Almost 10 million cats and dogs in the UK go untreated routinely for fleas
An estimated 9.8 million cats and dogs (47%) across the UK are not treated regularly for fleas according to a new study.
Researchers have found that although the UK is a nation of animal lovers with 89 per cent of those surveyed stating that ‘My pet is part of my family’, only 53 per cent actually treat their pets for fleas on a regular basis.
The study of 500 UK pet owners revealed that even though 93 per cent treat their pets for fleas, 22 per cent of respondents only use treatment when they see evidence of fleas and only 25 per cent claim to use flea treatment during the spring and summer season.
Possible reasons for this are that products can be expensive, even though there are many affordable treatments that can be bought at the supermarket that are just as effective as those prescribed by vets. Many people forget to treat their pets or feel they don’t have the time while others may not think it is important to treat for fleas as a preventative measure.
A spokesperson for pet healthcare experts Bob Martin, which carried out the study said: “Many pet owners begin to think of treating their pets for fleas during the spring and summer seasons when fleas are more prevalent and easier to spot. However, many do not realise that in order to keep their pets happy and healthy and homes flea free they should be treating them throughout the year.
“Fleas are among some of the most common parasitic infestations seen in cats and dogs, and among the most difficult to control. Both fleas and their eggs are not just present on our pets but can also be found in their bedding, in the carpet, the furniture, outside the home and in our gardens. So, using treatments on a regular basis is essential to keep the problem at bay.
“Protecting pets against fleas is a multistep process as both pet and home need to be treated and with flea treatments widely available in many supermarkets, treating your pets and home couldn’t be easier.”
Flea prevention/treatment made easy:
• There are a variety of flea controls available, ranging from flea collars, spot on’s, tablets and powders, to shampoos and sprays out there that will help to control this problem.
• Make sure that you buy the correct product for your pet as not all products can be used on cats and dogs – treatments can be bought in your local supermarket as well as in pet shops and in veterinary surgeries.
• Always read the label of your flea treatment product carefully.
• If you are using a product that is applied to your pet ensure that your pet does not lick the product off by placing it in an area on the back where the dog or cat cannot reach it. If they do, contact your veterinarian immediately. Do not ‘pet’/touch your dog or cat in the treated area for a while so that the flea prevention can work properly.
• Allergic reactions are very rare but if your dog or cat does have a reaction to the flea prevention, contact your veterinarian immediately and take the product packaging with you so that they can see exactly which product you used.
1. Based on the latest research from Bristol University there are 10.3m cats and 10.5m dogs in the UK – Study: Number of Ownership profiles of cats and dogs in the UK, J.K Murray, W.J Browne, M.A Roberts, A.Whitmarsh, T.J Gruffydd-Jones Veterinary record, Feb 2010
For further information please contact:
Lyanna Tsakiris, lyanna.tsakiris@europe.mccann.com 0117 921 8138
Ellena Bianchi-Barry, ellena.bianchi-barry@europe.mccann.com 0117 921 8127