Dog Owners Research Articles

Dogfest: An Event Targeting the “Ultimutt” Dog Lover

A dog festival represents a form of pet tourism where attendees can celebrate dogs and be equipped with dog management skills. Despite dog festivals’ growth across the globe, little is known about attendees’ motivations to frequent these events. This study seeks to identify if attendees can be differentiated based on their motivations to frequent a dog festival and to determine whether segments can be distinguished based on their sociodemographics, origin, information sources utilized, and postfestival evaluations. Through applying TwoStep cluster analysis across five DogFest festivals in Southeast Queensland, two segments are identified. Learners are motivated to learn about dogs whereas celebrators are motivated for entertainment. Learners rated the postfestival higher and had a smaller household size. Dog education should remain the focus with social and other fun activities provided to attract dog owners who may not necessarily be thinking about training, allowing attendees who are attracted by fun to learn.

Knowledge, Perception and Awareness of Dog Related Zoonosis in Uyo Metropolis, Nigeria

Introduction: The interaction of humans and animals especially dogs, has made zoonotic diseases remain a genuine threat to the health and survival of humans. Aim: The study was aimed at assessing the level of knowledge and risk perception of dog owners regarding canine and their zoonotic potential in Uyo, Akwa, Ibom. Methodology: Structured questionnaires were employed for the cross sectional study. Result: A total of 200 respondents were employed for the study and all (100%) were aware that some animal diseases (zoonoses) are transmissible to humans, including those of dogs. A high level of awareness of 100% (200) was recorded for rabies and its route of transmission (bite) and 75% (157) for dermatophytosis while 96.5% (193) were ignorant on dog helminthic zoonosis. Some of the encountered factors that predisposed infectivity included: compromised sanitary conditions of the kennel (50%), inappropriate disposal of dog feces (51.5%), poor veterinary attention (58%), and feeding of dogs with both raw animal products and household leftovers (53%). Conclusion: This revealed a high potential of zoonotic infectivity among the human population in the area, mostly on zoonotic helminth infections, as they were misperceived. Therefore, there is a need for increased awareness, strategy formulation, and implementation toward the control and eradication of zoonotic diseases.

Study of dog population dynamics and rabies awareness in Thailand using a school-based participatory research approach

Rabies is a neglected disease primarily related to dog-mediated transmission to humans. Accurate dog demographic and dynamic data are essential for effectively planning and evaluating population management strategies when designing interventions to prevent rabies. However, in Thailand, longitudinal survey data regarding dog population size are scarce. A school-based participatory research (SBPR) approach was conducted to survey owned dogs for one year in four high-risk provinces (Chiang Rai, Surin, Chonburi, and Songkhla) of Thailand, aiming to understand dog population dynamics and raise awareness about rabies. ‘Pupify’ mobile application was developed to collect data on dog population and observe the long-term population dynamics in this study. At the end of the data collection period, telephone interviews were conducted to gain insight into contextual perceptions and awareness regarding both animal and human rabies, as well as the social responsibility of dog owners in disease prevention and control. Among 303 high school students who registered in our study, 218 students reported at least one update of their dog information throughout the one-year period. Of 322 owned dogs from our survey, the updates of dog status over one year showed approximately 7.5 newborns per 100-dog-year, while deaths and missing dogs were 6.2 and 2.7 per 100-dog-year, respectively. The male to female ratio was approximately 1.8:1. Twenty-three students (10%) voluntarily participated and were interviewed in the qualitative study. The levels of rabies awareness and precautions among high-school students were relatively low. The high dropout rate of the survey was due to discontinuity in communication between the researcher and the students over the year. In conclusion, this study focused on using the SBPR approach via mobile application to collect data informing dog population dynamics and raising awareness regarding rabies in Thailand Other engaging platforms (e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other popular applications) is necessary to enhance communication and engagement, thereby sustaining and maintaining data collection. Further health education on rabies vaccination and animal-care practices via social media platforms would be highly beneficial. For sustainable disease control, engaging communities to raise awareness of rabies and increase dog owners’ understanding of their responsibilities should be encouraged.

