Recent studies report detection of human DNA on companion animals, often attributed to the animal's owner(s). Human DNA from dogs can also be secondarily transferred and recovered from the hands of an individual after contact with an animal. Beyond secondary transfer, tertiary transfer has also been noted from the patter's hands to the subsequently handled surfaces. However, data on indirect transfer are limited, hindering a clear understanding of the dog's role as a vector for DNA transfer. This semi-controlled study aimed to evaluate indirect transfer of DNA initially deposited on a dog through contact by a foreign individual to the hands and handled items of the dog owner. In the experiments, one dog (non-shedding) was contacted by one of three different individuals, who did not regularly interact with the dog or its owner, on separate days, after which various scenarios ensued. These scenarios included the owner patting their dog, followed by pre-determined tasks such as using a knife (pre-used by dog owner) or an item of underpants (worn by the dog owner) at different time points, including immediately and 2-, 4- and 6- hours after the initial patting. Samples were collected for DNA profiling from the dog, knives underpants and owner's hand. DNA profiles were generated and analysed to determine the occurrences and extent of transfer of the one-off patter's DNA to the dog's owner and their items (knives and underpants), and persistence of this DNA on their hands and the dog. Direct transfer of the patter to the dog was frequently detected; in 67% of samples taken immediately after patting (6 of 9 samples; underpants experiment only) and in 44% of samples taken 6 h after patting (4 of 9 samples in underpants experiments and 4 of 9 samples in knife experiments). Tertiary indirect transfer of the patter via a dog owner to the owner items was also observed; in 11% of knife samples (always as minor contributors) but not in any of the underpants samples. The data generated in this study adds to the growing knowledge base and data availability regarding the transfer, prevalence, persistence and recovery of DNA through companion animals and will assist those collecting samples during investigations of criminal activity and those conducting activity level evaluations.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) is one of the most important viral diseases affecting domestic dogs worldwide, particularly in unvaccinated and poorly managed canine populations. Despite its major veterinary and economic impact, epidemiological information regarding canine parvovirus remains scarce in Guinea, especially in the urban commune of Labé. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of canine parvovirus and identify factors associated with infection among dogs in the study area. A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted between September and November 2024 among 102 dogs selected from seven neighborhoods of the urban commune of Labé. Rectal swab samples were collected from dogs after owner consent and analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for the detection of CPV-2 genetic material. Epidemiological and management data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to dog owners and breeders. Statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression to evaluate potential associations between infection and selected risk factors. The overall prevalence of canine parvovirus was 10.8% (11/102), confirming active viral circulation in the study area. Higher prevalence rates were observed in male dogs (11.9%) and free-roaming dogs (11.5%) compared with female dogs and caged dogs, respectively. Dogs aged 6-10 years showed the highest prevalence (20.0%). However, no statistically significant association was identified between infection and the investigated factors (p > 0.05). In addition, the survey revealed low owner awareness of canine parvovirus and limited vaccination practices. These findings indicate that canine parvovirus remains an important animal health concern in the urban commune of Labé. Strengthening vaccination programs, improving owner awareness, promoting responsible dog management, and reinforcing epidemiological surveillance are necessary to reduce viral transmission and associated canine health losses.

Dogs play an important role in the transmission of zoonotic parasites to humans. Among these, gastrointestinal (GI) helminths are widely prevalent and pose a significant public health risk. This study investigated the prevalence, molecular characterization and risk factors analyses of gastrointestinal nematodes in pet and semi-pet dogs in Haryana, India, to assess their potential zoonotic relevance. A total of 310 faecal samples were collected from pet and semi-pet dogs from five randomly selected blocks of Hisar district of Haryana, India and examined for the presence of zoonotic GI nematodes. Of these, 77 samples (24.85%) were found positive for zoonotic GI nematodes. Among the positive samples, 73 (94.80%) exhibited single parasitic infection with Ancylostoma spp. and three (3.90%) with Toxocara spp., whereas mixed infection with both parasites was observed in only one (1.30%) sample. A Toxocara spp. worm was also observed in one of the Toxocara spp. positive faecal samples. Molecular characterization based on the cox1 gene identified Ancylostoma spp. as Ancylostoma caninum and Toxocara spp. as Toxocara canis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the A. caninum sequences of the present study formed a distinct clade compared to sequences reported from other countries. In case of T. canis, no geographical segregation of clades was observed and the sequences generated herein assorted with the sequences of China, Poland, Russia and Brazil origin. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified breed, deworming status, living conditions of the dog, type of housing, contact with stray dogs, history of allotriophagia, vaccination status and faecal score to be significantly associated (p < 0.05) with GI nematodosis in dogs. Multivariate analysis identified history of allotriophagia (p = 0.0158) as the major significant risk factor. The high prevalence of zoonotic GI nematodes underscores the potential role of pet and semi-pet dogs as sources for these parasites. This highlights the probable risk of transmission of these zoonotic parasites to humans, particularly in settings with close human-dog interactions. Raising awareness among dog owners and caretakers regarding zoonotic GI nematodes and their routes of transmission could act as a key for controlling and preventing zoonotic GI nematodosis in dogs under the One-Health framework.

