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AbstractObjectiveMethodResultsConclusionIdentify the role that pet ownership may play in mitigating feelings of loneliness among dependent older adults, with a particular focus on gender and mobility problems.We use a representative sample of dependent individuals aged 65 and over (n = 1,600), with 1,005 self-respondents in Barcelona, drawn from the 2023 Survey of Older People with Functional Dependency. Logistic regression models assess the associations between pet ownership (dog, cat, or other animal) and perceived loneliness in older dependents. Models are stratified by gender.The analysis highlights that dog ownership and receiving family care are factors associated to lower risk of perceived loneliness, particularly among women. In contrast, the association between pet ownership and loneliness is less clear for men for whom no differences were observed between dog owners, other pet owners and individuals without pets in the outcome measure. Our analyses also reveal that the benefits of dog ownership hold only for old age dependents with mobility impairments.Our results provide evidence that gender, type of pet and mobility are key variables associated to loneliness. These findings underscore the importance of considering dog ownership and family involvement in care strategies to mitigate loneliness among older dependents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study explored how people's relationships with their dogs were associated with mental health and how this compared to their relationships with other humans. Our results found that owners who had a strong attachment to their dogs tended to have poorer mental health outcomes. The connection between a strong attachment to dogs and poor mental health may be partly due to these owners having an anxious attachment style towards other people, suggesting these owners may turn to their dogs for emotional support due to a lack of dependable human connections. The relationship between a strong attachment to dogs and poorer mental health was also influenced by gender, with this relationship being significant for women, but not for men. Together, these results highlight a potential risk to mental health for owners who rely on their strong bond with their dogs to compensate for feeling anxious about their relationships with other humans. For these owners, it may be worth considering how they can improve their connections with other humans to be able to better support their mental health. It is unclear how pet ownership is related to mental health, with some previous research suggesting pet owners have better mental health, while other research suggests they have worse mental health. Some researchers have suggested that it may be more useful to investigate the bond people feel with their pets and how this may impact mental health; however, this too has led to mixed results. This study examined how owners' attachment to their dogs was associated with mental health and how this compared to their attachment relationships with other humans in a sample of 607 dog owners. Our findings indicate that both strong and insecure attachments to dogs are linked to poorer mental health outcomes, as was having an insecure attachment style in their human relationships. The adverse impact of strong attachment to dogs on mental health was mediated by these owners having an anxious attachment style toward other people, which in turn was associated with poorer mental health. The relationship between a strong attachment to dogs and poorer mental health was also moderated by gender, with this relationship being significant in women but not significant for men. Together, these results suggest a possible risk to mental health for owners who form a strong attachment to their dogs to compensate for anxious attachments in human relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of pet companionship – and of dog walking in particular – has been long acknowledged across academic disciplines. Much of the research values – even romanticizes – it as mutually beneficial, catalysing both human sociability and canine well-being. However, walking a dog displaying aggressive or other unwanted behaviour – dogs that fall short of expectations – severely undermines the virtues of pet companionship, extracting a considerable social and emotional toll for those seeking greater inter-species commonality. Drawing on empirical work on walking practices and the author's autoethnographic account, the paper solicits interpretations more attuned to the complexities of our cohabited socio-spatial worlds, particularly against contexts of discordance. The research demonstrates how these circumstances influence relationships with humans, often forcing dogs and their owners into liminal and contested socio-spatial existences, though also occasionally revealing exploratory opportunities. The dog walk therefore emerges as an activity that is heavily negotiated and contingent. Ultimately, the quest to 'make space' for seemingly transgressive dogs demonstrates the necessity and potentiality for a trans-species co-habitation that is more sensitive to the spectrum of animals that share our more than human worlds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As dogs age, they face various health challenges, and preventive care may be overlooked, impacting their quality of life. Frailty, a concept established in human medicine, has recently been applied to dogs using validated tools like the frailty index and frailty phenotype. This study aims to characterize frailty in senior pet dogs and investigate associated factors. To achieve this goal, 88 apparently healthy dogs, as reported by their owners, voluntarily participated in thorough consultations. These consultations included supplementary examinations such as urinary analyses, hematological assessments, and blood biochemistry. Additionally, owners completed questionnaires addressing their dog's overall health, cognitive and locomotor status, as well as their own attachment to the dog and personality traits. Subsequently, each dog was classified as robust or frail based on the presence of multiple criteria out of a set of five. All collected data underwent preliminary screening by a multiple factorial analysis, followed by binomial logistic regression to model frailty. Results: The final population consisted of 74 dogs, with a frailty prevalence of 41.9% (95% CI: 30.5 – 53.9). In the statistical analysis, older age of the dog, lower owner attachment score, lack of regular deworming, and a disparity in extraversion between owner and dog were identified as contributing factors to frailty. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of regular deworming and strong owner-pet attachment in reducing frailty in dogs. It underscores the significance of proactive pet care and highlights the complex relationship between owner-dog personalities and canine frailty. This research advocates for a holistic approach that considers both human and canine traits to promote better health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Choosing the right dog that fits well with an owner's lifestyle is important for the happiness of both the dog and the owner. This study looked into why and how people in Austria choose their dogs by surveying over a thousand dog owners. Unlike past studies, we asked open-ended questions so that the owners could freely share their reasons. On average, the owners gave two to three reasons for their choice. The most common reasons included the dog's breed, picking a dog on a whim, the dog's abilities for work or sports, and rescuing a dog. Surprisingly, less than 1% of owners prioritized guarding abilities, and 1% considered basic traits like the dog's sex, age, or health as key factors. If an owner picked a dog for its looks or skills, they often chose their next dog for the same reasons. Factors like the owner's age, household composition, previous experience with dogs, and the intended role of the dog also played a part in the decision. For instance, owners with children preferred dogs that were friendly, calm, and easy to train, and they were less likely to adopt from shelters compared to those without children. Overall, our study shows the wide range of reasons that people have for choosing their dogs, which can help ensure better matches between dogs and their owners, improving the well-being of both. Selecting a dog that is incompatible with the owner's expectations can negatively impact both parties. Previous studies on dog acquisition have primarily focused on shelter environments, using closed-ended questions to assess hypothetical preferences. In contrast, our study employed open-ended questions with a convenience sample of Austrian dog owners (N = 1077) to retrospectively explore why the owners chose their dogs. We also examined consistency in owners' responses and the influence of owner characteristics (age, education, household composition, previous dog experience, purpose of acquisition) on their reasons. Content analysis revealed 24 codes; the frequency of codes was 2.4/response. The most frequent codes were breed-based choice (29%), choosing on a whim, without careful consideration (24%), work/sport skills (22%), and rescuing a dog (17%). The least frequent were the age (1%), health (1%), sex (1%), and guarding skills (0.6%) of the dog. Twelve codes were consistent over time, and ten were consistent across dogs, indicating that the owners showed a consistent preference for certain traits. Except for the owner's education level, all characteristics affected the likelihood of mentioning at least one code. Most associations were found with the presence of children in the household: owners with children preferred friendly, easily manageable, and easy-to-train dogs and were less likely to adopt or rescue compared to owners living without children. Our findings also highlight discrepancies between spontaneous (free-text) reports and responses to closed-ended questions, underscoring the importance of qualitative data in better understanding the motivations behind and the factors influencing dog acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Factors affecting dog owners' compliance with veterinary medication recommendations were examined, and barriers and aids to administering medications were identified. Findings revealed that older dogs had more compliant owners, and clients who used no aids for medication were more likely to be compliant. Almost half of owners reported not being shown how to administer