Factors Associated with Medication Noncompliance in Dogs in New Zealand.

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.

First Evidence of Rickettsia conorii Infection in Dogs in Northern Tunisia.

A cross-sectional study was carried out, between April 2021 and June 2022, to understand the role of dogs in the circulation of rickettsiosis in Tunisia. The presence of specific IgG antibodies against Rickettsia conorii was analyzed by indirect immunofluorescence test. By qPCR, blood and ticks were collected from 136 dogs examined at the Canine Department of National School for Veterinary Medicine of Tunisia. These dogs were also analyzed to detect Rickettsia DNA. The rate of Rickettsia seropositivity in 136 dogs was 55.14%. A total of 51 (53%) seropositive dogs showed clinical and biological signs such as fever and anorexia as well as thrombocytopenia and anemia. By qPCR, targeting the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, no Rickettsia DNA was detected in the blood. On the other hand, qPCR followed by sequencing revealed the presence of R. conorii subsp. raoultii in 7 tick pools of the 51 pools composed of the 227 ticks collected. A One Health approach to raise the awareness of dog owners to control tick infestations is imperative, given the dangers of canine zoonoses.

How do soundboard-trained dogs respond to human button presses? An investigation into word comprehension.

Past research on interspecies communication has shown that animals can be trained to use Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) devices, such as soundboards, to make simple requests of their caretakers. The recent uptake in AIC devices by hundreds of pet owners around the world offers a novel opportunity to investigate whether AIC is possible with owner-trained family dogs. To answer this question, we carried out two studies to test pet dogs' ability to recognise and respond appropriately to food-related, play-related, and outside-related words on their soundboards. One study was conducted by researchers, and the other by citizen scientists who followed the same procedure. Further, we investigated whether these behaviours depended on the identity of the person presenting the word (unfamiliar person or dog's owner) and the mode of its presentation (spoken or produced by a pressed button). We find that dogs produced contextually appropriate behaviours for both play-related and outside-related words regardless of the identity of the person producing them and the mode in which they were produced. Therefore, pet dogs can be successfully taught by their owners to associate words recorded onto soundboard buttons to their outcomes in the real world, and they respond appropriately to these words even when they are presented in the absence of any other cues, such as the owner's body language.

The doodle dilemma: How the physical health of 'Designer-crossbreed' Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo dogs' compares to their purebred progenitor breeds.

Booming UK ownership of designer-crossbreed dogs resulting from intentional crossing of distinct purebred breeds is often motivated by perceived enhanced health, despite limited evidence supporting a strong 'hybrid vigour' effect in dogs. Improved evidence on the relative health of designer-crossbreed dogs could support prospective owners to make better acquisition decisions when choosing their new dog. This study used a cross-sectional survey of UK owners of three common designer-crossbreeds (Cavapoo, Cockapoo, and Labradoodle) and their progenitor breeds (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, and Poodle) to collect owner-reported health disorder information. The authors hypothesised that designer-crossbred breeds have lower odds of common disorders compared to their progenitor breeds. Multivariable analysis accounted for confounding between breeds: dog age, sex, neuter status, and owner age and gender. The odds for the 57 most common disorders were compared across the three designer-crossbreeds with each of their two progenitor breeds (342 comparisons). Valid responses were received for 9,402 dogs. The odds did not differ statistically significantly between the designer-crossbreeds and their relevant progenitor breeds in 86.6% (n = 296) of health comparisons. Designer-crossbreeds had higher odds for 7.0% (n = 24) of disorders studied, and lower odds for 6.4% (n = 22). These findings suggest limited differences in overall health status between the three designer-crossbreeds and their purebred progenitors, challenging widespread beliefs in positive hybrid vigour effects for health in this emerging designer-crossbreed demographic. Equally, the current study did not suggest that designer-crossbreeds have poorer health as has also been purported. Therefore, owners could more appropriately base acquisition decisions between designer-crossbreeds and their purebred progenitors on other factors important to canine welfare such as breeding conditions, temperament, conformation and health of parents.

Factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of dogs in households in Beni City, D.R. Congo.

Human rabies transmitted by dogs still kills thousands of people each year worldwide. Dog bites are common in the city of Beni (Democratic Republic of Congo), which shows low rabies vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of dogs. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the town of Beni among dog owners, during a household survey selected using a multistage sampling. The information sought concerned the knowledge and characteristics of the dog owners as well as the vaccination status of these dogs. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between the vaccination status of the dogs and the main independent factors. Rabies vaccination coverage in Beni was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22% - 30%). The main factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of the dog were primary education level of household head (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:4.8; 95% CI: 1.2- 19.8); university education level of household head (aOR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.6-22); perceived rabies severity (aOR: 44. 4; 95% CI: 10.4-188), having more than one dog in the household (aOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6-4.3); age range 7-12 months (aOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6) and confined dog breeding (aOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1-14.9). The low vaccination coverage in Beni requires mass vaccination campaigns against canine rabies targeting the dog owners with low education levels, those raising more than one dog, with stray dogs or dogs less than 12 months old.

Dog, cat, bird, fish, and other pet ownership and mortality: Evidence from the HILDA cohort.

This study used the nationally representative prospective study of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey cohort to examine the association of pet ownership (dog, cat, bird, fish, and others) with the risk of all-cause mortality using propensity score matching based on a wide range of factors. The study sample included 15,735 participants who completed the questionnaire on pet ownership in 2018. The HILDA survey sample was matched to the National Death Index through 2022 to assess death during the follow-up period. Statistical analysis was weighted by the inverse of the propensity score in the generalized estimating equation. During the 4-year follow-up period, 377 of 15,735 (2.4%) participants died. The odds ratios (ORs) for all-cause mortality were 0.77 (95%CI: 0.59-0.99) for dog owners compared to non-pet owners after controlling for related socio-demographic, physical, psychological, and social factors. The Sobel test showed a partial mediating effect of physical activity level on the relationship between dog ownership and all-cause mortality. Ownership of cats, birds, fish, and others showed no clear association with mortality, despite owners having similar socio-demographics characteristics to dog owners. Companionship and exercise of a pet dog may be recommended as a component of health promotion policy, and may have an important role to play in promoting health aging.

Dog and owner demographics impact dietary choices in Dog Aging Project cohort.

To describe the demographic factors of owners and their dogs associated with owner feeding choices and the regularity with which those diets were fed to a US-based population of dogs. This cross-sectional analysis examined 40,367 initial survey responses from US dog owners participating in the Dog Aging Project. The surveys were collected from January 2, 2020, to December 31, 2022, and included primary and secondary diet component types and dog and owner demographic variables. Each demographic variable was compared across diet type choices with a χ2 test of independence. Most owners (82%) fed a commercially prepared extruded dry diet (kibble) as the primary diet component. Most owners (89%) reported that they fed their dogs a consistent diet over time. Owner demographic factors (income, education level) were less correlated with difference in diet choices than dog demographic factors (size, neuter status, purebred status, activity level), but owner age did correlate with choice: younger owners tended to feed kibble more compared to older owners. Home-cooked diets were most often consumed by small (< 30-lb) dogs, purebred dogs in poorer health status, and dogs with owners aged 45 years or older. Raw diets were more commonly fed to purebred, intact, and highly active dogs. Ten percent of service dogs were reportedly fed a raw diet of some sort. Demographic variables are associated with statistically significant differences in diet types selected. Nutrition studies examining health outcomes associated with the feeding of different diet types should account for these factors during design or analysis in order to avoid bias. An epidemiological tool, the directed acyclic graph, is presented. This information will help clinicians in their discussions with clients about pet nutrition.