OLZs support greater behavioral diversity and more positive emotional states in urban dogs compared to on-leash conditions.Agility equipment increases physical activity and intraspecific interactions but is often underutilized and poorly adapted to small dog breeds.Dog owners prioritize safety, environmental quality, and perceived dog enjoyment when selecting OLZs, over proximity alone.

SOYUT Loneliness is closely associated with lower levels of life satisfaction and represents an important concern for psychological well-being. Although a growing body of research has examined pet ownership and well-being, relatively little is known about how loneliness and life satisfaction vary among pet owners in the Turkish context. The present study examined the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction among pet owners and explored whether these variables differed according to demographic characteristics. The sample consisted of 412 cat and dog owners aged 18 to 63 years (M = 28.57, SD = 9.51). Data were collected using the Life Satisfaction Scale and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults. Pearson correlation, independent-samples t-tests, and one-way analyses of variance were conducted. The findings revealed a significant negative relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction. Loneliness differed according to gender, age group, and perceived socioeconomic status, whereas life satisfaction differed according to age group, perceived socioeconomic status, and pet type. No significant differences were observed for some demographic comparisons. The findings contribute to the literature on loneliness, well-being, and human—animal interaction by demonstrating that psychological experiences among pet owners vary across demographic groups. The results also highlight the importance of considering demographic characteristics when examining loneliness and life satisfaction within pet-owning populations.

The death of a dog often results in profound grief that is often disenfranchized. While memorialization practices such as obituary writing are increasingly used by bereaved owners, little is known about how these narratives vary across human–dog relationship contexts or how they function in meaning-making and continuing bonds following loss. This exploratory qualitative study examined how online obituary and memorial narratives reflect grief, continuing bonds, and legacy construction among companion dog owners, therapy dog handlers, and police K9 handlers. A thematic analysis was conducted on 102 publicly available online memorials and focused on how these narratives reflected relationship formation and attachment; role-based identities; experiences of grief and loss; and expressions of continuing bonds and legacy. Across all groups, obituaries functioned as sources for meaning-making, validation, and legacy construction; yet each group’s writing reflected nuanced integration of emotional intimacy, continuing bonds expressions, and presentation of social roles and value.

Canine parvovirus (CPV) continues to be a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality among dogs worldwide. In Ghana, data on clinical predictors, service type (inpatient or outpatient), and clinical outcomes in dogs afflicted by CPV is limited. This cross-sectional study, conducted at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, assessed the clinical factors associated with CPV diagnosis, service delivery types, and clinical outcomes in dogs. Diagnosis was based on compatible clinical signs and results from a Vcheck CPV antigen test kit with the V200 analyser (Bionote Inc., Korea), with dogs classified as CPV-positive or CPV-negative based on test results. Demographics, vaccination status, clinical signs, service type, and outcome data were recorded. Odds ratios were reported with 95% confidence intervals, and a significance threshold of p < 0.05 was set for regression analyses. A total of 129 CPV-positive dogs were diagnosed, with an overall mortality rate of 26.4% (34/129), compared to 8.5% (7/82) among CPV-negative dogs. Haemorrhagic diarrhoea (OR = 6.84), vomiting (OR = 2.75), lower body weight (OR = 0.94 per kg increase), and complete loss of appetite (OR = 4.29) were significant independent predictors of CPV infection. CPV-positive dogs were significantly more likely to require inpatient care than CPV-negative dogs (OR = 7.57, p < 0.001). CPV has a significant impact on dog morbidity and mortality in Ghana, with important emotional and financial consequences for affected dog owners. Classic gastrointestinal signs may assist in the clinical assessment of suspected cases in practice. CPV-positive dogs had higher inpatient care rates and mortality compared to CPV-negative dogs. These findings emphasise the need for improved vaccination uptake, client education, and clinical management practices to reduce CPV-related mortality in affected populations.

Morpho-molecular analysis of Cystoisospora canis isolated from dogs in Sulaymaniyah province, Iraq.