the medication, and one-third faced challenges, mainly due to resistant pets. Nearly half of the surveyed clients were noncompliant, which is higher than previously reported in other studies. Our study highlights the necessity of enhancing client compliance with veterinary medication instructions for dogs. It emphasizes the importance of providing standardized instructions and guidance, including demonstrating how to administer medications. Ensuring that prescribed oral medications are palatable and easy to administer before patient discharge may contribute to improved patient outcomes. Client compliance with prescribed medication instructions to treat their pets is a concern. This study describes factors associated with the noncompliance of dog owners with veterinary recommendations for medication, as well as client-reported barriers and aids to administering medications. A cross-sectional survey of dog owners' compliance with veterinary medication recommendations was performed from 9 January 2019 to 18 July 2020. A convenience sample of owners who prescribed medication for their dogs during or following elective veterinary examination was surveyed regarding medication administration experience and compliance. Owners were followed up to determine if the course of medication had been completed. Compliance data were analyzed descriptively. Logistic regression was performed with compliance as the outcome. Medication noncompliance was recorded for 47% (71/151) of owners. Increasing dog age was associated with better owner compliance (p < 0.05). Pet owners who used "nothing" as an aid to medicating were less likely to be noncompliant (p < 0.05). Forty-seven percent (71/151) of owners reported that "nobody" showed them how to administer the medication. One-third of dog owners (47/151) reported challenges in medicating their pets. The most common reason cited by clients reporting challenges was a resistant pet. Demonstration of medication administration techniques and discussion about available aids to medicating a pet may improve client compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: It is a fact that a pet's health is significantly influenced by proper nutrition. Pet owners increasingly seek support for cooking human-grade fresh food for their animals, driven by their concerns about commercial food quality and the rising prevalence of diet-related diseases. This shift in pet care practices provides nutritionists with an excellent opportunity to prevent future diseases or enhance the treatment of sick pets through customized homemade diets. Despite promising clinical data, the bibliography must make more scientific evidence or guidelines available. The present study contributes to this goal by presenting favorable results on a group of dogs that experienced improved wellbeing and reduced symptoms following a homemade dietary plan. Particularly impressive outcomes have been observed in dogs with gastrointestinal and dermatological pathologies. These findings underscore the potential benefits of personalized and balanced homemade diets, paving the way for further studies to explore this area. Pet nutrition awareness has risen enormously, with an increasing interest in homemade diets aimed at controlling food composition. The literature in this field is scarce, especially regarding the homemade diet's long-term effects on pathological conditions. This prospective study encompassed 167 healthy and sick dogs subjected to a customized dietary plan based on homemade food. After an initial visit, dog owners provided questionnaires with follow-up data on their perceptions of physical sign changes or symptom modifications. A total of 104 (62%) subjects maintained the homemade diet, while 63 reverted to their previous diet. The median follow-up was 14 months. Out of 31 healthy dogs that continued the nutritional plan, 70% exhibited improvements in their coat condition and 47% a decrease in evacuation frequency. Regarding weight loss goals, 67% of dogs achieved their target. The 67 pathological dogs that completed the follow-up were primarily affected by gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders. Dogs with chronic enteropathy improved their symptoms in 95% of the cases, subjects with dermatological pathologies in 83%, and patients presenting both disorders in 100%. These clinical results are promising. Personalized and well-balanced homemade diets noticeably enhanced the overall pet's health, with an almost complete remission of symptoms in pathological dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human population growth is associated with increased disturbance to wildlife. This effect is particularly acute in urban and periurban areas, where the area of effective disturbance extends beyond that of human presence by the roaming behaviour of pet dogs. Dogs are globally the dominant companion animal, with a population of ~ 12 million in the UK. As urban areas extend, dogs are exercised in green space close to housing. In southeast and southern England these areas include lowland heath, a habitat of high conservation value. To quantify disturbance caused by dog walkers and their dogs, we used GPS units to track the movement of people and their dogs across four lowland heath sites, used a questionnaire to ask about dog walking habits, and mapped potential areas of disturbance caused by dog walkers. Questionnaires were completed by 798 dog walkers and the walks of 162 owners and their 185 dogs were recorded. Mean (± SE) walk time was 56 ± 23 min, walk distance 3.75 ± 1.68 km and dogs were a median distance of 20 m from the owner during walks. Dogs were walked once (44%) or twice (56%) a day. Most (always: 85%; always or occasionally: 95%) dogs were walked off the lead even when signs were present requesting that dogs were kept on a lead. This resulted in up to a 21% increase in reserve area disturbed. In one reserve (Snelsmore Common), > 90% of the area was disturbed by dogs, greatly eroding its conservation value. This work highlights the importance of considering how dog ownership can exacerbate levels of disturbance in sensitive periurban habitats when housing developments are planned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is extensive literature on bereavement after the loss of pets, it has almost exclusively focused on traditional pets, such as cats and dogs, to the exclusion of many other species that are also popular pets. We targeted caregivers of less-traditional pets, such as reptiles, birds, fish, and exotics, to assess their experiences when grieving their loss. Specifically, we examined the manner in which they reported the loss and the degree of perceived support they received from close and more distant associates as well as their grief over the loss. We surveyed 464 pet owners, 337 of whom reported the loss of a pet other than a cat or dog. We examined whether their experiences of grief, sharing loss, and receiving support differed from those of cat and dog owners. We also assessed the role of the pet (i.e., as companion or other), whether they were housed in an enclosure, concerns about the pet, and problem behaviors as predictors, with the owner's attachment to the pet as a mediator. Pet role, enclosure, and attachment significantly predicted grief. Overall, attachment was a better predictor than pet type for grief, reporting of the loss, and perceived support from others. These findings suggest that owners experience grief similarly for traditional and nontraditional pets as long as they feel bonded to their pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The present research explored the links between human–pet relationship duration, pet life stage, and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond, for dog and cat owners. Human–pet relationship duration negatively predicted self-expansion for dog and cat owners, and self-expansion was also higher for owners of younger pets compared to owners of older pets. Perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond were not associated with relationship duration or pet life stage. The findings of the present research indicate that human–pet relationship duration and pet life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow. Although many companion animal (or "pet") owners report that their relationships with their pets are important, we know little about how animal ownership duration and animal life stage are related to relationship quality. In a sample of 1303 dog and cat owners, the present research explored the associations between relationship duration, pet life stage (puppy/kitten, young adult, mature adult, and senior), and four markers of relationship quality: pet-related self-expansion, perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, and human–animal bond. We found that relationship duration was negatively and linearly associated with self-expansion for both dog and cat owners. Results comparing relationship quality markers across pet life stages revealed that for both dog and cat owners, self-expansion was higher for owners of younger animals compared to owners of older animals. There were no significant effects for perceived pet responsiveness, perceived pet insensitivity, or human–animal bond based on relationship duration or animal life stage. These findings indicate that the duration of the relationship with one's pet and animal life stage have implications for how much people feel a pet helps them grow, whereas other markers of human–pet relationship quality likely vary based on other experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hearing Dogs are assistance animals who provide practical help to their owners with hearing loss/Deafness by alerting them to environmental sounds. While some studies have verified the contribution of Hearing Dogs to their owners' quality of life, little is known about the relationship that is established between canine and owner. This survey study investigated the anticipated role of Hearing Dogs in 23 prospective owners, as well as emotional attachment in 58 Hearing Dog owners. Results revealed that prospective owners expected the dog to play a broad supportive role in their lives, beyond simple assistance with sounds. For owners, a strong emotional component was evident in their relationships with the Hearing Dogs, particularly in the "people substitution" category. This study suggests that the relationship expectations of potential Hearing Dog recipients should be achievable, as evidenced by the strong relationships reported by owners. The reported positive outcomes of animal-assisted services have led to an emerging interest in many different aspects of human–animal interactions. The influence of an assistance animal is thought to encompass several psychosocial domains in the life of a person with a significant health impairment. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the relationship between Hearing Dogs and their owners. A prospective study design using a written questionnaire method was utilized to survey 58 current and 23 prospective Australian Lions Hearing Dogs owners. The Pet Expectations Inventory (PEI) was used to investigate the anticipated role of Hearing Dogs in waitlisted persons with hearing loss/Deafness, whereas the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) was completed by current owners to assess emotional attachment. The results revealed a high mean PEI score (M = 73.1, SD = 10.9, Mdn = 73.0, range: 55–91), with prospective owners strongly expecting the role of Hearing Dogs to include companionship/love and security. Furthermore, strong attachment features were evident in the owners' relationships with Hearing Dogs, as demonstrated by a high total LAPS score (M = 81.2, SD = 7.5, range: 63–91). Mean scores for statements within the "people substitution" category were highest (range = 3.6/4.00–3.9/4.00). In this demographically homogenous study cohort, it appeared that the high expectations of potential Hearing Dog owners for their animals to serve supportive roles beyond hearing assistance should be achievable, as evidenced by the strong attachment relationships displayed between Hearing Dogs and their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the ubiquity of pets in consumers' lives, scant research has examined how exposure to them (e.g., recalling past interactions with dogs and cats, viewing ads featuring a dog or a cat) influences consumer behavior. The authors demonstrate that exposure to dogs (cats) reminds consumers of the stereotypical temperaments and behaviors of the pet species, which activates a promotion- (prevention-) focused motivational mindset among consumers. Using secondary data, Study 1 shows that people in states with a higher percentage of dog (cat) owners Google more promotion- (prevention-) focused words and report a higher COVID-19 transmission rate. Using multiple products, Studies 2 and 3 demonstrate that these regulatory mindsets, when activated by pet exposure, carry over to influence downstream consumer judgments, purchase intentions, and behaviors, even in pet-unrelated consumption contexts. Study 4 shows that pet stereotypicality moderates the proposed effect such that the relationship between pet exposure and regulatory orientations persists to the extent consumers are reminded of the stereotypical temperaments and behaviors of the pet species. Studies 5–7 examine the role of regulatory fit and evince that exposure to dogs (cats) leads to more favorable responses toward advertising messages featuring promotion- (prevention-) focused appeals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of physical and emotional health benefits to people are reported to be associated with owning and walking a dog. However, the experiences of dog ownership are not always equivalent, and owners of reactive dogs may face additional challenges that could affect their experience of pet ownership. The aims of this qualitative study were to understand the lived experience of self-identified owners of reactive dogs, to identify key issues and themes that affect their daily lives, and to establish important future research questions. Thirty-seven UK residents completed an online survey containing 14 open-ended questions. Free-text responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five main themes were constructed: lack of understanding, situational control, learning and progress, guardianship, and emotions felt. The biggest challenge that all respondents reported was that other people did not understand their needs, which caused them to act, or their dogs to act, inappropriately. Other people's off-lead dogs were highlighted as being especially problematic, which sometimes brought owners into conflict with members of the public. On walks, many owners attempted to control the situation by avoiding places frequented by others or walking at antisocial times. The emotions most commonly expressed regarding walking a reactive dog were stress and anxiety. These results suggest that self-identified owners of reactive dogs experience a number of challenges, particularly related to walking their dog, which negatively impact their experience of dog ownership. Suggestions about how the needs of reactive-dog owners and their dogs can be better catered for in society are highlighted, as well as strategies to improve awareness about reactive dogs and how other people can help them and their owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern veterinary medicine offers a level of care to cats and dogs similar to that available to their owners, including blood transfusions, chemotherapy and MRI scans. The potential benefits to the animals of owners who can afford such care are obvious, but there can also be negative consequences if owners with strong emotional attachments to their pets pursue treatments that significantly reduce the quality of the animal's life while attempting to prolong it. Moreover, caring for a chronically or seriously ill animal can lead to emotional distress and financial and practical challenges for the pet owner. A questionnaire was used to survey cat and dog owners from representative samples of citizens in the UK, Austria and Denmark, to investigate owners' expectations and attitudes towards advanced veterinary care, and the factors that might influence those views. Overall, 58.4% of the pet owners surveyed believed that their pets should have access to the same treatment options as humans, while 51.5% believed that they should have access to the same diagnostic tests as humans. Owners were most likely to be neutral on the question of whether advanced veterinary care has 'gone too far' (45.3%), and to disagree with the statement that advanced care is 'unnecessary' (40.1%). In all three countries, the level of attachment owners had to their pets was most strongly associated with attitudes towards advanced care, with owners scoring higher on Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale (LAPS) being more likely to expect advanced care to be available. Other factors such as owner age, living situation (alone or not), income or possession of pet insurance were less consistently with owner attitudes. Our findings will help inform veterinarians and other health care providers about pet owner expectations and attitudes towards advanced veterinary care, and contribute to the debate on increasing specialisation within the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Oclacitinib is a tablet-based therapy given for itching that is caused by allergic or atopic dermatitis in dogs. The objective of this study was to understand pet owners' perceptions of the conventional film-coated form of oclacitinib and the chewable form of oclacitinib in terms of convenience and value. Firstly, an interview phase with pet owners and veterinarians was used to develop detailed written profiles of these treatment options. Then, pet owners were invited to participate in a survey about their experiences and preferences. Overall, 1590 pet owners provided survey responses. Most respondents (62%) reported having experienced challenges giving tablet-based therapies to their dog(s), and half of the respondents (52%) had experience giving flavoured or chewable tablets to their dog. Comparing oclacitinib and chewable oclacitinib (with or without associated costs), the majority of the respondents preferred the chewable formulation in all countries for both short-term and long-term itch (≥58%; all p < 0.05). Chewable and/or palatable treatment options may be welcomed by pet owners and may have potential positive impacts on convenience, compliance, outcomes, quality of life, and the human–animal bond. Oclacitinib is an oral therapy indicated for pruritus associated with allergic or atopic dermatitis in dogs. This study sought to assess pet owners' perceptions of the relative convenience and value of the conventional film-coated formulation and the chewable formulation. A quantitative discrete-choice experimental methodology was applied, comparing (conventional, film-coated) oclacitinib versus chewable oclacitinib using unbranded treatment profiles. Initially, a qualitative interview phase with pet owners and veterinarians was conducted to develop detailed treatment profiles. Subsequently, pet owners participated in a quantitative survey. Overall, 1590 pet owners provided survey responses. Most respondents (62%) reported having experienced challenges administering tablet-based therapies to their dog(s). Half of all respondents (52%) had experience administering flavoured or chewable tablets to their dog. Comparing oclacitinib and chewable oclacitinib (with or without associated costs), the majority of the respondents preferred the chewable formulation in all regions across short-term and long-term scenarios (≥58%; all p < 0.05). The current research is one of few survey-driven studies for treatment preferences in companion animal medicine. Veterinarians may offer chewable or palatable treatment options where available, with potential positive impacts on convenience, compliance, outcomes, quality of life, and the human–animal bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the beliefs and attitudes of dog and cat owners towards veterinary telemedicine. The study reveals that while many owners acknowledge the advantages of telemedicine, only a small percentage have actually used it. Owners view telemedicine as beneficial for follow-up appointments and accessing specialists. The study emphasizes the importance of veterinary professionals understanding the potential benefits and availability of telemedicine. The research also indicates that the likelihood of using telemedicine varies based on factors such as age, beliefs about telemedicine, and the bond between the veterinarian and client. Overall, increasing awareness and availability of telemedicine in veterinary practice could be advantageous for both pet owners and veterinarians. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the complexity of separation-related behaviors (SRB) in dogs and the importance of providing behavior first aid to address these behaviors. SRB can include a range of behaviors that occur when dogs are separated from their attachment figures or when they are alone. It is important to accurately observe and describe the dog's behaviors to understand the extent of distress they may be experiencing. The article provides suggestions for preventing further distress, such as hiring a pet sitter or changing the cueing context. It also discusses the use of anxiolytic medications and highlights the need for collaboration with behavior professionals. The article emphasizes the importance of early intervention and provides guidance for library patrons dealing with SRB in their dogs. [Extracted from the article]