The detection of zoonotic microorganisms in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (brown dog ticks) from Vietnam and the frequency of tick infestations in owned dogs.

Dog owners are greatly concerned about tick infestations in their pets. The prevalence and dispersion of ticks and their disease-causing microorganisms have been limited from the viewpoint of dog owners in Vietnam. This study investigated the presence of tick infestation and the pathogens associated with it in canines that were brought to veterinary hospitals in Vietnam. In the survey, 1,423 dogs participated from February to October 2022. Molecular and morphological methods were utilized to identify ticks and the associated pathogens. In addition,risk variables linked to tick infestation were documented and analyzed using statistical methods. The total exposure to the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato) was 29.01%. Nam Dinh has the highest tick prevalence among the research areas. Tick infestation reached its highest point between June and September in the northern region of the country, with distinct seasons showing a strong correlation with tick infestation in dogs. Out of 177 tick pools examined, 146(82.49%) tested positive for at least one infection. Mycoplasma spp. (78.53%) was the most common, followed by Anaplasma spp. (37.29%), Rickettsia felis (5.08%), Babesia vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis (2.82%). In the current study, there was a statistically significant link between tick infestation and characteristics such as age, breed, body size, lifestyle, and bathing frequency. Understanding the seasonal behavior of vector ticks is crucial for identifying individuals or animals susceptible to tick-borne diseases. Studying the distribution of ticks and their ability to carry and disseminate zoonotic germs in specific places could assist veterinarians and policymakers in implementing effective strategies to manage zoonotic infections.

Everyday Misanthropy: Attitudes towards Owning a Dog as a Pet in Today's Serbia

Although the general thematic framework of this text is the relationship between humans and animals, the comments and testimonies about dogs presented in this text are, in fact, comments and testimonies about humans. Dog behavior represents a framework and an occasion for dealing with human behavior by commentators and respondents. It aims to highlight the inaction of what is being commented on or what is being said, whether it is seen through the perspective of people who own dogs, or that of people who do not and who consider the current practice of keeping them excessive. Not all comments and statements are unambiguously formulated according to the "for" and "against" principle of a given practice, but in spite of that, most of them have a clear value orientation in favor or against it. The commentators and respondents’ tendency to present their point of view as unbiased is the starting point of their discursive confrontation with the opinions and behaviors that they do not like. The final part of the procedure is the evaluation of other people in a way that it equates them with their attitudes: people are assessed based on the evaluation of how well their opinion aligns with the part of the worldview related to the specific topic being commented on by those who are evaluating. The purpose of the evaluation is to establish one's own statement about what the sociocultural normative should look like in terms of what is being commented on. The evaluation is based on personal views and experiences related to the behavior of the actors in the given practice – dogs and their owners – with the notion of what is culturally normal in this regard. The notion of cultural normality is based on what is perceived as common everyday interaction among people, guided by the idea of sociability, as well as on the knowledge of the legal regulations of the given area. The idea of the commentators and respondents is that it is possible to establish an ideal image of the behavior of dog owners, their pets, and the people they interact with in public in sociocultural everyday life. Respecting mutual needs in terms of using shared physical space, as well as maintaining hygiene in it, having a positive affective attitude towards both dogs and people, not disturbing others in any way, including unprovoked judgment, are the basic elements of this ideal image – regardless of the perspective from which it is viewed. Deviation from this in specific actions – whether it is not collecting feces after a dog's defecation, mocking dog owners for any reason, or anything else – is considered non-committal. Misanthropic attitudes, therefore, arise in the expected form of disdain for such behavior, or at least pointing out human mistakes.

