Animalcare UK has released the results of a ground-breaking survey which set out to uncover the dosing preferences of pet owners.
The study reached out to a diverse range of dog owners, intentionally avoiding any product bias, age, geographical, or breed-specific criteria to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive analysis. The survey was completed by 2,008 dog owners, making it the largest survey of its kind.
The survey uncovered some interesting and surprising results.
When questioned; 72.3% of dog owners expressed a clear preference for weekly dosing when it comes to long-term condition management, in comparison to daily administration.
Owners aged 30 to 44 exhibited the strongest inclination towards a seven-day dosage schedule, with over 80% choosing this option. Dog owners over 60, were 68% in favour of weekly dosing.
Additionally, a remarkable 83.2% of dog owners preferred to manage their dog’s treatment at home on a weekly basis rather than making monthly visits to the vet. Age also played a role in this choice, with older pet owners showing a higher preference for at-home administration.
The survey also investigated the barriers to compliance and revealed that worries about missed doses of daily medications were a key factor in the owner’s treatment decision. 48% of owners cited missed doses as the main reason they would prefer a weekly regime. In addition, the capacity to administer the medication and the apprehension regarding potential stress experienced by the animal during this process, constituted a concern for 31% of the pet owners surveyed.
Kai Crawshaw, Brand Manager, said:
‘This survey has provided us with valuable insight into pet owners dosing preferences. It has given us the information to help veterinary staff better understand their clients’ concerns over dosing and provide them with the information to make informed decisions. That includes tailoring treatment plans, monitoring efficacy or the impact of dosing preferences on the practice itself.’
In response to this survey, Animalcare has developed a free pet owner decision flow chart, available to assist veterinary staff in discussing dosing preferences with their clients effectively. This tool aims to facilitate informed decisions that prioritise the health and well-being of dogs while also addressing the concerns of pet owners. Vets are also encouraged to book a meeting with a member of our sales team to facilitate how to best use this information in practice.
For more detailed insights and to access the free pet owner decision flow chart, and to book a meeting, please visit- www.animalcare.co.uk/dog-owner-survey/