Liquid biopsy (LBx) is the analysis of fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, or secretions to detect cancer biomarkers and circulating tumor cells. It is becoming a common investigational tool in human oncology, but less so in veterinary medicine. Liquid biopsy is less invasive and has fewer complications than tissue biopsy, but it is not intended to replace tissue biopsy. In human oncology, LBx is primarily used as an investigational tool because of the cost and technology requirements. Liquid biopsy may eventually provide early-stage cancer detection, but this has not been proven for humans or dogs. Several LBx tests are currently available commercially to dog owners and veterinarians. A new test, Urine Molecular Fingerprinting, has been developed and addresses the limitations of blood-based technologies.

Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more conditions, is associated with a higher risk of death as individuals age. However, modeling multimorbidity in laboratory animals is difficult, if not impossible, because specific conditions are seldom individually diagnosed and treated in these settings. Because of their shared environment, physiology, and genetic diversity, and because they are medically managed as individuals, companion dogs have potential to serve as a translational multimorbidity model. Yet it is unknown how diagnoses accumulate over time, how these diagnoses are associated with mortality, and which multimorbid condition combinations are the most prevalent and hazardous. Utilizing owner-reported data from over 50,000 dogs in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), we assessed how multimorbidities develop, learned which are the most prevalent, and evaluated their impact on survival. Like in humans, we show that the accumulation of conditions is associated with an increased risk of death in dogs. We also present data suggesting that future reported condition rates vary depending on the conditions a dog's owner already has reported. Not surprisingly, our analysis reveals that the overall canine aging process appears to be the driving factor behind disease development, more so than other covariates. Through classifying multimorbidities, we found that almost all either exhibit a synergistic effect or are driven by a single, predominant condition. In both cases, osteoarthritis, overweight, and cancer were highly prevalent throughout. This analysis expands on previously conducted DAP work and further highlights the usefulness of the companion dog as a translational model for human aging.

Measuring judgement bias in non-human animals – Could a new, body size awareness-based paradigm be the practical answer?

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira, with a wide global distribution. In Ecuador, leptospirosis is endemic, particularly in low-resource tropical areas, and multiple animal reservoirs have been identified either in rural or urban areas, including stray dogs. In this study, a total of 81 domestic dogs presenting clinical manifestations compatible with leptospirosis were recruited at the Municipal Center for Animal Welfare in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 2023. A survey regarding clinical, demographic, and environmental risk factors was filled in by every dog's owner; urine and blood samples were collected for pathogenic Leptospira diagnosis by qPCR for lipL32, rrs, and secY gene targets. A very high (62.96%) positivity rate for Leptospira infection was found. Almost 90% of the dogs were not vaccinated against Leptospira. Although the animals exhibited multiple clinical signs, none showed a statistically significant association with Leptospira positivity, confirming the nonspecific presentation of the disease and its potential for misdiagnosis. The consumption of bulk food emerged as a significant environmental risk factor only in the multivariate logistic regression and not in the univariate analysis, suggesting the need for improved food safety practices. Moreover, we reported very frequent close-contact behaviors between owners and dogs. Overall, our study underscores the potential role of owned urban dogs as reservoirs of Leptospira in the city of Guayaquil in Ecuador, emphasizing the need for public health policies to increase awareness and improve diagnosis in domestic animals under a comprehensive One Health vision.

Mass dog rabies vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing human rabies and interrupting transmission. However, achieving high vaccination coverage in dog populations remains challenging in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), due to multiple barriers. In Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, rabies remains a major public health burden, with domestic dogs as the primary reservoir. Efforts to scale up canine rabies vaccination are limited by the lack of a coordinated national programme and challenges related to affordability, service availability, infrastructure, and owner awareness. We conducted a cross-sectional study of dog-owning households in three Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and developed a probabilistic model to uncover contextual factors associated with perceived barriers to canine rabies vaccination among owners of unvaccinated dogs. Posterior distributions of our model estimates indicate that respondents reporting not knowing how to vaccinate their dogs against rabies were more likely to have tertiary education, prior awareness of rabies, use dogs for security purposes, urban residence, and residence in areas with higher household poverty. In contrast, respondents reporting knowledge of rabies transmission via bites from rabid dogs, access to local veterinary services, good road networks, and ownership of partially confined dogs were less likely to perceive this barrier. Respondents who were students, had attained tertiary education, resided in urban areas, and were in the FCT and Anambra State were more likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as too costly. Conversely, respondents from medium-sized households, those who relied on traditional care in the event of a dog bite, and owners of partially confined dogs were also more likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as too costly. Finally, respondents who had heard about rabies and those with tertiary education were less likely to perceive the rabies vaccine as unimportant. Our study identified key barriers to canine rabies vaccination in Nigeria, including lack of knowledge, perceived high cost, and low perceived importance. These were influenced by socioeconomic factors, place of residence, and dog ownership practices, while rabies awareness, veterinary access, good road infrastructure, and partial confinement reduced these perceptions. These findings highlight the need for targeted, context-specific strategies to improve affordability, access, and infrastructure, particularly among disadvantaged households.

