MANILA, Philippines — When it comes to our pets, preventive healthcare is very important. That's why we should develop the habit of bringing our pets to the vet regularly,” said Royal Canin trade marketing executive Diane Lopez. “Let's not wait for them to get sick. Instead, let's develop a ‘love healthy’ relationship so we can provide a better life for our pets.”
I sat and I listened to Diane and realized I only go see my doctor when I'm sick. That's the same way I treat my pets. If they are well, there's no need to see the vet. But I do make sure that my pets have their yearly shots.
“We normally have an annual physical checkup because we want to maintain good health,” Lopez continued. “We want to be sure of our health before we discover we are sick. So, we at Royal Canin are advocating that same car for our pets.”
In a bid to strengthen its commitment to elevate the standards of pet healthcare in the Philippines, Royal Canin recently launched its “Bring My Dog to the Vet” (BMDV) campaign. The initiative aims to educate Filipino pet owners on the importance of preventive healthcare for their dogs through regular veterinarian visits.
Dr. Kristine Torres of Vets in Practice
Royal Canin unveiled the Bring My Dog to the Vet platform found within the company’s official website, which allows owners to register their dogs in the system and enable them to seamlessly schedule their visits to over 100 participating vet clinics nationwide. The website also provides monthly newsletters with information on pet healthcare, nutrition for dogs, the importance of vaccines, and tips for responsible pet ownership among others. By leveraging on today’s technology, “Royal Canin hopes to provide an easier way for owners to get their pets checked up,” said Royal Canin scientific communications manager Dr. Po-An Buiser. “This website we have developed helps pet owners schedule their regular vet visits in a few clicks.”
In a survey conducted by Royal Canin on responsible pet ownership in the Philippines, pet medicalization remains relatively low with only 20 percent of local pet owners bringing their pets to veterinarians at least once a year. On the other hand, the remaining 80 percent only bring their pets when they are already sick and or in need of an immediate cure.
“We see an opportunity to emphasize the role of veterinarian expertise and regular preventive check-ups in ensuring pets’ general health,” added Lopez. “The company also cites the increase in pet-friendly establishments, concept stores and events that have sprouted over the years as a positive indication that more pet owners are prioritizing the overall well-being of their pets. With these rising trends, Royal Canin believes that it is the best time to educate dog owners about preventive healthcare as an essential part of responsible pet ownership.”
“We have linked with Royal Canin because we see this initiative as a positive one,” said Dr. Kristine Torres of Vets In Practice. “Although there are many conscientious pet owners, some bring their pets to the vet when they're already sick. This requires more tests and also more expense.”
“We at Royal Canin recognize the need to establish and pioneer an education campaign that would mobilize the pet-lovers community in advocacy for the well-being of dogs,” Royal Canin vet pillar head for sales and marketing Ann Madelene Garcia said. “Through the BMDV campaign, we aim to encourage pet owners and vet practitioners to be our partners not just in pet nutrition but most importantly in responsible pet ownership across the country.”
Royal Canin scientific communications manager Dr. Po-An Buiser, Royal Canin Vet pillar head for sales and marketing Ann Madelene Garcia, and Royal Canin trade marketing executive Diane Lopez
Similar to humans, preventive measures are better than cure when it comes to animals. Experts say that common dog diseases are actually preventable especially if they are easily detected through regular visits with their respective veterinarians. The BMDV campaign hopes to help dog owners promote this responsible practice of bringing their dogs to the vet even after their dog’s first year.
“Royal Canin strongly believes that pets contribute positively to a person’s well-being, which is why we strive to make it a better world for them,” Garcia added. “A world where both humans and pets are healthy — that will be a better world.”
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To start this movement for healthier pets Royal Canin provides free standard check-ups with partner veterinary clinics for the first 3,000 dogs registered in the Bring My Dog to the Vet website. To join the campaign, visit www.royalcanin.ph and look for the Bring My Dog to the Vet tab and register.