General knowledge and practice of household dog owners regarding gastrointestinal parasites in Cebu, Philippines

Research (Published online: 09-07-2023)

9. General knowledge and practice of household dog owners regarding gastrointestinal parasites in Cebu, Philippines

Marysia Frances M. Urgel, Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez, Adrian P. Ybañez, and Elmie S. Delan

Veterinary World, 16(7): 1438-1443

Marysia Frances M. Urgel: Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines.

Rochelle Haidee D. Ybañez: Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines; National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro City, Hokkaido, Japan; College of Veterinary Medicine, Cebu Technological University-Barili Campus, Cagay, 6036 Barili, Philippines.

Adrian P. Ybañez: Department of Biology, College of Science, University of the Philippines Cebu, Gorordo Avenue, Lahug, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines; College of Veterinary Medicine, Cebu Technological University-Barili Campus, Cagay, 6036 Barili, Philippines; Institute for Molecular Genetics, Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases, Cebu Technological University-Main Campus, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines.

Elmie S. Delan: Institute for Molecular Genetics, Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases, Cebu Technological University-Main Campus, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines.

doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1438-1443

Article history: Received: 06-03-2023, Accepted: 19-05-2023, Published online: 09-07-2023

Corresponding author: Adrian P. Ybañez

E-mail: adrian.ybanez@ctu.edu.ph

Citation: Urgel MFM, Ybañez RHD, Ybañez AP, and Delan ES (2023) General knowledge and practice of household dog owners regarding gastrointestinal parasites in Cebu, Philippines, Veterinary World, 16(7): 1438-1443.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: dogs, intestinal parasites, soil, vaccination.