Pet Care

Tips to embrace pet care for life

First-time and experienced pet owners should work with their veterinarian to establish a balanced healthcare regimen and find effective solutions to provide their dog with the best care throughout its lifespan.

Published

5 years ago

January 27, 2021

ZestMag.com Staff

Photo by @oddityandgrace from Unsplash.com

Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, announced a new survey about first-time dog owners and whether or not they were prepared for pet parenthood. Results from the “Embracing Pet Care for Life” survey revealed that taking care of a new pet, especially during a pandemic, may not be as simple as one may think.

While many people found comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic by bringing home new dogs for companionship, the survey found that 73% of those who became dog owners for the first time this year have considered re-homing once the pandemic ends.¹ This is likely driven by a lack of knowledge of what it takes to care for a pet, as one in four (25%) also claim they don’t have enough information to properly care for their dog. In fact, among new dog owners who brought home puppies this year, more than half (58%) say they wish taking care of their pet’s health didn’t take so much time, and 33% were surprised to find out how much it costs to care for their pet.

“Based on our recent survey, it appears the pandemic has intensified some of the challenges faced by many new dog owners,” said Christine Royal, DVM, Executive Director of Veterinary Professional Services, Merck Animal Health. “While people may have brought home a pet during the pandemic for all the right reasons, the reality is that pet ownership takes knowledge, preparation and patience. This reality is sometimes overshadowed by the excitement of bringing home a new pet. As a result, first-time pet owners who brought home a dog or puppy during the pandemic are experiencing a few more challenges compared to experienced pet owners. Luckily, there are several ways to streamline pet care that can improve the health and well-being of both dog owners and their furry friends.”

Survey results indicated that 70% of all dog owners would like to learn new ways to keep their dog healthy, whether a puppy or fully grown. First-time and experienced pet owners should work with their veterinarian to establish a balanced healthcare regimen and find effective solutions to provide their dog with the best care throughout its lifespan.

Photo by BRUNO CERVERA from Unsplash.com

Expel Excess Energy

More than one-third (38%) of pandemic puppy owners say they were surprised by how much attention their pet requires. Additionally, one-third (33%) of the people who became dog owners for the first time during the pandemic (“pandemic first-time dog owners”) and are now considering re-homing their dog cited their dog’s high energy as a contributing factor.

Pet Care Tip: For those with pets that have excessive energy, try taking them on shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day. Pet activity trackers also can help by monitoring a dog’s activity and sending alerts if there are any changes in behavior, so their owners can then make adjustments as needed. Always remember that excessive energy is common in dogs of all ages as they get accustomed to a new home.

Protect Puppies from Parasites

One-third (35%) of pandemic first-time dog owners say giving their dog flea and tick preventative treatments has been an unexpected hurdle, ranking this responsibility as even more difficult than housebreaking. With this in mind, it comes to no surprise that nearly one-third (29%) of all pandemic puppy owners, including both experienced and first-time dog owners, said they were surprised to learn how much parasites can impact their dog’s health.

Pet Care Tip: For many pandemic puppy owners who were surprised by how much parasites can impact their dog’s health; the key is to make sure young pups are protected. Puppies can also be exposed to internal intestinal parasites, so it’s important for dog owners to think about complementary products which offer broad-spectrum, internal and external parasite protection against six different kind of parasites in dogs and puppies. Just remember to always talk to a veterinarian about the proper medications and dosage for puppies.

Simplify Parasite Prevention for Adult Dogs

Only slightly more than half (57%) of pandemic first-time dog owners consider themselves knowledgeable about their pet’s preventative healthcare such as parasite prevention, even though most of them originally thought they were adequately or even overly prepared before bringing a new dog home. Additionally, 37% of people who already owned dogs have been spending more time with their four-legged companions outside since the pandemic started, which includes taking them on more walks (38%), going hiking (14%), camping (11%) and bringing them to parks more often (18%). As a result, they are potentially exposing their dog(s) to more fleas and ticks than usual, making parasite protection critical.

Pet Care Tip: Parasite protection is something that remains critical throughout a dog’s lifetime. Keep it simple and effective. Knowing parasite protection is critical to a dog’s long-term health and well-being, pet owners should talk to their veterinarian about preventative products that fight against the most common, harmful parasites that affect dogs inside and out.

Maintain a Preventative Care Schedule

Nearly one-fourth of pandemic first-time dog owners (22%) report they have encountered unexpected challenges when trying to schedule veterinary appointments. Approximately one-third (27%) of people who owned dogs prior to the pandemic said this was a challenge for them, as well.