To describe the demographics of dog owners and dogs with pet insurance enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a large population of dogs in the US, and examine the impact of pet insurance on owners' perception of their dog's health. In this cross-sectional study, 47,444 dog owners' responses from the DAP initial enrollment survey, the Health and Life Experience Survey, were analyzed from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2023. Dog and dog owner demographic data were collected and compared using descriptive statistics. Owner-perceived health status of their dog was compared between insured and uninsured dogs using a χ2 test of significance. 10,127 of 47,444 DAP participants (21%) have a pet insurance policy. Insured dog owners were 25 to 44 years old, non-White, and professional degree earners compared to the overall DAP population. Insured dogs were young, single-breed dogs obtained from breeders for purposes other than companionship compared to the overall DAP population. Five thousand, five hundred and fourteen of 10,127 insured dogs (54%) and 17,979 of 37,317 uninsured dogs (48%) are perceived to be in excellent health, a statistically significant difference. This study illustrates that certain demographic factors are more common among insured dogs and dog owners. The health status of dogs with pet insurance is statistically different compared to those without it. Further investigation of this association is warranted. This information can inform veterinary discussions with pet owners about pet insurance.

The mental well-being benefits and challenges of pet ownership have been explored in many populations, including clinical populations such as individuals with depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Critically, there are currently no published studies focusing specifically on pet ownership for individuals with eating disorders. The present work aimed to explore pet ownership experiences of adults experiencing eating disorders. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 cat- and dog-owning British adults (eight cat owners, six dog owners, three participants with both cats and dogs) with diagnosed or suspected eating disorders. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized to identify two overarching themes and seven subthemes relating to the role of the human-pet bond in eating disorder symptoms and treatment. Data-driven themes include personal recovery experiences, the dual role of pets in eating behaviors, exercise experiences, pets' influence on cognitions, body image perceptions, and self-identity, as well as pets' roles in personal recovery motivations. Furthermore, pets were found to impact treatment experiences, represented by themes that discuss pets as catalysts for change and partners during treatment, while also creating challenges around separation during treatment. The present study found that pets can be largely beneficial for individuals with eating disorders, especially for those in later stages of personal recovery; however, pets can also create challenges, especially for individuals in earlier stages of personal recovery. The present work also provides a foundation for future work related to pet ownership for individuals with eating disorders, such as further exploration on incorporating pets into eating disorder treatment, how to utilize the human-pet relationship to support symptom reduction, and how to mitigate challenges posed by pets related to treatment, with the results having key relevance for the development of clinical interventions for this population.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with social role dysfunction and loneliness. Household dogs and cats may facilitate social interactions and emotional support, but little is known about their associatons with social role function and loneliness among youth with ADHD. In this study, we addressed these associations in 1056 participants from the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS), a cohort of children from the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS)II. ADHD was determined using maternal reports and participants’ self-reports of diagnosis and/or treatment. Pet ownership was assessed during childhood and early adolescence in the 1999 questionnaire, with categories: (1) Dog and cat; (2) Dog but no cat; (3) Cat but no dog; (4) No dog or cat. Outcomes included overall social role functioning (assessed in 2013), quality of interpersonal relationships with mothers (2005) and romantic partners (2010), and loneliness (assessed repeatedly between 2007 and 2016). Overall social role functioning was analyzed using the chi-square test; quality of interpersonal relationships and loneliness were analyzed using generalized mixed models. No significant differences were observed in overall social role functioning across pet categories. Compared to those who had no dog or cat, dog and/or cat owners did not differ in their likelihood of reporting high-quality interpersonal relationships. Similarly, dog and/or cat ownership was not associated with lower likelihood of loneliness compared to those who had no dog or cat. Future studies could examine repeated measures of pet ownership and other aspects of pet ownership, such as emotional attachment, to clarify potential associations with social and psychological outcomes.