Drone To Home is a British animal rescue charity that uses drones and thermal technology to locate missing pets and reunite them with their owners. Since its establishment in 2019, the charity has reunited nearly 4,000 animals with their owners, providing peace of mind and preventing heartbreak. The charity also focuses on educating pet owners on how to retrieve their dogs safely and swiftly. They offer resources, a helpline, and a training course for aspiring drone operators. The charity emphasizes the importance of not approaching or shouting at a missing dog, as it may cause the dog to run further away. The veterinary profession is encouraged to join the search party and call the charity for advice if they spot a missing animal. The charity aims to spread awareness and educate veterinary professionals and the general public on what to do if a dog goes missing. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Animal charities want to teach people about what animals need and often run campaigns to achieve this. These campaigns usually focus on different aspects of animal welfare. In March 2019, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) launched a campaign called #DogKind. It aimed to increase awareness of dog owners to identify separation-related behaviours in dogs and encourage owners to seek help from reliable sources. To evaluate the campaign's effectiveness, we asked people a series of questions before and after the campaign. We also tested whether adding a video to the website's information made any difference to the campaign's effectiveness. This study found that the campaign successfully reached its target audience of 25–34-year-olds but did not help dog owners become more aware of separation-related behaviours or increase the number of owners intending to seek help from reliable sources. Additionally, showing a video as part of the campaign did not improve its effectiveness. This study shows that this campaign had limited success in achieving its targets and highlights the importance of thorough evaluations of campaigns as educational interventions. One of the main aims of companion animal welfare charities is to educate the public about the needs of animals. This is frequently performed through campaigns focusing on specific aspects of welfare. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Britain's biggest animal welfare charity, launched the nationwide #DogKind campaign in March 2019. Targeted mainly at 25–34-year-olds, the campaign aimed to increase awareness of separation-related behaviour (SRB) among dog owners and encourage them to seek help for SRB from reliable sources. This research involved a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design evaluating the campaign's effectiveness. It was conducted through a series of online surveys at three different time points: before the launch of the campaign (n = 2002), six months after (n = 2423), and, again, two months later (n = 269), during which we asked the same questions regarding knowledge of SRB. An experimental trial of 269 participants tested whether accessing a video alongside the campaign web pages increased the effectiveness of the campaign objectives. Overall, the campaign appeared to be effective in reaching its target audience but not at raising awareness of SRB or increasing the number of owners intending to seek help. The inclusion of a video in the campaign made no difference to its effectiveness. This study shows that this campaign had limited success in achieving its targets and highlights the importance of thorough evaluations of education interventions that aim to improve the welfare of companion animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pets, generally, and dogs have become an essential part of families. This situation implies that people consider their dogs when planning family holidays, excluding moving to a second home. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of dog owners according to the demand for tourist establishments where they can stay with their pets. A total of 1391 dog owners' surveys were collected and analyzed, and various covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) was developed to determine the suitability of the measurement model, the second-order factors, and the relationships between the different constructs. The main results of this research show that the motivations for traveling with the dog, the limitations this encounters, and, above all, the attachment that the family has with its pet significantly influence the choice of accommodation. The findings of this research will help hotel managers with the design of policies that meet the needs of families travelling with their dogs. The analysis of dog owners' motivations for choosing tourist accommodation due to their attachment and the limitations for travelling allows us to obtain more accurate information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many pet owners make food choices for their pets that are similar to those they make for themselves, and food characteristics such as the presence of preservatives can influence this decision. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a tool used to predict intentions and behavior and can be an important indicator for the pet food industry. The aim of this study was to investigate pet owner behavior regarding food with or without preservatives, based on the behavior prediction of TPB. A questionnaire was distributed with questions related to direct (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and indirect (behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and intentions) measures for the analysis of TPB. For the statistical analysis the structural equation modeling (SEM) was used. The correlation between owner behavior and the behavior imposed on their dog's diet was evaluated by paired T test or paired Wilcoxon test according to variables' adherence or not to normality, respectively. A total of 1,021 answers were evaluated after the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The results indicated that TPB was effective in predicting the intentions (r2 = 0.58 for dogs and r2 = 0.59 for owners) and behavior (r2 = 0.58 for dogs and r2 = 0.57 for owners) regarding the intake of diets without preservatives. It was observed that owners are more concerned with the diet of their dogs than their own and they believe that the intake of preservatives can be prejudicial to the health of their dogs (p<0.001). However, owners trust more in pet food manufacturers than human food manufacturers (p<0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that TPB can be an important tool to understand consumer behavior towards their dog food, and that the industry should intensify its approach on safety of preservatives in pet food, since many owners still believe they can be prejudicial to dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 15, 2020, the Serbian government introduced a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The enforcement of lockdown measures led to changes in the daily lives of dog owners, which, in turn, affected the routines of their dogs. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of Serbian lockdown measures enforced for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic on pet dog management. An online questionnaire survey with Serbian dog owners was conducted in the period from July 15 to August 31, 2021. A total of 384 pet owners older than 18 years participated. The survey comprised 34 questions about owners' demographic information, information about their dogs, changes in dog walking and feeding practices, as well as behavior before and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Most questions were closed-ended with the option to mark one or more proposed responses, while some questions had the option to add free text predefined as "other". The survey also included several open-ended questions. The responses of the survey participants in the two different periods (before and during the lockdown) were compared to determine their interdependence. The obtained data indicated that there was no notable rise in the rate of dog adoption or purchase. Furthermore, it was found that dog owners decreased the frequency of walks for their pets in nature or walking fields, choosing instead to keep them indoors or confine them to the backyard more frequently. Some owners believed that their dogs became slightly passive or nervous as a response to enforced lockdown restrictions. No significant changes in dog feeding practices were reported, although a minority of dog owners noted that their dogs consumed slightly less food during the lockdown but gained a small amount of weight. Additionally, owners reported no pronounced changes in the amount of money they spent on dog food. Overall, data collected indicated that lockdown restrictions had a limited impact on dog management; however, further research should be performed to determine any long-term effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The charity Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBUK) has more than 11,000 registered canine blood donors, but advances in life-saving veterinary medicine have increased demand for blood products, leading to supply shortages. This study investigated dog owners' awareness and perception of canine blood donation using a questionnaire, and then explored whether raising owners' awareness and knowledge of canine blood donation influenced their decision to volunteer their pet to donate blood. The findings show that dog owners generally lack awareness and knowledge of the canine blood donation process, and that the provision of appropriate education is fundamental to increasing the number of canine donors. Veterinary professionals may be able to increase the current donor pool through effective advertising and promotion in practices and by allaying the concerns of owners, such