How Is Human Socioeconomic Position Linked With Dog Ownership Practices? A Study From Denmark

ABSTRACT Connections between dog ownership and socioeconomic position (SEP) are not well understood. This study examined associations between family and neighborhood levels of SEP and dog ownership, dog acquisition factors (purchase price and breed characteristics), and the purposes of owning a dog based on data from a survey carried out in Denmark in 2021. Participants (aged 18–89 years) were recruited using probability sampling (n = 2,112). Stepwise multivariable logistic or multinomial logistic regressions were conducted to identify significant associations with SEP. Approximately 20% of families in Denmark have a dog. Dog ownership was not found to be linked with income, education, or occupation when life course and lifestyle factors were taken into account. Neighborhood SEP was associated with dog ownership, but the association was not ordered. Payment of a high price for the dog was more prevalent both in high-SEP neighborhoods and in high-income families. Dog owners with low income and limited involvement in the labor market were more likely to have mixed-breed dogs. Those with a higher income and the self-employed were more likely to have a pedigree dog. Acquiring a dog to get physical exercise was more common among dog owners living in high-SEP neighborhoods. Owners with higher levels of education were more likely to have a dog because they liked the company of animals, and those with lower levels tended to keep a dog for instrumental reasons and for social support. The reason for keeping a dog for social support was mainly observed among those with lower levels of education who were also frequently (often/sometimes) involuntarily alone. As in many other areas of consumption, the results demonstrate that acquisition of, and reasons for keeping, a dog are linked to socioeconomic status. They also suggest that dogs play different roles in emotional and mental health at different educational levels.

Brain and heart activity during interactions with pet dogs: A portable electroencephalogram and heart rate variability study

Dog ownership has been linked to numerous benefits to human health and wellbeing. However, due to the lack of previous research on changes to brain activity during interactions with pet dogs, the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine changes in heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electroencephalogram (EEG) power during interactions between dog owners and their pet dog. Fifty healthy adult dog owners completed baseline psychological measures and pet attachment scales. Subjective units of relaxation (SUR) as well as continuous EEG, HR, and HRV via portable devices were measured during five experimental conditions (baseline resting, relaxation-induction exercise, patting a toy dog, real dog present, and patting a real dog) in participants' homes. SUR was higher in all experimental conditions than at baseline. SUR was also higher during dog interaction than when the dog was present with no interaction. However, SUR during dog interaction was not significantly different from the toy dog and relaxation induction condition. Higher delta, theta, alpha, beta power and HR were found during dog interaction than all other conditions. Higher HRV was found during dog interaction compared to baseline, patting a toy dog, and relaxation-induction exercise, but not significantly different from the real dog present only condition. Lastly, overall HR correlated with psychological measures. Overall, the results show that there are significant changes in brain and heart activity when humans interact with pet dogs, consistent with increases in relaxation and focussed attention. These findings are relevant to understanding the potential mechanisms for health benefits associated with pets.

A public health campaign to increase awareness of the risk of dog bites in South Australia

Dog bites are a serious public health problem. A campaign by the Dog and Cat Management Board of South Australia was launched to increase awareness that any dog can bite as a first step in reducing the incidence of dog bites. The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate changes in attitudes to dog bites following the media campaign, and 2) provide baseline data on dog bites and attitudes to interactions with dogs to help target future campaigns. The media campaign ‘Good Dogs Have Bad Days’ was run from July to October, 2023, using TV, radio, billboards and social media. A cross-sectional survey was conducted pre- and post-campaign, including demographics and questions relating to interactions and attitudes to dogs. A total of n = 402 to the pre- and n = 404 responses to the post-campaign surveys were received, with most having owned a dog, living in metropolitan areas, and an equal split of males and females. Over one third (36–37 %) of dog owners and 25–29 % of non-dog owners had been previously bitten by a dog, although most did not require medical attention. Respondents were more likely to agree that any dog can bite if they recalled seeing the campaign, and less likely if they were male and had poor knowledge of the scenarios in which a dog might bite. Older respondents and those from lower socioeconomic areas believed dog bites were a more serious community issue than younger respondents from higher socioeconomic areas. Approximately 70 % of dog owners believed it was safe for strangers to approach their dog, 34–37 % allowed children or other people to pat their dog without permission and less than half separated their dog from visitors or delivery people. In contrast few of the non-dog owners allowed their children to pat a dog without the owner’s permission and only 2 % allowed them to play with dogs without supervision. The results demonstrate a relatively short campaign was associated with increased agreement any dog can bite. The proportion of respondents who had been bitten by a dog affirms the importance of public health campaigns targeting dog attacks. Some behaviours, such as supervising dogs around children and keeping dogs separate from delivery people, had relatively low agreement from dog owners and may be targeted in future campaigns. Public awareness campaigns and ongoing education will help to increase safer interactions with dogs, but it will take time and commitment to achieve a result.