Pet Care Tip: Regular veterinarian visits are key to preventing health issues among dogs, especially when it comes to recommended core vaccinations that protect them from serious diseases. A monthly schedule can help. Talk to your veterinarian about a preventative care schedule and try not to skip any appointments. Also, keep in mind that recommendations for some vaccines and other preventative measures may vary depending on the dog’s overall lifestyle, activity levels and local climate, so talk to a veterinarian about your dog’s unique needs.

Photo by Matthew Henry from Unsplash.com

Recognize Your Veterinary Team is a Valuable Resource – Even Virtually

Overall, more than half of pandemic dog owners say they wish taking care of their dog’s health was easier and less time consuming (57% and 56%, respectively). Nearly half of pre-pandemic dog owners feel the same way (46% and 34%, respectively); however, only 19% of them say they have spoken to their vet more often during the pandemic.

Pet Care Tip: Your entire veterinary team can be a great resource for pet care advice, including the veterinarian nurses at your local clinic. As a pet owner, consider writing down all pet care questions and/or challenges in advance to gather trustworthy advice from the veterinarian during the next visit. And for dog owners having trouble scheduling in-person or curbside veterinary appointments, ask the veterinary team about telemedicine and if a virtual visit is possible.

“The increased interest in pet parenting has been incredibly heartening, particularly given the emotional strain caused by the global pandemic. It’s inspiring to see thousands of families opening their doors and their hearts to welcome new pets into their home,” said Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA, veterinary surgeon at Vetsurg. “As veterinary professionals, we aim to make these transitions a success and want pets to stay in their forever home. My goal is to always empower people to be the best pet parents they possibly can. I encourage all new pet families to foster an open and trusting dialogue with their veterinary medical team. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get your questions answered. With these pet care tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy each other’s company for a long time.”

For more information and professional advice on how to embrace pet care for life, visit merck-animal-health-usa.com and follow Merck Animal Health on social media.

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Pet Care

Tips to keep pets safe and happy no matter the season

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding everyone to keep pets safe no matter the season, and to think twice before gifting a pet as a surprise.

Published

4 months ago

January 1, 2026

ZestMag.com Staff

Special occasions can be a magical time, but they can also present hidden pet hazards and difficult decisions for pet owners and gift-givers. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding everyone to keep pets safe no matter the season, and to think twice before gifting a pet as a surprise.

“Holiday celebrations often mean delicious foods, beautiful decorations, and friends and family, which can be wonderful for us but may pose unexpected risks to our pets,” says Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, president of the AVMA. “The best gift you can give your pet… is the gift of good health and safety, which means keeping seasonal hazards out of reach, providing a quiet space away from the hustle and bustle, and ensuring emergency plans are in place in case the unexpected happens.”

Common hazards for pets include chocolate, baked goods (especially those containing the sugar substitute xylitol), table scraps, and certain seasonal plants like lilies, holly, and mistletoe. Tinsel, candles, electrical cords, and trees can also lead to injuries or worse if pets decide to investigate too closely.

Thinking about gifting a pet? Think again.
While the idea of a new puppy or kitten under the tree may warm hearts, the AVMA cautions against surprising someone with a live animal. Pets are long-term commitments that require a significant amount of time, planning, financial resources, and emotional investment.

“Bringing a pet into someone’s life is a decision that should never be made impulsively, and never without the foreknowledge of the recipient,” says Dr. Bailey. “Pets can bring immense joy, but they also require daily care, training, veterinary visits, and love for many years. A better option might be wrapping up a collar, toy, or gift certificate, and involving the future pet owner in choosing their new companion when the time is right.”

Instead of gifting a live animal, the AVMA recommends more thoughtful alternatives, such as:

A leash or collar with a note promising a trip to a shelter or reputable breeder
Books on pet care or breed characteristics
A donation in the recipient’s name to a local animal shelter

Healthy gift ideas for pets
If your own pets are on your holiday list, the AVMA suggests practical and healthy gifts, such as:

A veterinary wellness exam
Toys that encourage exercise and mental stimulation
Nutritional treats made for pets
Updated parasite prevention
Pet insurance
A microchip (or updating existing chip info)

“Even something as simple as a microchip can be a lifesaving gift if your pet ever becomes lost,” adds Dr. Bailey. “It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime, and helps to ensure that you will be reunited if you and your pets become separated.”

For more holiday pet safety tips and resources, visit AVMA.org/holiday.

Pet Care

Plant-based dog foods are better for the environment than red meat options

Plant-based diets for pets had the lowest impact across all measures of environmental impact. This included the land needed to produce them, greenhouse gas emissions, the polluting effects of production on soil and water reservoirs, and freshwater withdrawal.

Published

7 months ago

September 25, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

A study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that the production of meat-based pet foods has a much greater impact on the environment in comparison to plant-based alternatives.

