MADISON, N.J., Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Animal
Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc.,
Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK),
today announced a new survey about first-time dog owners and
whether or not they were prepared for pet parenthood. Results from
the "Embracing Pet Care for Life" survey revealed that taking care
of a new pet, especially during a pandemic, may not be as simple as
one may think.
Survey results indicated that 70% of all dog owners would like to
learn new ways to keep their dog healthy.
While many people found comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic by
bringing home new dogs for companionship, the survey found that 73%
of those who became dog owners for the first time this year have
considered re-homing once the pandemic ends.1 This is
likely driven by a lack of knowledge of what it takes to care for a
pet, as one in four (25%) also claim they don't have enough
information to properly care for their dog. In fact, among new dog
owners who brought home puppies this year, more than half (58%) say
they wish taking care of their pet's health didn't take so much
time, and 33% were surprised to find out how much it costs to care
for their pet.
"Based on our recent survey, it appears the pandemic has
intensified some of the challenges faced by many new dog owners,"
said Christine Royal, DVM, Executive
Director of Veterinary Professional Services, Merck Animal Health.
"While people may have brought home a pet during the pandemic for
all the right reasons, the reality is that pet ownership takes
knowledge, preparation and patience. This reality is sometimes
overshadowed by the excitement of bringing home a new pet. As a
result, first-time pet owners who brought home a dog or puppy
during the pandemic are experiencing a few more challenges compared
to experienced pet owners. Luckily, there are several ways to
streamline pet care that can improve the health and well-being of
both dog owners and their furry friends."
Survey results indicated that 70% of all dog owners would like
to learn new ways to keep their dog healthy, whether a puppy or
fully grown. First-time and experienced pet owners should work with
their veterinarian to establish a balanced healthcare regimen and
find effective solutions to provide their dog with the best care
throughout its lifespan. As a company dedicated to improving the
health and well-being of pets and those who care for them, the
following data and advice that stemmed from Merck Animal Health's
"Embracing Pet Care for Life" survey will help address the concerns
of new pet owners and allow them to better navigate the world of
responsible dog ownership.
Expel Excess Energy
More than one-third (38%) of
pandemic puppy owners say they were surprised by how much attention
their pet requires. Additionally, one-third (33%) of the people who
became dog owners for the first time during the pandemic ("pandemic
first-time dog owners") and are now considering re-homing their dog
cited their dog's high energy as a contributing factor.
- Pet Care Tip: For those with pets that have excessive
energy, try taking them on shorter, more frequent walks throughout
the day. Pet activity trackers, such as Sure Petcare's
Animo®, also can help by monitoring a dog's activity and
sending alerts if there are any changes in behavior, so their
owners can then make adjustments as needed. Always remember that
excessive energy is common in dogs of all ages as they get
accustomed to a new home.
Protect Puppies from Parasites
One-third (35%) of
pandemic first-time dog owners say giving their dog flea and tick
preventative treatments has been an unexpected hurdle, ranking this
responsibility as even more difficult than housebreaking. With this
in mind, it comes to no surprise that nearly one-third (29%) of all
pandemic puppy owners, including both experienced and first-time
dog owners, said they were surprised to learn how much parasites
can impact their dog's health.
- Pet Care Tip: For many pandemic puppy owners who were surprised
by how much parasites can impact their dog's health; the key is to
make sure young pups are protected. Puppies eight weeks of age or
older can use BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) 1-MONTH Chews to
protect them from fleas and ticks until six months of age before
transitioning to the extended duration chew for adult dogs. Puppies
can also be exposed to internal intestinal parasites, so it's
important for dog owners to think about complementary products such
as SENTINEL® SPECTRUM® Chews (milbemycin
oxime, lufenuron, and praziquantel), which offer
broad-spectrum, internal and external parasite protection against
six different kind of parasites in dogs and puppies. Just remember
to always talk to a veterinarian about the proper medications and
dosage for puppies.
Simplify Parasite Prevention for Adult Dogs
Only
slightly more than half (57%) of pandemic first-time dog owners
consider themselves knowledgeable about their pet's preventative
healthcare such as parasite prevention, even though most of them
originally thought they were adequately or even overly prepared
before bringing a new dog home. Additionally, 37% of people who
already owned dogs have been spending more time with their
four-legged companions outside since the pandemic started, which
includes taking them on more walks (38%), going hiking (14%),
camping (11%) and bringing them to parks more often (18%). As a
result, they are potentially exposing their dog(s) to more fleas
and ticks than usual, making parasite protection critical.