Seroprevalence of canid alphaherpesvirus-1 and associated risk factors in domestic dogs in North Queensland, Australia

Canid alphaherpesvirus-1 (CaHV-1) may cause a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease in neonatal pups and is associated with reproductive, respiratory and ocular disease in older dogs. Although assumed to have a world-wide distribution, there have been few reports of CaHV-1 in Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CaHV-1 in household dogs in a residential suburb in Townsville, as well as in dogs attending two dog shows in the region. Study participants were recruited through door-to-door non-probability sampling (Douglas dogs, n = 185) or invited to participate (Show dogs; n = 76). Dog owners completed a questionnaire that investigated possible risk factors for recent exposure to CaHV-1. A serum sample from each dog was assayed for anti-CaHV-1 antibodies using a commercially available ELISA. Associations between seropositive dogs and owner-reported risk factors were analysed using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. The seroprevalence of CaHV-1 was 11.4 % (95 % CI 6.8–15.9 %) and 17.1 % (95 % CI 5.5–28.8) for the Douglas and Show dogs, respectively, with a pooled seroprevalence of 13 % (95 % CI 8.3–17.7 %). Dogs that had suffered from conjunctivitis within the previous 3 months or were involved in breeding were more likely to be seropositive to CaHV-1. No other significant risk factors were identified. In conclusion, CaHV-1 is circulating in dogs in North Queensland and may be contributing to foetal and neonatal losses in this region.

Survey of dog owners' and veterinarians' attitudes regarding the selection of flea and tick prevention products in Thailand.

Tick and flea infestations in dogs are significant concerns for both dog owners and veterinarians in Thailand. The country's climate provides an optimal environment for the proliferation of ticks and fleas, thereby increasing the risk of diseases transmitted by these parasites. At present, a diverse range of tick and flea prevention products is available on the market. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the choice of tick and flea prevention products among dog owners and veterinarians in Thailand. Questionnaires were distributed both online and in-person to collect data from dog owners and veterinarians. The data collection period spanned from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. A total of 994 respondents, consisting of 828 dog owners and 166 veterinarians, participated in the questionnaire and were included in this study. The data were then subjected to descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The results indicated that most dog owners consider chewable products to be the most effective form of tick and flea prevention, followed by sprays and spot-on treatments. Statistically significant factors (p < 0.05) affecting the frequency of use of tick and flea prevention products were identified, including dog breed, number of owned dogs, and owners' awareness of tick and flea issues in dogs. Most dog owners tend to use these products when their dogs are infected with ticks or fleas. In addition, owners of a single dog tended to use these products regularly compared to those with multiple dogs. Notably, some dog owners (10.99%) used unregistered products. Among veterinarians, it was observed that dog owners followed the recommendations provided by veterinarians (80.12%). In most cases, veterinarians recommend various tick and flea prevention products (74.10%). The most influential factor affecting product selection is suitability for the individual animal. This study provides insights for veterinarians and relevant stakeholders regarding the factors and attitudes that influence dog owners' selection of tick and flea prevention products. This knowledge can contribute to better planning for ectoparasite prevention. In addition, effective communication from veterinarians can increase owner awareness of the importance of tick and flea prevention, thereby reducing the incidence of diseases transmitted by ticks and fleas.

