Fleas and ticks remain among the biggest health threats for pets, but even though pet parents are aware of the risks, many pets are still left unprotected. A new global survey by Merck Animal Health shows a worrying truth: pet parents say they understand the importance of prevention yet still forget or delay treatments or feel it's unnecessary.
Many pet parents agree that flea and tick prevention is important, yet the survey uncovered a striking compliance gap. Nearly 46% admitted they had forgotten to give a dose in the past year. This simple lapse leaves pets exposed to parasites that can quickly cause discomfort, infest homes and spread disease. The concerning part is that awareness alone isn’t enough, missed or delayed treatments weaken the entire prevention plan, undoing the efforts pet parents believe they are making.
The survey also highlighted a common misconception where 44% of pet parents believe flea and tick protection is only needed during summer months. Veterinarians stress that these parasites remain active throughout the year and shifting weather patterns have only expanded their reach. This seasonal mindset creates dangerous gaps in care, leaving pets at risk of repeated infestations and exposing families to diseases that don’t disappear when the weather cools.
This misunderstanding combined with skipped doses places pets at risk of repeated infestations, expensive treatments and serious illnesses.
Beyond Seasons: The Real Risk of Fleas and Ticks
The survey found that many pet parents still view fleas and ticks as a summer concern, yet veterinarians are four times more likely to stress that the risk is present year-round. Climate change has expanded the habitats of these parasites, allowing them to spread into new regions and grow in numbers where they already exist.
The impact is already visible; more than half of dogs, two-thirds of outdoor cats and even 43% of indoor cats have faced flea or tick problems. Despite this, many pet parents underestimate the dangers, often overlooking serious conditions like ehrlichiosis that can be life-threatening. With parasites thriving beyond seasonal limits and posing risks to both pets and humans, consistent, year-round prevention is the only way to ensure lasting protection.
The Role of Vets: Bridging the Gap with Digital Support
Veterinarians are in the best position to close the gap between awareness and action, but they need the right tools to make prevention easier for pet parents. By moving beyond one-time consultations and offering ongoing digital support, vets can help ensure that pet parents stay informed and care stays on track long after a vet visit.
Here’s how vets can make a real difference with the right digital tools:
- Step-by-step care instructions: After every visit, vets can send clear, digital instructions through SMS or in-app notifications; covering dosage, timing and follow-up steps, so that pet parents have accurate guidance at their fingertips.
- Smart reminders and alerts: Automated reminders and alerts notify pet parents exactly when a vaccine, flea/tick dose or booster is due, reducing the chances of missed or delayed treatments.
- Seamless appointment booking: Upcoming vaccine or booster appointments can be scheduled automatically, removing the need for pet parents to remember or manually book follow-ups.
- Continuous education: Vets can deliver app-based digests, newsletters or short media updates with tips and seasonal advice on parasite prevention, keeping pet parents engaged and informed year-round.
- Centralized treatment records: Digital records store a complete history of parasite prevention and other treatments, giving both vets and pet parents full visibility while reducing gaps or duplicate entries.
By combining medical expertise with the right digital tools, vets can turn prevention into a smooth, reliable routine rather than a challenge for busy pet parents.
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Final Thoughts: Prevention with Peace of Mind
The survey highlights a critical gap; many pet parents know the risks of fleas and ticks but struggle to follow through consistently. Addressing this isn’t just about reminders; it’s about building a system of support where prevention becomes a stress-free routine.
With year-round protection, clear veterinary guidance and the use of digital tools to simplify scheduling and follow-ups, practices can ensure pets remain safe while reducing the burden on pet parents. Stronger compliance not only prevents disease but also strengthens long-term trust between vets and pet parents.