Pete the Vet Urges Irish Pet Owners to Check their pet's Flea and Tick Protection

With pets spending more time outdoors during brighter weather – from dogs on longer walks to cats exploring gardens – Irish veterinary surgeon Pete Wedderburn, better known as Pete the Vet, is urging owners to take a moment to check whether their flea and tick protection is up to date. 

While fleas and ticks are often thought of as a seasonal issue, Irish vets say the reality is more complicated. Ireland’s mild and damp climate can allow these parasites to remain a concern throughout the year, meaning even short gaps in protection can leave dogs and cats exposed.

The reminder comes as new global research commissioned by MSD Animal Health reveals a significant gap between awareness and action among pet owners. While 82% of pet owners recognise fleas and ticks as a threat to their pet’s health, nearly half have forgotten to administer treatment in the past year. Despite three quarters of respondents saying these parasites pose a risk to their own families, 46% of dog owners and 51% of cat owners admit to missing doses.

“People often think of fleas and ticks as something you only need to worry about in the summer, but in Ireland, that’s simply not the case,” said veterinary surgeon Pete Wedderburn (Pete the Vet).

“We see these parasites year-round, and even short gaps in protection can leave our dogs and cats exposed. Ticks, for example, can carry serious conditions like Lyme disease, and what we see in practice isn’t a lack of care – it’s a lack of consistency. Life gets busy, doses get missed, and that’s where the risk comes in. I’d encourage all pet owners to check their records and speak with their local vet to ensure their pets are on a preventative plan that offers reliable, year-round protection.” 

For many owners, the issue is not whether they care about parasite prevention, but whether the routine is easy to keep up with. The research found that practical challenges are common, with 56% of pet owners saying administration can be difficult, often because pets refuse medication or will not sit still during application.

To help avoid protection gaps, pet owners are encouraged to ask themselves three simple questions:

1. When was my pet last treated?

Missed dates can happen easily, particularly around busy schedules, travel or changes in routine. Owners are encouraged to check their records rather than relying on memory.

2. Does my pet’s lifestyle increase their exposure?

A dog that regularly walks through parks, fields or wooded areas may face different risks to an indoor cat. Equally, cats that spend time outdoors may also need protection suited to their routine.

3. Is my current prevention plan realistic to maintain?

A plan only works if it can be followed consistently. Pet owners who struggle with monthly treatments, administration challenges or missed reminders should speak to their vet about the options available.

Encouragingly, there is a clear appetite for simpler solutions. Three in four pet owners expressed interest in treatments that provide protection for up to a year, reflecting a growing demand for long-lasting and convenient options. While a wide range of preventative measures exists, ranging from monthly over-the-counter options to veterinary-administered injectables that provide 12 months of protection, consistency remains the critical factor in effective defence.

Pet owners are encouraged to speak to their local vet to discuss a prevention plan tailored to their specific lifestyle, ensuring consistent, year-round protection for their pets and families. 

Slán go fóill.