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 survey1 that unveils the support dog and cat owners are seeking as the country reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic. As restrictions continue to ease across the United States, individuals are starting to spend more time away from home and potentially, less time with their four-legged companions. Pet parents have spent more time with their dogs and cats than ever before, and now, they are worried about how their pets will handle their inevitable absence after so much time together.
Results from the « Bravo, Buddy » survey revealed that, while the majority of people are looking forward to returning to normal, most pet owners have not taken active steps to prepare their pets for this once-in-a-lifetime transition. The survey uncovered that only 29 percent of pet parents left their pets alone for extended periods of times to prepare them, just seven percent of individuals who will be returning to work in-office have arranged for their pets to go to a daycare facility, and only six percent of dog owners have hired a dog walker.
To help prepare pet parents for the post-pandemic transition with their four-legged friends, Merck Animal Health is partnering with New York City veterinarian Dr. Lisa Lippman to develop a Pet Parent Guide that provides expert advice for owners and their four-legged friends to ease into their new day-to-day routines.
« After spending so much time together this past year, pet parents are clearly anxious about their pet’s emotions as they begin to spend more time outside of the home. Those concerns are well-founded, as separation anxiety can impact pets just as it does humans, » said Dr. Lisa Lippman, DVM, a New York City-based veterinarian who is one of the most followed and socially influential veterinarians in the country. « The Bravo, Buddy survey shows that owners want to support their pets but may not know the best way to go about easing this once-in-a-lifetime transition. Now, more than ever, we need to be providing pet parents with advice on leaving pets home alone more often and relieving stress through pet care solutions that help people and their animals adjust to their new day-to-day routines. »
The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated stay-at-home orders were a difficult time for people across the globe, and pets offered a bright light for owners. The survey revealed that 83 percent of pet owners agree that they have a stronger connection with their pets, 79 percent believe that their pets seem happier and, among those who worked from home, 82 percent feel that spending the workday with their pets improved their mood.
As pet parents prepare to return to « normal, » they are spending more time away from home which has caused emotional strain. Pet owners are concerned that their pets will feel sad (67 percent), lonely (67 percent) and abandoned (64 percent) when they’re left home along. Pet parents also worry about their own emotional well-being, as 62 percent are upset that they’ll be spending less time with their pets, 63 percent feel guilty leaving them alone and 50 percent feel separation anxiety when away from their pets.
Preparing pets for more time home alone is crucial for their well-being, as well as pet parents’ peace of mind. To aid in this transition, Merck Animal Health and Dr. Lippman are providing important advice to support pet parents who are getting ready to return to their pre-pandemic daily life. Suggestions from the Pet Parent Guide include:
Encouraging pet parents to schedule appointments with their veterinarians, which, the Bravo, Buddy survey shows, fell to the wayside during the pandemic, with 24 percent of dog owners and 20 percent of cat owners reporting that they spent less time taking their pet to the veterinarian. Rescheduling missed appointments is crucial to confirming a pet’s vaccinations are up to date and taking recommended preventative health measures.
Talking to a veterinarian about how to simplify pets’ healthcare needs to fit into increasingly busy schedules, such as considering long-lasting flea and tick protection with BRAVECTO® (fluralaner) Chews for Dogs.
Using smart devices, such as the product from pet care technology company, Sure Petcare®, to help with common pet parent concerns. For example, the SureFeed® Microchip Pet Feeder Connect and the Felaqua® Connect allow cat owners to monitor their cat’s food and water intake throughout the day; and Sure Petcare’s Animo®, is a wearable behavior monitor that tracks dogs’ activity levels and gives parents a greater understanding of their pet’s health and well-being.
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