• by Tanya Gazdik , August 24, 2015

Merial, maker of NexGard flea and tick preventative, is asking dog owners to share the ways that make the relationship they have with their canine pal unique in a promotion that will benefit Canine Companions for Independence.

Actress and dog parent Sarah Hyland has teamed up with Merial to create the program video that shares the great lengths dog owners will go to keep their pooches happy.

Hyland stars in the NexGard "Doggone Funny" video about selecting your soulmate based on how they would potentially treat your four-legged pet. As seen in the video, many dog owners do outrageous, loving things for their pets, which is why Merial is asking dog owners nationwide to watch and share the video as well as post their stories to support Canine Companions for Independence.

Through Sept. 30, dog owners can share on  Instagram or Twitter using the #DoggoneContest hashtag or watch the NexGard "Doggone Funny" video.

For every social action taken by consumers, which includes submitting a social post and watching the NexGard "Doggone Funny" video, Merial will sponsor $1, up to $100,000, to the  national non-profit organization that provides assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities free of charge.

The top three #DoggoneContest social media posts from dog owners will receive $5,000 from Merial, the maker of NexGard. A judging panel will determine the top three #DoggoneContest social media posts based on the following criteria: originality, unique relationship with your dog and how you ensure that your dog is happy and healthy.

Fleas and ticks are a year-long problem, says Brandt Giffin, executive director of U.S. pets marketing for Merial. NexGard, which contains the ingredient afoxolaner, is the first soft, beef-flavored chew for dogs that kills both fleas and ticks for 30 days. It is available with a veterinarian's prescription.

"The ‘Doggone Funny’ program is a lighthearted way to raise awareness about the importance of keeping your dog happy and healthy by using a flea and tick treatment and control while supporting a great cause like Canine Companions for Independence," Giffin says in a release.