Dogs' societal roles have shifted globally. In private spheres, dogs are increasingly regarded as family and granted legal protections, but in public, they are framed as dangerous and subjected to increased legal restrictions. Changing perceptions of dogs and differences in the law's beneficiaries may influence how people develop legal knowledge. Where enforcement is limited or challenging, legal knowledge becomes an important component of the law's capacity to shape behaviour. Using the United Kingdom (UK) as a case study, we examined people's knowledge of 22 laws, divided between UK-wide current laws, nation-specific laws, and plausible hypothetical laws representing high-priority issues. We conducted a nationally representative survey with 1758 participants, split equally across the four UK nations. We first conducted exploratory model-building to identify variables associated with knowledge and then analysed these variables using multinomial models. Accurate legal knowledge among the UK public was limited, with participants frequently overestimating the existence of laws that prioritise dogs and their owners. Dog owners responded with greater certainty but not greater accuracy than non-dog owners. Older participants were more accurate overall, while responses to hypothetical laws suggested generational differences in views on animal welfare. These findings suggest gaps between the law in reality and what people assume the law to be.

Protein is the most expensive macronutrient worldwide, yet protein-related claims like “high protein” or “protein #1 ingredient” strongly influence dog food purchases. Little is known about how dog owners define protein quality (PQ) and how this knowledge shapes purchasing decisions. This study investigated how perceptions of dietary protein translate from personal to dog feeding habits, the level of PQ knowledge among dog owners, and whether protein source or amount has a greater influence on dog food choice. A 60-question survey was distributed to dog owners across the United States using Qualtrics (Utah, USA) (n = 691). Each respondent answered 12 choice experiment questions in which dog food options varied by protein amount (20%, 35%), protein source (peas, chicken, chicken meal), and price ($80, $95, $110). Descriptive statistics were analyzed in SPSS Statistics (Version 29, IBM Corp.), and a multinomial logit model in STATA (Version BE) was used for choice experiment analysis, with significance set at P < 0.05. Chicken had the greatest influence on purchasing choice, followed by chicken meal, and 35% protein, compared to a baseline diet of 20% protein and peas (P < 0.001). The majority (30%) of respondents believed PQ was parallel to quantity, while only 18% could correctly define PQ as the ability of an ingredient to meet the indispensable amino acid requirements of an individual. For respondents who correctly defined PQ, all protein sources positively influenced choice, while greater protein quantity negatively influenced choice (P < 0.001). Ultimately, protein source, not amount, drives purchasing behavior in the absence of protein-related claims on dog food.

Idiopathic rhinitis (IR) is one of the most common causes of chronic nasal discharge in dogs. It is a diagnosis of exclusion requiring a comprehensive diagnostic work-up to rule out other differentials. To investigate a possible allergic etiology, allergen-specific IgE antibody superclasses were evaluated. Dogs with chronic nasal discharge underwent blood testing, whole-body CT, and detailed evaluation of the nasal cavity. Dogs with systemic diseases or corticosteroid treatment within two weeks prior to presentation were excluded. A total of 46 dogs were included: 13 IR, 10 malignant tumors, six benign tumors, eight other inflammatory nasal diseases, and nine controls. All IR dogs were non-brachycephalic and of various breeds. No correlation was found between sinusitis, turbinate destruction, culture-based bacteriology, or IgE positivity. A similarly high number of positive IgE results was observed across all groups. Regarding treatment and follow-up, compared to dogs with other nasal diseases, compliance among IR dog owners was comparably poor. Allergen-specific IgE may be elevated in dogs with IR; however, they are neither diagnostic nor predictive. As owners often perceive the disease as a harmless cold, awareness must be raised about the nasal functions in dogs and possible consequences of untreated nasal discharge.

Ophthalmological alterations are highly relevant to the clinical routine of small animals, and the knowledge and importance given by canine owners to visual capacity is extremely important for their animals' health. Therefore, it is essential to perform complementary examinations to assess the parameters and visual capacity of canines. The objective was to evaluate ocular patterns in domestic canines and the awareness of owners about the importance of ocular health for their animals. A questionnaire was applied to dog owners regarding the presence of ocular alterations and the importance given to the animals' ocular parameters. Subsequently, the animals underwent complementary examinations, including the Schirmer Test and the Jones Test. The percentage values ​​and means obtained were compared using the chi-square test at a 5% significance level. There was no difference in relation to the sex or breed of the canines examined, with the highest prevalence in adults. The owners reported that the animals did not present pain, discomfort, difficulty seeing, or problems identifying objects. They stated that the animals were in excellent health and that they were almost constantly concerned about their vision. No ocular alterations were observed regarding tear production or lacrimal duct drainage. It is concluded that the canine owners demonstrate an understanding of the importance of their animals' visual capacity, helping to prevent alterations in tear production and lacrimal drainage.