As dogs often do, our two-year-old cocker spaniel Pablo has wheedled his way into the heart of our family. From his unfailing zest for life to the expressions he pulls when his ears are stroked, he has truly captivated us.
But Pablo – or rather, the responsibilities that come with him – takes up a lot of time. On top of his walks and non-stop tummy tickling, there is a lengthy list of pet-related admin that no one mentions when you’re cooing over puppies.
If you’re the person who books the dentist, orders the groceries and buys the birthday cards, chances are you’ll also be sorting vet appointments, remembering when to give the flea treatment and combing grass seeds out of hairy ears. Except when you’re not – because when your to-do list is already overflowing, something has to give.
In fact, a new study conducted by MSD Animal Health confirms what many of us already knew: for those juggling work, kids and ageing parents, pet care is the thing that slips down the list. It can be easy to see it as the least pressing responsibility – until that is, your four-legged friend brings home a flea infestation.
That’s exactly what happened to dog owner Kate, who admits caring for her ‘little shadow’ Fern had taken a backseat after a series of difficult family events. But one evening while stroking her pet, she noticed black specks on her hand: the tell-tale signs of fleas. What followed was an intense programme not only of treatment for Fern but of disinfesting the whole house, plus having to warn friends and neighbours that they might have been affected too.
‘It was the absolute last thing we needed to deal with,’ she says. Thankfully the family vet was able to advise not only how to deal with the current infestation but also how to manage flea control in future. ‘Having the advice of the vet and a longer-acting product means that if life throws us into turmoil again, we won’t have the additional stresses of a flea problem,’ she adds.
Kate is far from alone. The same survey showed nearly half of respondents had missed flea or tick protection in the last year, with almost a fifth forgetting more than once*. But with around 37 per cent of UK dogs having experienced fleas**, parasites are definitely a problem worth preventing.
With that in mind, we asked MSD veterinary surgeon Sian Stockford for her tips to take the pain out of pet care.
Step 1: Make the basics automatic
Set yourself calendar reminders or ask your vet about longer-lasting options so protection doesn’t rely on memory, and can be administered less frequently. And share with someone else in the household, so you’re not the only one shouldering the responsibility.
Step 2: Watch for changes
Any changes in behaviour, appetite or energy can be a sign that something’s not right. So if you do notice your dog acting differently, trust your instincts and speak to your vet.
Step 3: Prioritise micro-connections
You might only have a few minutes between walking through the door and dashing off again, but five minutes of play goes a long way. Give your furry friend your undivided attention, playing their favourite game or simply having a cuddle. Chances are you’ll both feel better as a result.
Step 4: Ask your vet about options
There are many different types of protection to help keep your pet covered, from 1 to 3 month treatments to longer-lasting vet-administered treatments such as once-yearly options, including a 12-month injectable flea and tick treatment. Chat to your vet to help you find one that fits into your routine.
Speak to your vet about ways to make pet care easier, so you can concentrate on the fun bits. Visit mypet.com to find out more.
*MSD Animal Health survey of 400+ UK dog owners aged 29–60, conducted 2026