as those highlighted in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While parrots are popular birds to keep as pets, little is known about the relationship between them and their owners and about the frequency of the problematic behaviors they display. The data for this study were collected using an anonymous questionnaire that consisted of three parts: basic questions about owners and their parrots; a "Parrot Owner Relationship Scale" (PORS), modified from the "Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale" (MDORS); and questions about the frequency of behavioral problems in the parrots. The questionnaire, shared on social media, yielded 354 respondents. A principal component analysis (PCA) of the PORS revealed a picture very similar to that previously found for dog owners. The components were "Owner interaction," "Emotional closeness," and "Perceived cost," and they explained 42% of the total variance, with all three components exceeding Cronbach's alpha values of 0.72. The PORS subscales were similar to those obtained from the MDORS, indicating that relationships between owners and their parrots can be described in similar terms to those used to describe the relationships between owners and their dogs. Answers related to behavioral problems were given on a 5-point Likert scale, where 1 = never and 5 = always. A low frequency of behavioral problems was reported (between 1.14 and 3.23), with the three most common being excessive vocalizations (3.23), fearful behavior (2.33), and the parrot stealing human food (2.34). A PCA revealed three components, "Aggression," "Fear," and "Non-social behavior," that explained 45% of the variance. The Aggression component was associated with all aspects of the social relationship with the owner. Thus all three components that were used to quantify the relationship between an owner and their parrot had measurable associations with the parrot's aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: People can develop meaningful relationships with companion animals, and they behave towards them in specific ways. For example, they spend time together in close proximity, apologize or talk to them as if they are human, and experience social support from their pets. This study aims to explain these types of interactions in a sample of cat owners and dog owners in the Netherlands. The more pet owners rated the mental abilities of their pet to be similar to those of humans (anthropomorphization), the more they displayed making-up behavior towards their pet, and the stronger they experienced social support from their pet. However, to engage in communication behavior (e.g., petting, kissing, talking) it is not necessary to anthropomorphize the pet. Dog owners anthropomorphize more than cat owners; this might be due to a higher symmetry in social behaviors between humans and dogs. Lastly, the social role of the pet (partly) mediates the association between anthropomorphization and owner behaviors and experience of social support. This mediation effect is more pronounced in cat owners compared to dog owners. Background: For sustainable and healthy relationships with pets, attributing some degree of human abilities to the pet (anthropomorphization) might be necessary. We hypothesize that the tendency to anthropomorphize pet animals is related to relationship behaviors (communication and making up) and the experience of social support. Perceiving the pet in a human social role (e.g., family member or friend) might mediate this relationship. Method: Associations were tested in a mixed sample of cat and dog owners by means of multiple linear regression, moderation, and (moderated) mediation analyses. The differences between cat and dog owners were examined with pet type as the moderator in a moderated mediation analysis. Results: Dog owners anthropomorphize their pets more than cat owners. The social role of the pet mediates the association between anthropomorphization and relationship behavior and social support. The mediation effects were stronger for cat owners than for dog owners. Moreover, our newly developed comparative anthropomorphism measure was a better predictor than the commonly used general anthropomorphism measure (IDAQ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) cause significant diseases in dogs in the tropics. In Sri Lanka, the scarce availability of previous studies on canine VBPs has hampered an accurate evaluation of their prevalence in pet dog populations. In this study, we collected demographic, clinical, and environmental data together with whole blood from 423 pet dogs from three geoclimatic zones in Sri Lanka. All blood samples were screened using a previously validated multiplex qPCR assay to detect the six most prevalent canine VBPs in tropical Asia. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to investigate environmental and host factors as predictors of VBP infections. Overall, 254 dogs (60.1%, 95% CI: 55.3–64.6%) were infected with one or more VBPs. Babesia gibsoni was the most prevalent VBP with 37.4% (95% CI: 32.7–42.2%) of dogs infected followed by Hepatozoon canis (21.04%, 95% CI: 17.25–25.24%), haemotropic mycoplasmas (10.2%, 95% CI: 7.5–13.4%), Babesia vogeli (5%, 95% CI: 3.2–7.5%), Ehrlichia canis (4.5%, 95% CI: 2.7–6.9%), and Anaplasma platys (3.8%, 95% CI: 2.12–6.1%). Predictors of VBP infections included tick infestation for H. canis (p = 0.05) and A. platys (p = 0.01), as well as age for B. gibsoni (p = 0.01) and H. canis (p = 0.05) infection. Local breed (p = 0.004), male dogs (p = 0.001) and flea infestation (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with haemotropic mycoplasma infections suggesting direct-blood exchange through fighting and fleas as a possible means of transmission for these pathogens. Clinical results suggest that B. gibsoni and E. canis caused clinically significant disease, especially in exotic breeds such as German shepherds and Rottweilers compared to the local breeds (p < 0.001). Measures such as educating pet dog owners on the importance of being vigilant on ectoparasite infestation of their pets, preventing pet dogs from interacting with stray or community dogs, and the compliant use of effective ectoparasiticides will be crucial for effective control of VBPs in pet dogs in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People have kept companion animals for millennia, a tradition that implies mutual benefits due to its persistence; however, scientific investigations present mixed results. Some research suggests pet owners are less lonely than non-owners, but other findings suggest pet owners have higher psychological distress. Research comparing owners with non-owners is limited, and methodological inconsistencies need to be addressed. This study investigated social support and wellbeing (positive functioning) in cat and dog owners, informed by social support theory, attachment, and social exchange theories. It was hypothesized that (1) pet support would predict wellbeing in addition to human support and (2) at least one aspect of pet–owner relationship quality would influence the relationship between social support and wellbeing. An adult sample of 89 cat owners and 149 dog owners (n = 238; 205 females and 33 males) completed an online survey comprising a demographics questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Cat/Dog–Owner Relationship Quality Scale, the Psychological Wellbeing Scale, and Satisfaction with Life Scale. Social support measures included some demographics on theoretical grounds to measure the construct multidimensionally. Hierarchical and multiple regressions were conducted, and results indicated that both hypotheses were supported: having more pets significantly predicted greater psychological wellbeing in addition to human social support. Unexpectedly, perceived pet support significantly, positively predicted life satisfaction when perceived emotional closeness with pet was low. These findings indicate that pets may improve psychological functioning and that emotional closeness is an important moderating factor. Practical implications include the social benefits of pets for those who could benefit from greater psychological functioning and improved life satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Pet air travel has increased in the last decade, and 6% of pets in the US board a plane every year. Dogs have been reported to make up 58% of pets travelling worldwide. Despite this, there is little data available about air travel in dogs. A total of 635 questionnaires were collected from dog owners whose dogs had travelled by air in the last 12 months to obtain initial data on international dog air travel and how well dogs cope with air travel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Data on how dogs were being prepared for air travel, specifically regarding stress management, were also collected. Results showed that most dogs cope with and recover well from air travel but that there is a group of individuals who suffer physical, mental, and emotional ill health consequences during or after air travel, including death. Most dog owners planned air travel themselves, and over half did not seek professional advice. Stress management products such as anxiolytic medication and supplements or pheromones were only used in one-quarter of canine travellers. This study presents opportunities for all stakeholders of pet air travel, including owners, veterinarians, airlines, airports, and pet shippers, to improve pet welfare during air travel. It is estimated that 2 million domestic animals travel on commercial flights every year in the US alone and that dogs make up 58% of pets travelling worldwide. There has been little research on the welfare effects of air travel on dogs. The purpose of this owner-reported study was to understand how well dogs cope with and recover from air travel from a physical, mental, and emotional health perspective. An online survey questionnaire was distributed globally to pet owners whose dogs had travelled by air in the last 12 months, and the results were collected and analysed. Information was received about dog and owner demographics, logistics, and preparation for travel, as well as the dog's experience of air travel. Results showed that most dogs cope with and recover well from air travel but that there is a group of individuals who suffer physical, mental, and emotional ill health consequences during or after air travel, including death. Stress management products such as anxiolytic medication, supplements, and pheromones were underutilised and, in some instances, actively discouraged. More education of all stakeholders of pet air travel is needed to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health and welfare of canine air travellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consolidated studies on animal, human, and environmental health have become very important for understanding emerging zoonotic diseases and the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The aim of this study was to analyse the oral microbiomes of healthy dogs and their owners, including determinants of AMR. