Knowledge, attitude and practice of dog owners toward Toxocara canis (canine roundworms) and Ancylostoma spp. (hookworms) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan / by Maria Sophia I. Ortega.

Thesis (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) Cavite State University.

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS). Department of Immunopathology and Microbiology.

With the increasing popularity of pet ownership, it is important that owners have a good understanding of the potentially zoonotic parasites from dogs. Since there is limited data on owners' awareness about these parasites, it was decided to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of dog owners regarding roundworms and hookworms in Puerto Princesa City. Survey questionnaire containing primarily close-ended, multiple-choice questions was developed for this study and collected information such as the demographics, pet information, knowledge about zoonoses and the specific zoonotic parasites, attitude concerning parasites, and existing practices related to the control of the parasites. This study demonstrated that most dogs have access to both inside and outside their household, majority litters on soil, sand or dirt. The target participants are "partially aware" about the possible transmission of roundworms and hookworms to humans and demonstrate a positive attitude concerning the possible presence of parasites in their household. Most dog owners in this study observe personal hygiene after interacting with their dogs, and disinfect immediately when the dog defecates, however, there is a minority that does not properly dispose the stool of their dogs. There has been an observed pattern in this study that most of the owners are not familiar with the recommended deworming program and depend on the veterinarians' appointment schedule for deworming. Owners only bring their dogs to the Veterinarian for vaccination, deworming, or emergency. The deworming products that are commonly used are Pyrantel, and Febantel + Pyrantel + Praziquantel products. These results suggest that there is an opportunity to provide the fundamental information regarding the transmission and control of these parasites and it is recommended to modify the perspective of dog owners in considering population control as a preventive measure for the perpetuation of roundworms and hookworms.

07/18/2022 Submitted to the University Library T-9291