Watch for signs of trouble

If you ask clients if they need more heartworm prevention at an annual appointment and they say, "Oh no, we've got six doses left," this is a warning sign, says Karyn Gavzer, MBA, CVPM, a practice management consultant in Springboro, Ohio. "You know they need to be giving this year round, and it opens up a chance to have a discussion about parasite control." And when you get the opportunity, be sure to take it. Start by explaining the importance of giving preventive every month.