A new survey by Petbarn reveals that only 20% of pet owners check their pet’s parasite protection before outdoor activities, despite 82% checking the weather forecast. This gap in awareness comes as Australia prepares for a potentially severe El Niño event in 2026-2027, expected to increase flea, tick, and worm activity.
The survey highlights a mismatch in priorities: 39% of pet owners protect themselves with sunscreen or insect repellent, but only 20% check their pet’s parasite protection. Notably, pet owners are almost twice as likely to safeguard themselves as their pets, revealing a significant oversight in pet care.
Dr. Michael Yazbeck, Veterinary Director at Greencross Vets, notes a common misconception: many owners believe parasites only affect outdoor pets. “The reality is that even pets that rarely or never leave the house can be exposed. Fleas can be brought indoors on clothing or other animals, mosquitoes can transmit heartworm, and some intestinal parasites can be introduced into the home.”
The survey shows that while 49% of owners recognize high-risk activities like bushwalking, 76% overlook everyday risks such as local walks or dog park visits. Only 24% associate these routine activities with parasite exposure.
Forgetfulness plays a role, too. 57% of owners admit difficulty remembering treatment schedules, and 26% assume protection is ongoing without verifying it. Dr. Yazbeck emphasizes the seriousness of parasites, which can cause severe illness or even be life-threatening. He stresses the need for consistent, tailored prevention year-round, highlighting that parasites pose risks regardless of a pet’s lifestyle or location.
To address this, Petbarn has launched the PetWatch Tool, a real-time parasite hazard tracker. The app allows owners to check threat levels for specific locations and sends reminders for treatments, helping bridge the gap in pet healthcare awareness. By providing location-specific data and automated notifications, PetWatch aims to make parasite prevention more manageable and effective for pet owners.