Replantation dilemma: lessons learned from managing a dog bite forearm amputation in a sixteen-year-old girl.

Bite injuries, particularly those involving the hands, present a significant medico-legal challenge, often leading to complications and frequent emergency department visits. Dog and cat bites, especially among children, are major contributors to infections due to the complex anatomy of the hand, which predisposes it to severe infections even from minor bites. Capnocytophaga canimorsus, found in the oral cavity of dogs and cats, is particularly concerning due to its potential to cause severe infections. Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential to mitigate these risks. Managing such injuries poses significant challenges, necessitating clear guidelines for reporting and safety measures. This article highlights the urgent need for additional research, support, and education, particularly focusing on children, along with the development of international guidelines to improve outcomes for patients. A case study of a sixteen-year-old girl who had her left forearm amputated due to a rottweiler bite is presented. Despite initial attempts at replantation, complications led to the decision for amputation. This case underscores the challenges in managing severe dog bite injuries, emphasizing the importance of prompt assessment, thorough debridement, and proper wound management to minimize complications. Additionally, psychological evaluation and treatment are crucial for patients and parents following such traumatic events. From a medical standpoint, this case highlights the importance of monitoring inflammatory markers, appropriate surgical priorities, and the need for psychological support. Prevention of dog bites is crucial, requiring increased awareness among public authorities and dog owners. Clear guidelines for reporting dog bites are essential, but further research is needed to improve their comprehensiveness and effectiveness.

Impact of hypersensitivity-hyperactivity syndrome on the quality of life of dogs and their owners

This study investigates the impact of the behaviours of dogs with hypersensitivity-hyperactivity syndrome (HSHA) on their quality of life (QoL) and that of their owners. Dogs classified under this diagnosis label present polymorphous and productive symptoms that often leads to owner exhaustion and significant challenges in daily life. Utilizing a survey to collect data on the mental and physical health of dogs and the well-being of their owners, the study compared 20 HSHA-affected dogs with matched 20 control dogs. Resultsreveal that owners of HSHA dogs report significantly lower QoL scores compared to owners of control dogs, citing increased stress, physical injuries, and emotional distress. Additionally, HSHA dogs exhibited lower well-being and more frequent physical health issues, such as injuries and digestive problems, compared to control dogs.The findings underscore the need for early diagnosis and effective management of HSHA to improve the welfare of affected dogs, prevent potential relinquishments or euthanasia, and enhance the quality of life for their owners. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies with larger and more diverse populations to develop targeted strategies for managing HSHA in dogs, ultimately fostering healthier and happier human-animal relationships.

Unleashing the Personality Divide: Resilience in Dog Owners, Neuroticism in Cat Owners

ABSTRACT Personality differences have been reported in “dog people” and “cat people” across all Big Five personality traits. Dog ownership has also been associated with reduced loneliness in people living alone during periods of prolonged isolation, which may be suggestive of higher levels of resilience in this population of pet owners. This research extends these findings by investigating the predictive power of dog vs. cat ownership on Big Five personality traits and resilience in an Australian population, after controlling for age and gender. Three hundred and twenty-one participants completed an online survey consisting of questions on demographics, pet ownership, and personality, as well as providing free-hand responses for their choice in pet. As hypothesized, dog ownership was found to positively predict resilience, while cat ownership positively predicted neuroticism. In contrast to our expectations, no other personality differences were found between pet owners. Qualitative insights suggest pet choice is driven simply by “liking” that pet (i.e., being a “dog person” or “cat person”), pet personality factors, lifestyle habits, and living situations. Findings suggest that personality factors might explain why people who choose to own dogs fare better than people who choose not to own dogs during challenging times of social isolation, which may be unrelated to the animal itself.