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing detected 299 bacterial species in pets and their owners, from which 70 species were carried by dogs and 229 species by humans. Results demonstrated a unique microbial composition of dogs and their owners. At an order level, Bacteroidales were the most prevalent oral microbiota of dogs with significantly lower prevalence in their owners where Actinomycetales and Lactobacillales predominated. Porphyromonas and Corynebacterium were the most prevalent genera in dogs, whereas Streptococcus and Actinomyces were in animal owners. The resistances to macrolides, tetracyclines, lincosamides and Cfx family A class broad-spectrum β-lactamase were detected in both animal and human microbiomes. Resistance determinants to amphenicols, aminoglycosides, sulphonamides, and quaternary ammonium compounds were detected exceptionally in dogs. In conclusion, the study demonstrated different bacterial composition in oral microbiomes of healthy dogs without clinical signs of periodontal disease and their owners. Due to the low numbers of the samples tested, further investigations with an increased number of samples should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite previous reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs and cats worldwide, the type of swab sample used for its detection through RT-qPCR needs to be better compared and described. Accordingly, as part of a multicenter study in Brazil, the aim of the present study was to assess which rectal or oropharyngeal swabs would be more appropriate for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in cats and dogs, through viral load comparison. Pets of owners diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 7 days were eligible. A total of 148 animals from four of the five Brazilian geographical regions were analyzed, among which 10/48 cats (20.83%) and 11/100 dogs (11.00%) were positive. The results suggested that oropharyngeal swabs should be considered for SARS-CoV-2 detection, particularly in cats, due to the higher cDNA viral load. Also, the genomic results showed similarities between SARS-CoV-2 animal variants and human variants that were circulating at the time of sampling, thus corroborating the existence of zooanthroponotic transmission. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the importance of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring among cats and dogs, as virus modification may indicate the possibility of mutations in animals and spillover back to owners. Thus, positive individuals should always self-isolate from their pets during COVID-19, to prevent trans-species transmission and mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The high radiant heat load of tropical regions imposes challenges on the welfare of imported temperate dog breeds, especially when owners' awareness does not result in willingness to change their attitudes towards the care of their dogs, e.g., by choosing more thermally comfortable times to walk with them. Based on an online questionnaire answered by Siberian Husky dogs' owners, we found that respondents mentioned several heat defense behaviors expressed by their dogs, perceived them as low-heat-tolerant animals and were more likely to walk with dogs during times of less solar input. However, the availability of time was reported by owners as the main reason for taking their dogs for a walk during times of high solar input. In conclusion, the owners' perception that Siberian Huskies living in Brazil are heat-sensitive dogs was likely to reflect positive attitudes via avoidance of exposing them to extreme hot conditions during daily walks. The management of the thermal environment to which dogs are exposed should be included in strategies to improve their welfare. An online questionnaire was administered to 624 owners of Siberian Husky dogs residing in Brazil, with the objective of assessing their perceptions regarding their dogs' capacity to adapt to heat, and its association with the owners' routine care. Owners who believed that dogs are low-heat-tolerant animals were more likely to report heat response behaviors from their dogs. Overall, owners reported walk with their dogs during early morning, late afternoon and nighttime. They also reported solar radiation as the primary criteria for determining the time to walk with their dogs. However, owners who reported walking with their dogs at noon mentioned time availability as their primary criteria. In conclusion, owners perceive Siberian Husky dogs living in Brazil as being poorly adapted to heat, and this perception appeared to influence their positive attitudes towards protecting their dogs from heat stress by choosing to walk them during times with less solar exposure. However, the lack of time for owners to walk with their dogs during cooler periods can still be a risk factor in exposing the animals to extreme hot conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the convenience and efficacy of modern ectoparasiticides, routine prophy- lactic use has become commonplace for dogs and cats. However, the environmental consequences of this large-scale use are not well-understood, and multiple potential pathways for ectoparasiticides to the environment exist. Of particular concern is the potential for topically applied ectoparasiticides to pass to waterways, both down-the- drain via wastewater treatment plants and directly through swimming. In this online cross-sectional survey of 1,009 UK cat and dog owners, we investigated ectoparasiticide usage and the frequency of activities that are likely to result in transfer of the active substance to the environment, with a focus on pathways to waterways. A total of 603 dog owners and 406 cat owners completed the survey. Amongst dog and cat owners, 86.1% and 91.1% had administered an ectoparasiticide treatment to their pet in the preceding 12 months. Imidacloprid was the most frequently administered ectoparasiticide in both cats and dogs, followed by fluralaner in dogs and fipronil in cats. Eighty-four percent of owners who applied topical ectoparasiticides to their dog said they were aware of product warnings regarding swimming and bathing after application. Spot-on treated dogs were reported to swim significantly less frequently than non spot-on treated dogs (pD0:007); however, 36.2% were reported to swim at least monthly. Similarly, significant differences were found in bathing frequency between spot-on treated and non spot-on treated dogs, with treated dogs less likely to be bathed at frequent (weekly) intervals, however 54.6% were reported to be bathed at least monthly. Washing of bedding was unaffected by ectoparasiticide treatment, and 87.8% of dog owners and 69.1% of cat-owners reported washing their pet's bedding at least every 3 months, suggesting that residue washoff from bedding may be occurring for most topically treated animals. Results suggest that transfer of ectoparasiticides to the environment is likely to occur for many of the millions of animals treated annually in the UK, with imidacloprid spot-on treated dogs estimated to swim, be bathed and have their bedding washed over 3.3 million, 5 million and 6.3 million times per year, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Canine gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites are of public health and veterinary concern and are harmful to both humans and animals. The risk of transmitting GIT parasites can be minimized depending on dog owners' knowledge and management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess dog owners' general knowledge and practices regarding GIT parasites. Materials and Methods: A structured questionnaire containing 10-point Likert statements was administered to 130 respondents in Cebu, Philippines, to obtain information about their profile (age, sex, civil status, and educational attainment) and data regarding their home environment, number of dogs and other pets owned, and their knowledge and practices regarding canine GIT parasites. These respondents had previously provided canine stool samples for fecalysis. Results: Most respondents were female (65.4%), 18-24 years old (55.4%), single (71.5%), and educated to college level (49.2%). Housing styles were mostly gated (76.9%), and >50% had a garden. The majority owned 1-3 dogs (56.9%) and did not own any other pets (73.8%). All knew about canine GIT parasites. There was a significant association between GIT parasite positivity in dogs and the owner's sex (p = 0.005). Gastrointestinal parasite positivity was also associated with the owner's knowledge about the transmission of parasites from the mother's milk to her puppies (p = 0.001), canine intestinal parasites potentially causing weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting (p = 0.001), and dogs potentially becoming infected with parasites from licking or sniffing the soil or grass where other animals have been (p = 0.005). Moreover, there was a significant association between GIT parasite positivity and the owner's practice of daily cleaning of the areas where the dog defecated (p = 0.001), deworming every 6-12 months (p = 0.001), and unfailingly following the vaccination and deworming schedule (p = 0.006). Finally, the summative knowledge and practice level of the owners were significantly associated with GIT parasite positivity (p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for continuous education of dog owners to maintain good knowledge and practices to prevent GIT parasite infection. Frequent deworming (once a month) of adult dogs is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE Collaboration between primary care veterinarians (pcVets) and veterinary oncologists is common for dogs diagnosed with cancer, but no data exist that explore dog owner utilization and perceptions of collaborative care. The objectives were to describe dog owner perceptions of the value of collaborative veterinary cancer care and identify drivers of a positive collaborative care experience between the pcVet and oncologic specialists. SAMPLE 890 US dog owners who had pets diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years. PROCEDURES Online contextual survey. Data were analyzed using group comparisons and multiple regression analysis. