Perceptions of dog owners towards canine gastrointestinal parasitism and associated human health risk in Southeast Queensland

Abstract

Canine companion animals can carry a number of zoonotic parasites which can adversely impact both human and animal health. Previous studies in Australia indicated that while parasitic infections in dogs are still common and there is variability in the awareness and perception of zoonotic risks among pet owners, the likely contribution of sociodemographic factors to the variation in awareness and perception needs to be further explored. The primary objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between dog owners' knowledge and beliefs about dog parasites and their sociodemographic characteristics. In this study, we surveyed a total of 281 dog owners in SE Queensland between April 2019 to March 2020 and the relationship between dog owners' perception of gastrointestinal parasite infection was assessed using an adaptation of the Health Belief Model, social cognitive framework for health protection. The model looked into the role of dog owners' demography on their perceived severity and susceptibility to zoonotic canine parasites and their likelihood of performing actions associated with worm control of their pets. Our results indicate that owners perceptions about parasitic disease severity in their pets was 26% higher in female dog owners compared to males, in respondents owning dogs over 10 years (27% higher than those owning a dog <3 years) and those owners that regularly deworm their pets and report faeces disposal. Our study indicates that the perceptions of pet owners towards zoonotic canine parasites varies demographically and owner education is important to prevent infection among dogs and control the zoonotic transmission to owners and the community. Finally, there was evidence that increased frequency of visits to veterinary clinics can increase the likelihood of owners performing worm treatment, proper faecal disposal, and cooking meat before feeding it to dogs.

Associations between canine hookworm infection and dog owners' awareness, perception, and behaviour: A cross‐sectional study in Brisbane, Queensland, 2019–2020

“…A previous study, based on a superset of the data used in the current study, reported a statistically significant association between one to two veterinary clinic visitations per year by dog owners and proper disposal of their dog's faeces, compared to dog owners who visited a veterinary clinic for emergencies only (Nguyen et al, 2021). This suggests that veterinarians may play an important role in providing clearer advice to dog owners regarding proper disposal of dog faeces, however, some dog owners may be aware of public health benefits of and carry out proper disposal of dog faeces, independent of veterinary advice.…”

“…Administration of anthelmintics is a principal means for treatment and prevention of hookworms in dogs (Lynn & Duquette, 2021) and dogs depend solely on their owners when it comes to control and treatment against parasites. Thus, awareness, perception and behaviours of dog owners towards canine parasites and potential zoonoses are essential factors with respect to regular and timely treatment of dogs against parasites (Harriott et al, 2019; Nguyen et al, 2021). Despite the availability of various dewormers off the shelf from chemist stores and pet shops, the application of these treatments has been hampered by lack of owner education regarding the correct usage of anthelmintic drugs and parasite transmission risk factors (Matos et al, 2015).…”

Zoonotic intestinal parasites in free-ranging dogs (Canis lupus familiaris): a risk to public health in a Mexican Protected Area

“…have been in close contact with humans for at least 14 000 years (Nobis, 1979), having an important and functional role in humans societies (Nguyen et al, 2021). From herding, hunting, and protection, to companion, service, and a wide variety of trained working dogs, human-dog interaction is as profound as human civilisation itself (MacPherson, 2005;Dantas-Torres & Otranto, 2014).…”

Raw meat based diet (RMBD) for household pets as potential door opener to parasitic load of domestic and urban environment. Revival of understated zoonotic hazards? A review

“…Responsible care by the pet owner feeding raw meat based diets to pets should therefore be accounted and adequate information should be provided by veterinary practitioners. As a general rule, it is recommended to adopt hygienic measures to limit potential exposure to oral-fecal route and harmful load in the household, alongside with routine coprological examination of pets in order to keep at check any zoonotic parasitic infections [ 101 ]. At this regard, it must be also reported that some bacterial pathogens are associated with higher risk of causing infection in animals fed RMDBs (i.e., Salmonella): the same risk, despite lower, exists for pets fed manufactured foods if not correctly handled both in the plants and at home by the owner [ 102 ].…”