When “Just One Bite” Isn’t Just a Nuisance — Rethinking Flea and Tick Care for Pets and People

Fleas and ticks present ongoing risks to both animal and human health. Beyond causing discomfort, these parasites can transmit serious diseases. A recent global survey conducted by MSD Animal Health indicates that, although pet owners generally recognize the risks, many face challenges maintaining consistent parasite prevention. As climate-related shifts extend parasite activity and expand geographic exposure, this discrepancy between awareness and adherence warrants renewed attention.

Key findings from the survey

  • High awareness of risk: 82% of pet owners consider fleas and ticks a threat to their pet’s health; 75% view these parasites as a risk to household members.
  • Common experience with infestations: 51% of dog owners and 62% of indoor/outdoor cat owners reported prior flea or tick problems.
  • Pets remain integrated into households: Despite these concerns, 89% of indoor/outdoor cat owners and 79% of dog owners allow pets on the bed; furniture access is reported by 92% of indoor/outdoor cat owners and 81% of dog owners.
  • Shifts in parasite seasonality: Veterinarians are four times more likely to describe flea and tick season as year-round, reflecting broader climatic trends that favor extended parasite activity and geographic expansion.
  • Gaps in year-round prevention: While 55% of veterinarians estimated that more than half of owners do not administer year-round prevention, fewer than 20% of pet owners reported providing continuous, year-round treatment.

Adherence challenges and clinical concerns Veterinarians express considerable concern about inconsistent prevention: 74% identified missed or delayed dosing as a primary issue because inconsistent protection facilitates re-infestation and increases the risk of vector-borne disease.

Pet owners reported several practical barriers to administering treatments:

  • Refusal to accept oral medication: 47%
  • Discomfort or fit issues with collars: 37%
  • Difficulty keeping the pet still for a pill: 36%
  • Difficulty keeping the pet still for topical ointments: 32%
  • Pet discomfort with pill administration: 26%

Notably, 83% of owners reported confidence in administering treatments, suggesting that the principal obstacles relate to product suitability and practical administration rather than lack of intent.

Opportunities for improving prevention

  • Consideration of long-acting options: Seventy-five percent of pet owners and 65% of veterinarians expressed openness to once-yearly medication, which could reduce missed doses and improve continuous protection.
  • Leverage routine veterinary visits: A majority of owners attend at least one veterinary visit annually (78% for dogs; 70% for indoor/outdoor cats), providing regular opportunities to reassess parasite risk and tailor prevention plans.

Practical recommendations for pet owners

  • Reevaluate seasonal assumptions: Discuss local parasite activity and the potential need for year-round prevention with your veterinarian, particularly where climate trends have extended vector seasons.
  • Tailor prevention to the pet and household: If administration challenges exist, explore alternative formulations or schedules that improve adherence and reduce stress for the animal.
  • Maintain household protection: Where pets share furniture or beds with family members, prioritize reliable prevention to reduce zoonotic risk.
  • Use veterinary appointments proactively: Annual checkups are appropriate moments to review parasite prevention, establish reminders, and adjust plans based on lifestyle and local risk.

Clinical recommendations for veterinarians

  • Provide local context and data: Inform clients about regional changes in parasite distribution and seasonal risk as part of routine preventive care discussions.
  • Address adherence barriers directly: Identify common obstacles to treatment administration and recommend appropriate product choices or reminder systems to support continuous protection.
  • Integrate education into visits: Use annual or follow-up appointments to demonstrate application techniques, confirm client understanding, and set expectations for year-round prevention where indicated.

The MSD Animal Health global survey underscores a disjunction: high awareness of flea and tick risks yet limited adoption of consistent, year-round prevention. Given evolving environmental drivers and the potential for vector-borne disease transmission, aligning client education, product selection, and adherence strategies is essential to safeguarding pet and public health.

For additional information about the survey and its findings, visit the MSD Animal Health Flea & Tick Global Survey page.

About the Survey

The Pet Owner & Vet Perspectives on Parasite Treatment and Prevention: A Global Survey was conducted by Savanta on behalf of MSD Animal Health among n=4,072 pet owners and n=582 veterinarians in 15 countries. Pet owners were adults 18+ who own a dog and/or cat. Pet owner sample size by country: Australia & New Zealand n=268, Brazil n=318, Canada n=277, China n=256, France n=257, Germany n=259, Italy n=283, Japan n=289, Mexico n=286, Peru n=286, Poland n=296, Spain n=294, United Kingdom n=276, United States n=427.

Veterinarians worked at least 10 hours a week in practice and treat both dogs and cats. Veterinarian sample size by country: Australia & New Zealand n=40, Brazil n=43, Canada n=43, China n=52, France n=41, Germany n=41, Italy n=42, Japan n=24, Mexico n=52, Peru n=40, Poland n=38, Spain n=42, United Kingdom n=42, United States n=42. The research was conducted online between December 23, 2024, and January 28, 2025.