- Pet Care Tip: Parasite protection is something that
remains critical throughout a dog's lifetime. Keep it simple and
effective as dogs age by transitioning them to BRAVECTO®
(fluralaner) Chews, a single dose with extended duration provides
12 weeks2 of flea and tick protection for dogs six
months and older, taking the hassle of monthly dosing off the
doggie to-do list. Knowing parasite protection is critical to a
dog's long-term health and well-being, pet owners should talk to
their veterinarian about preventative products, such as BRAVECTO
and SENTINEL® SPECTRUM® Chews, that fight
against the most common, harmful parasites that affect dogs inside
and out.
Maintain a Preventative Care Schedule
Nearly
one-fourth of pandemic first-time dog owners (22%) report they have
encountered unexpected challenges when trying to schedule
veterinary appointments. Approximately one-third (27%) of people
who owned dogs prior to the pandemic said this was a challenge for
them, as well.
- Pet Care Tip: Regular veterinarian visits are key to preventing
health issues among dogs, especially when it comes to recommended
core vaccinations that protect them from serious diseases. A
monthly schedule can help. Talk to your veterinarian about a
preventative care schedule and try not to skip any appointments.
Also, keep in mind that recommendations for some vaccines and other
preventative measures may vary depending on the dog's overall
lifestyle, activity levels and local climate, so talk to a
veterinarian about your dog's unique needs.
Recognize Your Veterinary Team is a Valuable Resource – Even
Virtually
Overall, more than half of pandemic dog owners say
they wish taking care of their dog's health was easier and less
time consuming (57% and 56%, respectively). Nearly half of
pre-pandemic dog owners feel the same way (46% and 34%,
respectively); however, only 19% of them say they have spoken to
their vet more often during the pandemic.
- Pet Care Tip: Your entire veterinary team can be a great
resource for pet care advice, including the veterinarian nurses at
your local clinic. As a pet owner, consider writing down all pet
care questions and/or challenges in advance to gather trustworthy
advice from the veterinarian during the next visit. And for dog
owners having trouble scheduling in-person or curbside veterinary
appointments, ask the veterinary team about telemedicine and if a
virtual visit is possible.
"The increased interest in pet parenting has been incredibly
heartening, particularly given the emotional strain caused by the
global pandemic. It's inspiring to see thousands of families
opening their doors and their hearts to welcome new pets into their
home," said Courtney Campbell, DVM,
DACVS-SA, veterinary surgeon at Vetsurg. "As veterinary
professionals, we aim to make these transitions a success and want
pets to stay in their forever home. My goal is to always empower
people to be the best pet parents they possibly can. I encourage
all new pet families to foster an open and trusting dialogue with
their veterinary medical team. Don't be afraid to ask for help or
get your questions answered. With these pet care tips in mind,
you'll be able to enjoy each other's company for a long time."
For more information and professional advice on how to embrace
pet care for life, visit merck-animal-health-usa.com and
follow Merck Animal Health on social media.
Survey Methodology
This online survey of 1,381 dog
owners in the U.S. was sponsored by Merck Animal Health and fielded
by Toluna from September 25, 2020 to
October 1, 2020.
About BRAVECTO® (fluralaner)
Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided
longer-lasting flea and tick protection with more than 125 million
doses distributed in 85 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a
variety of extended-duration formulations, including products for
both dogs and cats 6 months of age or older, as one treatment with
BRAVECTO lasts up to 12 weeks, protects almost three times longer
than monthly treatments and is proven to kill fleas on dogs and
cats and to eliminate them from the home.i BRAVECTO
products are only available through licensed veterinarians.
BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are for dogs 8 weeks of age
and older. Side effects may include itching, diarrhea, vomiting,
decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss.
Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has
been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including
tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs
receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history
of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or
neurologic disorders. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are not
effective against A. americanum in puppies less than 6 months of
age.
BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs are for dogs 6 months of age
or older, and is safe for pregnant, breeding and lactating
dogs. Side effects may include vomiting, decreased appetite,
diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst and flatulence. Use with
caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic
disorders.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting,
decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence.
BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs have not been shown to be effective
for 12-weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age.
BRAVECTO Chews are not effective against lone star ticks
beyond 8 weeks of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline
class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse
reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have
been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in
dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a
history of seizures or neurologic disorders.
**BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs kill fleas, prevents flea
infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog
tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO Chews also
kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.
About SENTINEL®
With convenient and
effective once-a-month dosing, SENTINEL® branded
products protect against fleas and common intestinal parasites.
Available by prescription only, SENTINEL®
SPECTRUM® Chews (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron, and
praziquantel) is the only monthly oral preventative medicine that
gives protection against six different kind of parasites including
tapeworms, while offering a soft beef and bacon flavored chew that
dogs love.1 SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews offer prevention of
heartworms disease, while treating and controlling adult stages of
tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. With lufenuron,
SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews prevent flea eggs from hatching, therefore
controlling the development of flea populations. SENTINEL SPECTRUM
Chews are indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused
by Dirofilaria immitis; for the prevention and control of
flea populations (Ctenocephalides felis); and for the
treatment and control of adult roundworm (Toxocara canis,
Toxascaris leonina), adult hookworm (Ancylostoma
caninum), adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), and adult
tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis,
Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus
granulosus) infections in dogs and puppies two pounds of body
weight or greater and six weeks of age and older.
SENTINEL® FLAVOR
TABS® (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron) provide
protection against five different kinds of parasites. Available by
prescription only, SENTINEL Flavor Tabs is a monthly oral tab
indicated for use in dogs and puppies, four weeks of age and older,
and two pounds of body weight or greater. SENTINEL Flavor Tabs are
also designated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by
Dirofilaria immitis; for the prevention and control of flea
populations; the control of adult Ancylostoma caninum
(hookworm); and the removal and control of adult Toxocara
canis and Toxascaris leonina (roundworm) and
Trichuris vulpis (whipworm) infections. Lufenuron controls
flea populations by preventing the development of flea eggs and
does not kill adult fleas. Concurrent use of an adulticide product
may be necessary for adequate control of adult fleas.
Important Safety Information:
SENTINEL® FLAVOR TABS®: Dogs should
be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of
treated dogs, digestive, neurologic, and skin side effects may
occur. For complete product information refer to the product
insert.
SENTINEL® SPECTRUM®
CHEWS: Dogs should be tested for heartworm prior to use.
Mild hypersensitivity reactions have been noted in some dogs
carrying a high number of circulating microfilariae. Treatment with
fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes
may not provide complete heartworm prevention. For complete product
information refer to the product insert.
About Sure Petcare
Sure Petcare, the pet technology
specialist, provides pet products that empower owners to care for
their pets in entirely new ways. Founded in 2007, we have developed
an award-winning range of microchip-operated pet doors and feeders,
which solve many problems commonly experienced by pet owners. Sure
Petcare™, along with HomeAgain®, is a Companion Animal
portfolio of digital products within Merck Animal Health. For more
information, visit www.surepetcare.com.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century,
Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been
inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for
many of the world's most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health,
a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal
health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the
Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health
offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of
the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and
health management solutions and services as well as an extensive
suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and
monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving
and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and
the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and
comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain.
Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its
products are available in some 150 markets. For more information,
visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on
LinkedIn , Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.
Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc.,
Kenilworth, N.J., USA
This
news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor
provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and
expectations of the company's management and are subject to
significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions
prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual
results may differ materially from those set forth in the
forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general
industry conditions and competition; general economic factors,
including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations;
the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease
(COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and
health care legislation in the United
States and internationally; global trends toward health care
cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents
attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product
development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's
ability to accurately predict future market conditions;
manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of
international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the
effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for
innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including
patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause
results to differ materially from those described in the
forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2019
Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's
Internet site (www.sec.gov).
1 Data on file.
2 Williams et al. Fluralaner, a novel
isoxazoline, prevents flea (Ctenocephalides felis) reproduction in
vitro and in a simulated home environment. Parasites & Vectors
(2014) 7:275.
Merck
Media
Contact:
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Mundth
+1 (908)
872-9783
laurel.mundth@merck.com
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