Northeast pet owners are confident about pet health information, but how much do they actually know?
While owners in the Northeast regions believe they know more than owners in the rest of the U.S., the majority of people misidentified parasites, allergies and infections in a new picture-identification survey.
Vetster, a veterinary telehealth platform, showed the respondents images of common conditions, including skin mites, fleas, ticks and ringworm. It surveyed 2,000 cat and dog owners in the U.S. between Jan. 28 and Feb. 2.
Key findings from the survey include:
— 68% of pet owners in the Northeast felt most confident about managing Lyme disease, compared to the national average of 60%.
— 14% of, pet owners in the Northeast said they would rely on their own knowledge rather than seeking advice, compared to the national average of 11%
— Northeast pet owners felt most confident, 66%, about identifying between parasites and allergies, compared to the national average of 64%.
— 63% of pet owners in the Northeast are unable to identify ringworm in dogs and 52% in cats.
While the Northeast regions believe they know more than the rest of the U.S., the majority of all respondents overall selected the wrong answer for 10 out of the 12 conditions presented, despite 54% of owners saying they would be able to identify between allergy and parasite problems.
If a dog or cat has signs of a rash or is itching, this could point to many skin problems, such as allergies or skin mites, so it can make accurate identification even more difficult.
“The most common skin symptoms, such as redness, itching, hair loss, thickened, grey or scaly skin, can occur with parasites, allergies, infections or hormonal disease,” Vetster Veterinarian Dr. Jo Myers said in a press release. “It’s also not all that unusual for more than one skin condition to be present at once.”
A HUMAN HEALTH RISK
The implications extend beyond the pet itself, as several of the conditions owners struggled to identify can also affect people.
Fleas can carry pathogens linked to illnesses, such as tapeworm infections and cat scratch disease. Ringworm, which only 2% of dog owners in the Northeast could correctly identify, is a fungal infection that can spread directly between pets and people.
Despite these risks, awareness remains low. Only 24% of owners in the Northeast surveyed said they were concerned about parasites affecting themselves or their family.
KNOWING PREVENTION MATTERS ISN’T ENOUGH
Findings from broader industry research highlight how common these challenges can be.
In a global survey conducted by Merck Animal Health, 83% of pet owners said they consider flea and tick treatment crucial, yet veterinarians continue to report gaps in consistent use. Seventy-four percecent of veterinarians surveyed said parasite prevention treatments are often postponed or skipped, and 20% believed some clients do not administer the medications at all.
Pet owners themselves acknowledge the challenge. Fifty-six percent said they struggle to stick to recommended prevention schedules, and 46% of dog owners and 51% of cat owners admitted they have forgotten to treat their pets at least once in the past year.
ACCESS TO VETERINARY GUIDANCE
The results of the picture-identification survey highlight how difficult it can be for pet owners to accurately identify skin conditions, and that professional guidance is always best if pet owners notice any signs of parasites, allergies or ringworm.
Virtual veterinary services can help ease concerns and determine the cause of symptoms. Vetster reports flea and tick-related appointments on the platform more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting a growing concern among pet owners about parasite-related conditions.
“Pet owners need to monitor any skin changes, and generally, veterinary guidance is recommended when anything is new, worsening or simply concerning to you,” Myers said.
To read take the picture-identification survey or see the report, visit vetster.com/en/wellness/identifying-skin-problems-in-cats-and-dogs.