A newly released global survey by Merck Animal Health shows a disconnect between pet owners’ intentions and their actual compliance with flea and tick prevention. The finding contrasts with a growing recognition that such parasites pose a year-round threat to pets and people.
The survey polled 4,072 pet owners and 582 veterinarians across the United States and 14 other countries.
While 83% of pet owners consider flea and tick treatment crucial, many struggle to adhere to the recommended schedules. Although 80% of owners report feeling confident in administering flea and tick preventives, 74% of veterinarians are concerned that the doses are delayed or skipped entirely, and 20% fear that clients aren’t giving the medications at all.
Administering treatments also poses practical challenges. Fifty-six percent of owners admit to difficulty, and nearly half of dog owners (46%) and more than half of cat owners (51%) have forgotten to treat their pets at least once in the past year.
Nearly half of pet owners still view flea and tick season as limited to summer, and only 10% believe the threat to be year-round. In the United States, two-thirds of veterinarians report that most pet owners do not administer preventives year-round.
Furthermore, 51% of dog owners, 66% of outdoor cat owners and 43% of indoor-only cat owners reported prior flea or tick issues. However, only 40% of pet owners firmly believe that fleas and ticks pose a personal health risk.
“It’s alarming to note that this survey found 67% of pet owners around the world are unaware of ehrlichiosis, a serious illness transmitted through tick bites,” said Dr. Rob Armstrong of Merck Animal Health’s global companion animal parasiticides marketing. “Nearly 60% of humans infected with this disease require hospitalization, and without prompt treatment, it can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly for those who are immunocompromised. There are other illnesses caused by flea and tick bites that are equally alarming.”
Pet owners and veterinarians demonstrate a strong interest in longer-duration solutions to enhance compliance. Globally, 65% of veterinarians would recommend an annual treatment, and 75% of pet owners would be likely to try it. Both groups prefer prescription preventives, with owners placing greater trust in prescription options (79%) versus over-the-counter medications (47%).
“More than ever, these findings underline the critical need for targeted education and awareness about the importance of year-round flea and tick prevention,” Dr. Armstrong said. “Pet owners are encouraged to visit their veterinarian at least once a year and use that opportunity to discuss the most effective strategies for year-round flea and tick protection.”