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS 76% of clients sought specialty care following cancer diagnosis in their dog. Seventy percent of owners across all income brackets indicated that referral to a specialist was a very good value based on money spent and outcomes. Delayed referral resulted in lower client satisfaction scores for pcVets. Top predictors of client satisfaction with pcVets were as follows: responsiveness to questions, staying involved with their dog’s care, and willingness to work with other veterinarians and specialists. For specialists, top predictors were as follows: providing accurate cost estimates, cancer knowledge, and effectiveness of care. Client perceptions of pcVets were 6 times more likely to improve following referral to a specialist. All were significant predictors of owner advocacy (P < .0001). CLINICAL RELEVANCE Dog owners perceived early collaboration between pcVets and specialists favorably, fostering client satisfaction and positive perceptions of the value for service provided for dogs diagnosed with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encouraging compliance with dog leashing regulations in natural areas is a priority for land managers seeking to protect wildlife. We surveyed residents of Victoria, Australia, to document self-reported leashing behavior by dog owners in different habitat types, exploring demographic, attitudinal, and belief variables as predictors of compliance. We found support for leashing regulations among dog owners (n = 313) and those without dogs (n = 711), but generally low reported compliance by owners. Social norms about leashing predicted leashing at all areas, and habits (i.e., leashing where leashing was not regulated) predicted compliance with regulations. Older age and beliefs about wildlife protection predicted compliance in water-based areas (e.g., beaches, wetlands) and beliefs that off-leash roaming is beneficial to dogs predicted compliance in other natural areas (e.g., hiking trails). Exploring these context-based differences allows managers to identify and understand target groups to design tailored messaging and other behavior change interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Most studies on dog food and treat preferences focus on owner reports about the product and how much the dog consumes. The aim of this study was to examine dog behavior and engagement in a home-environment with eight different dental chews. Owners submitted a video of their dogs which was analyzed to investigate any relationship between coded dog behavior and owner survey responses for preference among the chew types. Owner-reported dog preference related more to the video coded behavior than their own preference providing some preliminary guidance on what factors might relate to product preference and purchase and how analysis of in-home behavior may better guide pet product research. American pet owners spend billions of dollars on food and treats so it is important to understand what products they want and what they think their dog would enjoy. This study analyzed video recordings of dogs engaging in dental chews in their home environment and compared the observed appetitive behaviors to owner preference and owner-reported dog preference. Overall, appetitive behavior differed significantly between some dental chews. Owner preference for the chews correlated significantly with dog appetitive behavior, but the effect was small (r (702) = 0.22, p = 0.001), whereas owner-reported dog preference correlated significantly with dog appetitive behavior and showed a moderate effect size (r (702) = 0.43, p = 0.001)—similar in magnitude to findings when parents are asked to report on their children's behavior. By merging objective behavioral observation of owner-recorded videos with their survey responses, we were able to preliminarily parse out what factors owners may use to assess preference and encourage the future use of in-home video recordings to better understand dog and owner engagement and interaction with pet products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determined the carriage rates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of enterococci from nasotracheal samples of three healthy animal species and in-contact humans. Nasal samples were collected from 27 dog-owning households (34 dogs, 41 humans) and 4 pig-farms (40 pigs, 10 pig-farmers), and they were processed for enterococci recovery (MALDI-TOF–MS identification). Also, a collection of 144 enterococci previously recovered of tracheal/nasal samples from 87 white stork nestlings were characterized. The AMR phenotypes were determined in all enterococci and AMR genes were studied by PCR/sequencing. MultiLocus-Sequence-Typing was performed for selected isolates. About 72.5% and 60% of the pigs and pig-farmers, and 29.4% and 4.9%, of healthy dogs and owners were enterococci nasal carriers, respectively. In storks, 43.5% of tracheal and 69.2% of nasal samples had enterococci carriages. Enterococci carrying multidrug-resistance phenotype was identified in 72.5%/40.0%/50.0%/23.5%/1.1% of pigs/pig-farmers/dogs/dogs' owners/storks, respectively. Of special relevance was the detection of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) in (a) 33.3% of pigs (E. faecalis-carrying optrA and/or cfrD of ST59, ST330 or ST474 lineages; E. casseliflavus-carrying optrA and cfrD); (b) 10% of pig farmers (E. faecalis-ST330-carrying optrA); (c) 2.9% of dogs (E. faecalis-ST585-carrying optrA); and (d) 1.7% of storks (E. faecium-ST1736-carrying poxtA). The fexA gene was found in all optrA-positive E. faecalis and E. casseliflavus isolates, while fexB was detected in the poxtA-positive E. faecium isolate. The enterococci diversity and AMR rates from the four hosts reflect differences in antimicrobial selection pressure. The detection of LRE carrying acquired and transferable genes in all the hosts emphasizes the need to monitor LRE using a One-Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is regarded as a functional food due to its valuable nutritional profile and components with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory properties. However, the use of Spirulina in companion animals is still largely unexplored. Additionally, the palatability of nutraceuticals can be a primary factor in determining compliance with the protocol when they are used as complementary feed. The aim of this study was thus to assess the palatability and owners' perception of the effects of increasing amounts of Spirulina tablets in client-owned dogs and cats for a 6-week-long trial. Overall, the animals well accepted the supplementation of Spirulina, with no significant side effect detected. Owners appeared willing to adopt dietary Spirulina supplementation in the future for their pets, especially owners of senior dogs. The nutraceutical supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) in dogs and cats has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the dietary supplementation of increasing amounts of Spirulina for 6 weeks is palatable to pets and to assess the owner's perception of such supplementation. The owners of the 60 dogs and 30 cats that participated in this study were instructed to daily provide Spirulina tablets starting with a daily amount of 0.4 g, 0.8 g, and 1.2 g for cats as well as small dogs, medium dogs, and large dogs, respectively, and allowing a dose escalation of 2× and 3× every 2 weeks. The daily amount (g/kg BW) of Spirulina ranged from 0.08 to 0.25 for cats, from 0.06 to 0.19 for small-sized dogs, from 0.05 to 0.15 for medium-sized dogs, and from 0.04 to 0.12 for large-sized dogs. Each owner completed a questionnaire at the time of recruitment and the end of each 2-week period. No significant effect on the fecal score, defecation frequency, vomiting, scratching, lacrimation, general health status, and behavioral attitudes was detected by the owners' reported evaluations. Most animals accepted Spirulina tablets either administrated alone or mixed with food in the bowl. Daily supplementation of Spirulina for 6 weeks in the amounts provided in this study is therefore palatable and well tolerated by dogs and cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Australia, most cats and dogs entering animal shelters and pounds are classed as strays, typically from low-income areas. Most dogs and an unknown proportion of stray cats are escaped or wandering owned pets. Many of these stray animals are euthanized, negatively impacting the mental health of staff involved, and increasing the risk of depression, traumatic stress, substance abuse and suicide. Modern sheltering practices aim to reduce the number of stray cats and dogs, which reduces shelter admissions and euthanasia. Australian pet owners (n = 2103) were surveyed about their attitudes towards four types of pet confinement. Dog owners showed the strongest support for confining dogs to the owners' property whenever unsupervised and less support for confining dogs inside the house at night (54% agreed), while 23% believed dogs had a negative impact on wildlife. Cat owners showed the strongest support for confining cats inside at night. Cat owners' non-supportive attitudes towards cat confinement were partly because of higher concern for cat quality of life and lower concern about their cats' predation behaviors, compared to non-cat owners. These results provide valuable information to inform more effective strategies to reduce stray animals and associated issues. Most cats and dogs entering Australian animal shelters and municipal facilities are classed as strays, typically from low socio-economic areas. Contemporary practices increasingly focus on proactively reducing the number of stray animals, which requires further understanding of factors associated with straying animals, including pet confinement. Australian cat and dog owners (n = 2103) were surveyed to investigate attitudes towards four types of pet confinement and how these were influenced by social norms, demographics and concerns about pet quality of life and potential wildlife predation. Dog owners showed the strongest support for confining dogs to the owners' property whenever unsupervised (98% agreement) and less support for confining dogs inside the house at night (54% agreement), and