Scoping review to assess online information available to new dog owners

Abstract

Background: Many dog owners turn to the internet for pet care advice. As internet resources can positively or negatively influence owners' decision making and thus impact dogs' welfare, the identification of trustworthy information online is crucial. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in 2014, and repeated in 2021, to assess the availability and quality indicators of information resources generated from Google searches using empirically derived dog owner internet search terms. Results: A total of 121 unique resources were identified from 300 search hits in 2014, compared to 102 in 2021. On both occasions, the resources identified covered most aspects of dog care and related to all ages and breeds of dog. Flesch Kincaid readability scores indicated the majority to be easily understandable. However, many resources did not offer supporting evidence or a reference list, and the minority of resources stated an author. Of the resources identified in 2014, only 10% (n = 12/121) were dated, compared to 45% in 2021 (n = 46/102). Conclusion:This study found that while a great deal of information on caring for a new dog or puppy is available online, reliable indicators of quality were lacking, posing a barrier to owners' identification of trustworthy information.

Surveying dog owners' use and understanding of, and communication with veterinarians about, complementary and alternative veterinary medicine

“…38 Owners find it important to access reliable and correct online information, and feel the need for guidance by a veterinarian when looking for trustworthy information online. 36,39,40 Client-veterinarian communication is of paramount importance when CAVM therapies are used, especially since herbal supplementation was frequently reported in this study. Non-disclosure of self-administered supplements raises concerns regarding lack of product quality control, potential direct toxicity, interference with the pharmacokinetics of other drugs or unwanted drug interaction.…”

“…The internet is indicated as an important source of health information in the literature. 36 In a study of 1622 pet owners, 72.7% indicated that they used the internet for pet health information at least occasionally. 37 Social media, including Facebook groups, also plays an important role as a source of information, with many owners reporting it as a 'useful, but not entirely trustworthy' source.…”

“…The internet is indicated as an important source of health information in the literature 36 . In a study of 1622 pet owners, 72.7% indicated that they used the internet for pet health information at least occasionally 37 .…”

“…Social media, including Facebook groups, also plays an important role as a source of information, with many owners reporting it as a ‘useful, but not entirely trustworthy’ source 38 . Owners find it important to access reliable and correct online information, and feel the need for guidance by a veterinarian when looking for trustworthy information online 36,39,40 …”

“In times of stress, it is good to be with them”: experience of dog owners from a rural district of Sri Lanka

“…Also, online step-by-step guides are available for adoption which could help dog lovers in adopting a village dog [ 43 , 44 ]. However, the lack of reliable indicators of quality in online information would be a barrier to dog owners’ access to reliable information [ 45 ] in addition to the lack of internet access in developing and rural regions.…”