Scoping review to assess online information available to new dog owners

Abstract

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. 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. 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). 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.