only 23% believed dogs had a negative impact on wildlife. Cat owners showed the strongest support for confining cats inside the house at night (89% agreement). Cat owners' non-supportive attitudes towards cat confinement were partly because of higher concern for cat quality of life and lower concern about their cats' predation behaviours, compared to non-cat owners. The findings provide valuable information to inform more effective strategies to reduce stray animals which would reduce shelter admissions, euthanasia, costs, nuisance issues, potential wildlife predation and negative mental health impacts of euthanasia on staff. Strategies to reduce strays include assisting low-income pet owners to install effective fencing and programs to increase identification. Informing cat owners about bedtime feeding is recommended to assist with night containment, and providing high-intensity free sterilization of owned and semi-owned cats targeted to areas of high cat impoundments is also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dog ownership is common in the United Kingdom; however, current dog ownership demography data are lacking. Understanding our pet dog population is paramount to meeting the health and welfare needs of the population. Therefore, this paper provides an overview of a National Dog Survey, aiming to better understand and provide a snapshot of the current dog population in the UK. The results of this paper provide up-to-date demographic data for both dogs and their owners and highlight patterns and trends both long-term and more recently, since the COVID-19 pandemic. Monitoring of trends and patterns of the dog population and dog owners going forward is needed in order to continually identify the needs and welfare state of the population, enabling those working in the canine welfare field to provide appropriate support and services. With dogs being the most commonly owned companion animal in the United Kingdom, knowledge about dog demographics is important in understanding the impact of dogs on society. Furthermore, understanding the demography of dog owners is also important to better target support to dogs and their owners to achieve optimal welfare in the canine population. Combining natural fluctuations in the population and unprecedented events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for an up-to-date large-scale dataset is even more paramount. In order to address this, Dogs Trust launched the 'National Dog Survey' to provide a large population-level dataset that will help identify key areas of concern and needs of owners and their dogs. The online survey was completed by a total of 354,046 respondents owning dogs in the UK, providing data for 440,423 dogs. The results of this study highlight dog demographics, including acquisition and veterinary factors, as well as owner demographic and household information. Finally, general trends in ownership, and more specifically those following the COVID-19 pandemic, are described. This paper's findings provide valuable insight into the current population of dogs and their owners in the UK, allowing for the most appropriate products, services, interventions and regulations to be developed, reducing the likelihood of negative welfare outcomes such as health and behaviour issues, relinquishment or euthanasia. Furthermore, with significant changes to the dog population following the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, this dataset serves as an up-to-date baseline for future study comparisons to continue to monitor trends and patterns of the dog population and dog owners going forwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Currently, there are very few studies examining pet ownership in Aotearoa, New Zealand (NZ) and the factors that influence pet owners' practices. To facilitate better pet management and enhance companion animal welfare, it is vital to understand current pet owners' practices and the factors that influence pet owners' behaviors. This knowledge will inform effective human behavior modification interventions that will benefit animal welfare and ensure pets in NZ are living a good life. This study investigates pet owners' practices in their households, using an online survey conducted between January and March 2019 involving adults residing in NZ. In addition, we explore what veterinary care pet owners access. There was a total of 2744 participants in the survey, with 2385 respondents answering the pet ownership questions. Of these, 885 (37%) owned both cat/s and dog/s, while 652 (28%) and 609 (26%) owned cat/s only or dog/s only, respectively. Data analysis using the demographics of the respondents provides insights into some of the factors associated with differences in the pet owner practices highlighted by the survey. This study used an online survey distributed between January and March 2019 to adults residing in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) to investigate cat and dog owner practices. Of the 2385 respondents, 885 (37%) owned both cat/s and dog/s, while 652 (28%) and 609 (26%) owned cat/s only or dog/s only, respectively. Nine percent of respondents (n = 212) did not own a cat or dog when the survey was administered. Gaps were identified in the practices of NZ pet owners with regard to regular grooming, immunizations, and deworming treatments. It was also found that many pets, especially cats, were allowed to wander freely both inside and outside the house. Collectively, these gaps in practice raise parasitology and infection concerns which may impact negatively on animal welfare and may increase the prevalence of zoonotic diseases. This study also revealed the need to improve desexing practices, particularly in dogs. Respondents in the survey expressed the wish to have pets regardless of the financial strain they may impose, indicating that future research should focus on reducing the financial burden of pet ownership along with promoting positive pet ownership practices. Our findings suggest the need for better education resources about pet ownership which are easily accessible and target diverse populations. The findings of this study will aid in developing appropriate educational resources to promote animal welfare and increase pet-related knowledge among the NZ populace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Among its role within the commensal bacterial flora, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is known as a cause of intestinal or extraintestinal diseases in pets and their owners. In order to reveal factors associated with the carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in dogs, rectal swabs from 1000 dogs visiting a pet animal clinic in northern Germany within one year were tested. Additional data were sampled regarding, on the one hand, the dog's health and husbandry conditions and, on the other hand, information about the owner´s medical history. Thus, we were able to define seven factors associated with extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli carriage. The high number of dogs tested and the exceptional data volume concerning the dog and owner itself, as well as those habits and interactions, underline the importance of our study to avoid the carriage and spread of pathogens, especially regarding the One Health aspect. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are an emerging problem in veterinary and human medicine. Our study concentrated on the estimation of the prevalence and factors associated with the carriage of ESBL-producing E. coli in dogs who visited a veterinary clinic in northern Germany in 2017. For this reason, 1000 patients (healthy and sick dogs) were tested, resulting in 1000 samples originating from rectal swabs. Additional data were collected using a self-reported questionnaire that was completed by the dog owner. Factors associated with ESBL carriage were considered for further modeling if p < 0.05 using a two-sided Fisher test. Using a backward elimination procedure, the variables for the final multivariable logistic regression model were identified. In total, 8.9% of the dogs tested were positive for carriage of ESBL-producing E. coli. Seven factors were associated with the colonization of dogs with ESBL-E. coli within the multivariable model, namely husbandry system (p = 0.0019, OR = 3.00; 95% CI: 1.50–6.00), contact with puppies (p = 0.0044, OR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.32–4.46), feeding of raw meat (p = 0.011, OR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.21–4.31), food residues (p = 0.0151, OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.18–4.53) and food supplements (p = 0.0487, OR = 0.426; 95% CI: 0.18–0.96), and antibiotic treatments of dogs (p = 0.0005, OR = 3.030; 95% CI: 1.62–5.68) or owners (p = 0.041, OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.04–7.19) prior to the study. These factors refer to the animals themselves as well as to the owners and their habits or medical treatments. Although the causality and direction of transmission from owners to their dogs cannot be proven, the factor of antibiotic treatment of the owner is clearly associated with the dog's status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relationships with pet dogs are thought to provide substantial benefits for children, but the study of these relationships has been hindered by a lack of validated measures. Approaches to assessing the quality of children's pet dog relationships have tended to focus on positive relationship qualities and to rely on self‐report questionnaires. The aim of this study was to develop and test multiple measures that could be used to assess both positive and negative features of children's relationships with pet dogs. In a sample of 115 children ages 9–14 years who were pet dog owners, we assessed six qualities of pet dog relationships: Affection, Nurturance of Pet, Emotional Support from Pet, Companionship, Friction with Pet, and Pets as Substitutes for People. All qualities were assessed with child questionnaires, parent questionnaires, and child daily reports of interactions with pets. We found substantial convergence in reports from different observers and across different measurement approaches. Principal components analyses and correlations suggested overlap for many of the positive qualities, which tended to be distinct from negative relationship qualities. The study provides new tools which could be used to test further how relationships with pets contribute to children's development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]