Indianapolis, Indiana, September 15, 2026
Elanco Animal Health is reporting continued momentum in its pet health innovation portfolio as changing weather patterns contribute to longer periods of tick activity and allergy-related skin conditions across the United States. The company said the traditional concept of a limited seasonal “tick and itch season” is shifting toward a more year-round pet health challenge, increasing demand for products that protect companion animals against parasites and dermatological conditions. Elanco’s portfolio of parasiticide and dermatology products is contributing to stronger performance in its U.S. Pet Health business, while the company continues to expand access to innovative treatments through veterinary clinics, home delivery and other channels.
Tick and Itch Risks Become More Year-Round
Elanco said warmer temperatures and changes in seasonal patterns are contributing to longer periods of tick activity and pollen exposure, potentially extending the period during which pets face parasite and allergy-related health challenges. According to the company, ticks can remain active when temperatures stay above freezing, while longer growing and pollen seasons can contribute to prolonged allergy exposure. Elanco cited data indicating that pollen seasons have expanded in many U.S. cities and that tick-related emergency-room visits reached a record level during summer 2026. The company describes this shift as an evolution toward a year-round “tick and itch season.” For veterinarians and pet owners, the trend reinforces the importance of maintaining consistent parasite prevention and dermatology care rather than treating these conditions solely as short-term seasonal concerns. Ticks can also have implications beyond animal health because pets may bring ticks into household environments, creating a potential connection between animal exposure and human health. Elanco’s latest portfolio developments are designed to address these changing needs. The company said its innovation is helping strengthen its position across major U.S. Pet Health categories, including dermatology, parasiticides, osteoarthritis pain and vaccines.
Elanco Innovation Drives Pet Health Growth
Elanco reported that its U.S. Pet Health business is on track for previously communicated high-single-digit to low-double-digit growth during the second half of 2026. The company also said U.S. Pet Health price gains accelerated during July and August, supported by demand for its newer products and broader portfolio performance. A major part of the company’s parasite-control strategy is Credelio Quattro, a broad-spectrum parasiticide for dogs. Elanco reported that approximately 1,100 additional veterinary clinics adopted Credelio Quattro during July and August 2026, extending the product’s reach in the second half of the year. The company also said its U.S. market share increased during the first half of 2026 as newer products gained traction. In dermatology, Zenrelia has also been an important contributor to Elanco’s international growth. The company reported that the international dermatology market grew 9% during the first half of 2026, with Zenrelia leading growth in Europe and gaining additional market share. These developments demonstrate Elanco’s strategy of using differentiated veterinary medicines to address increasingly persistent health needs among companion animals.
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Expanding Veterinary Care Through Innovation
The changing parasite and allergy landscape is also influencing how pet owners access veterinary products. Elanco said home delivery and auto-ship programs are becoming increasingly important for maintaining compliance with parasite prevention. The company reported that veterinary home-delivery sales grew nearly twice as fast as in-clinic sales during the second quarter, while its data indicate that compliance can increase substantially when owners shift to delivery-based purchasing. Elanco’s broader strategy reflects the growing importance of preventive veterinary medicine. Regular parasite protection, dermatological care and vaccination can help reduce disease burden and support healthier companion animals. The company’s focus on innovation is aimed at providing veterinarians and pet owners with products designed to address specific challenges, including faster parasite control, broader coverage and longer-lasting dermatology treatment options. The company also views the expanding tick and allergy season through a One Health perspective because pets can serve as a connection between environmental exposures and human households. As companion animals spend significant time around family members, effective parasite prevention can contribute to broader household awareness of tick-related risks. For cGxP.wire readers, Elanco’s latest update highlights how climate and seasonal changes are influencing veterinary healthcare demand while accelerating innovation in companion-animal medicine. The company’s continued investment in parasiticide and dermatology technologies demonstrates the expanding role of preventive care in modern veterinary medicine and the industry’s efforts to respond to evolving parasite and allergy challenges.
Source: Elanco press release
