New PetCareRx.com Tickitude Study Reveals High Level of Lyme Disease Concern Among Pet Parents Nationwide
Source:PetCareRx on 05/13/2013
Media Contact:
Dana Humphrey
619-414-9307
[email protected]
Pet Parents Willing to Spend Money on Tick Protection
NEW YORK, NY-- May 13, 2013-- In honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month this May, industry leader PetCareRx is announcing the results of its first Spring Tickitude Survey, revealing how pet parents across the country feel about the threat of ticks as well as their lifestyle choices around tick prevention and protection. With over 400 pet parents polled nationwide, the survey reveals that 4 out of 5 pet households are concerned about tick related threats this season, and the pending threat of Lyme disease is top of mind in 64% of pet households around the country.
Tickitude results indicate Lyme disease concern levels vary significantly by region, ranging from a high of 82% of Northeast pet households concerned down to just 33% concerned in Western pet households surveyed. 70% of Midwestern and 60% of Southern pet parents polled are worried about the Lyme disease threat for their pets and human family members. Lyme disease is named after Lyme, Connecticut, where the disease was first discovered, but every state has reported cases of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks.
Lyme disease-carrying deer ticks can feed on more than one pet or move from pet to human and infect multiple members of a single household in a short amount of time. Despite elevated Lyme concern levels this season, 2 out of 3 pet households admitted their dogs and cats often spend time on family member beds, a habit which can help ticks travel to other family members. Moreover, families with a history of pet Lyme disease in the household were more likely to have pets in their beds often (85% vs. 64% average). 46% of pet parents reported having had to deal with ticks on their pets, a situation which can be stressful for many. In fact, the survey revealed that 8% of pet parents would rather eat a bowl of their pet's food than remove a tick from their pet.
Protection Against Lyme Disease Is Available
There are many ways to prevent ticks from attaching to cats and dogs. Topical treatments, also known as spot ons, are the most popular option among those polled, with 85% of pet parents who use tick protection favoring this monthly format and just 3% opting for a collar. 72% said effectiveness was the most important consideration in choosing a flea and tick protection while only 20% said cost was the most important factor.
In addition to fielding the first Tickitude study, PetCareRx is supporting awareness of Lyme disease risks and prevention through its special coverage in Lyme disease articles, http://www.petcarerx.com/c/939/dogs/health/lyme-disease-in-dogs-and-cats and Wet Nose Press blog, http://blog.petcarerx.com/tag/lyme-disease/ and distribution of pet flea and tick prevention products available in the PetCareRx Flea and Tick Shop http://www.petcarerx.com/catalog/category.aspx?oid=49.
PetCareRx is also a sponsor of Lyme Aid http://lymeaid.eventbrite.com the first of its kind event scheduled for May 22nd, designed to help educate consumers about the threats of Lyme disease.
About PetCareRx: PetCareRx's mission is to add love to the world by enhancing the lives of pets and pet parents. To enable this mission, their guiding pet wellness philosophy is that every pet deserves lots of love, proper nutrition, complete protection, and personalized care. In this spirit they provide treats and toys, foods and vitamins, flea, tick and heartworm protection, and a vast range of prescription medications, all at a great value and with Internet convenience. Learn more at http://www.PetCareRX.com. Connect on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PetCareRx. Follow us on Twitter @_petcarerx https://twitter.com/_petcarerx and Pinterest http://pinterest.com/petcarerx/.
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