteboard can change the conversation about parasite prevention from selling product to protecting patients. A 2015 study by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) has shown that 90 percent of pet owners want their veterinarian to provide them with information on parasites. Posting local, timely parasite prevalence numbers in your waiting area can help stimulate conversation with your clients and provide a public service.

Step 1: Buy a whiteboard at an office supply store.

Step 2: Visit capcvet.org and click on “Parasite Prevalence Maps.”

Step 3: Identify the disease you want to highlight (such as Lyme disease or heartworm infection) and find the prevalence data for your state and county.

Step 4: Write the number of cases in your county on the whiteboard and set it or hang it near where clients check in and out.

Step 5: Educate clients about parasites and related diseases when they ask about the numbers on the board.

Step 6: Change the statistics you highlight on the board according to changing seasonal risks.

Want to hear more? Check out this video from CAPC: