NEW YORK — Sun’s out, paws out — but are humans keeping their pets safe in the heat? According to a new survey of 2,000 American pet owners, only 15 percent put sunscreen on their pets. At the same time, a similar number make sure to check the temperature of the pavement before walks (15%).
As the dog days of summer get longer and warmer, pet owners are gearing up for what 27 percent claim to be their pet’s favorite season, with 62 percent of owners sharing that sentiment. However, 29 percent find summer the most challenging season to care for their pets. One-third (33%) of pet parents spend between 11 and 20 minutes preparing their pet for summer outdoor adventures, while another 23 percent take up to 30 minutes.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Merck Animal Health, the survey looked to understand how pet owners are approaching the summer months and ensuring their pets are safe and healthy. In going that extra mile, they’re also providing fresh water (59%), air conditioning, and fans (54%) and using flea and tick prevention (48%) to care for their four-legged companions. During the summer specifically, pet parents are vigilant and find themselves on high alert for fleas and ticks (49%), burnt paws (26%), and heat stroke or exhaustion (24%).
However, while pet owners are going above and beyond to care for their pets during summer, less than half (43%) of pet owners have microchipped their pets – an important precaution, especially as pet owners partake in outdoor activities during the warmer months.
Moreover, specific concerns vary by region. While pet owners in the Southeast also find themselves worried about fleas and ticks (44%), they are more concerned about aging (37%) and heartworm disease (32%) than any other region.
“While it’s unsurprising that pet owners in the Southeast are more concerned about fleas and ticks than any other region given the warmer temperatures, it’s important for all pet owners – no matter the region – to keep their pet up to date on a preventative as fleas and ticks can thrive in most environments,” says parasitology field specialist Kathryn Duncan, in a statement. “With the introduction of the Asian longhorned tick, a new invasive species found in over one-third of the states in the U.S., keeping your pet on a preventative is especially important now more than ever. Pet owners should speak to their veterinarian about a prescription.”
In general, respondents visit their vet about four times a year, primarily for yearly check-ups (72%) and vaccines (75%), with only 17 percent of all pet owners needing to rush to the veterinary hospital for an emergency visit. However, almost one-third (31%) of Northeasterners visited the emergency vet over the past 12 months, compared to only 12 percent in the Southeast.
Nonetheless, being a pet owner is a full-time job, and concerns over fleas and ticks (37%), chronic conditions (34%), and heartworm disease (26%) remain at the forefront of their minds 365 days a year. During the coldest months of the year, however, flea and tick concerns drop to the bottom of pet owners’ list (10%), while other concerns tend to take precedence. Instead, being too cold (49%), pain from the frozen or icy ground (33%), and catching a virus (33%) skyrocket to the highest priorities during the winter season.
“This drop in level of concern about fleas and ticks is somewhat common, but certainly unfortunate as protection should remain top of mind for pet owners all year round,” adds Dr. Duncan. “Our goal is to get all pet owners thinking about flea and tick protection 365 days a year, making it part of their pets’ wellness routine, so they can focus on enjoying time with their pet.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 pet owners split evenly by region (400 Northeast, 400 Southeast, 400 West, 400 Southwest, 400 Midwest) was commissioned by Merck Animal Health between April 20 and April 25, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
You might also be interested in:
- Sunscreen for pets? Nearly half of dog owners don’t know their pooch can get sunburnt too
- Summer 101: How can you protect yourself against deadly heat-related illnesses?
- Heat vision? Living in warmer weather linked to poorer eyesight
