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

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