The study, led by Rebecca Brociek from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, and published in Frontiers in Nutrition – Nutrition and Sustainable Diets, showed that plant-based diets for pets had the lowest impact across all measures of environmental impact. This included the land needed to produce them, greenhouse gas emissions, the polluting effects of production on soil and water reservoirs, and freshwater withdrawal.

Pet food production contributes substantially to global environmental issues, driven largely by animal-derived ingredients.

In this study, experts quantified the environmental impact of 31 commercially available dry dog foods purchased in the UK, categorised as plant-based, red-meat based and veterinary-renal diets.

The environmental metrics were estimated using life cycle assessment datasets and adjusted for ingredient makeup, energy density and differences in moisture content, which were mostly taken from the dog food packaging.

The results showed that plant-based diets had the lowest impact across all measures of environmental impact. Poultry-based and veterinary diets were intermediate, while beef and lamb-based foods had substantially higher impact compared to all other foods.

For example, over nine years of adult life, a 20kg dog fed a beef-based diet was estimated to require 57 football fields worth of land to grow their food (versus 1.4 fields for plant-based).

This latest study comes after a previous study where the team showed that plant-based pet food sold in the UK provided similar nutrition to meat-based food.

“Our findings show that there is a much greater environmental impact when producing meat-based pet food.

“We have already show in our previous work that plant-based diets at the point of purchase are roughly equivalent to others. This next paper is a case study of 31 supermarket-available dog foods, giving dog owners who factor sustainability into their purchases, guidance on how to also reduce their environmental pawprint,” says Rebecca, the lead author on the study.

Pet Care

Back-to-school season can be ruff on pets

The “back-to-school blues” can affect dogs and cats alike, but there are things you can do to help ease their transition.

Published

8 months ago

September 3, 2025

ZestMag.com Staff

After a summer of lazy mornings, long walks, and extra attention from the kids at home, the sudden shift to hectic mornings, rushed drop-offs, and quiet households during the day can be confusing and stressful for our furry companions. The “back-to-school blues” can affect dogs and cats alike, but there are things you can do to help ease their transition.

Pets Feel the Change

Dogs and cats thrive on routine and companionship. When their human family suddenly disappears during the day, they may experience boredom and separation anxiety, or changes in appetite and behavior.

Easing the Transition

1. Gradual Changes

If your kids haven’t started school yet, start adjusting your pet’s routine one to two weeks before school starts. Slowly shift feeding, walking, and play times to match the upcoming schedule. Making incremental changes will make the adjustment feel less abrupt for our pets.

2. Spend Quality Time in the Morning and Evenings

Spend a few minutes each morning playing with or walking your dog. This gives pets a positive start to the day and reinforces their bond with the family. Exercising your dog in the morning also helps them burn off nervous energy so they can nap during the day. After school and work, be sure to give pets plenty of love, attention, and exercise. A walk, cuddle session, or playtime helps them feel valued and part of the family again.

3. Keep Them Busy and Distracted

Turn on the TV or radio to help make the house less quiet. Give your pet a puzzle toy and a new chew toy to keep them busy when they are home alone. Besides making a variety of chews to match your dog’s needs and preferences, Nylabone makes innovative treat toys designed to keep your dog entertained longer. Their Stuffable Cone Dog Treat Toy and Fillable Peanut Dog Chew Toy allow you to put treats in the toy so your dog can stay preoccupied for hours trying to get the treats out. And as a bonus, in celebration of their 70^th birthday, Nylabone is donating a chew toy to Best Friends Animal Society for every purchased Nylabone. In addition to helping your dog stay busy, you’re helping enrich a shelter pet’s life. For more information or to upload your receipt go to: NylaboneCares.com

4. Give Them a Cozy New Bed

Buy your dog or a cat a new bed to encourage naps and relaxation while everyone is away. P.L.A.Y has a large selection of cozy, comfortable, and easy to maintain beds. Their California Dreaming Memory Foam Bed has plush bolster sides and a memory foam center cushion to provide extra comfort and support for your pup.

5. Watch for Signs of Stress

Excessive barking, chewing, bathroom accidents, or changes in behavior might be signs of separation anxiety. Consider trying calming products to help decrease your pet’s anxiety. There are all kinds of calming products available nowadays designed to decrease stress and anxiety in dogs and cats. Also consider doggy day care or setting up afternoon dog walks to get some of your pet’s energy out and break up their day. And remember if none of this helps, be sure to contact your veterinarian for help.

Pets Are Part of the Family Too

Back-to-school season is a time of growth and change, not just for children but for the whole household. With a little empathy and effort, your pets can adjust to the new routine and continue to thrive. There is no better way to end the school day, then coming home and being greeted by your four-legged friend waiting at the door.

For more about pet health or some pet-friendly ideas go to https://drruthpetvet.com/.
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