Dog breeding practices, hygiene, attitudes, and knowledge of pet owners regarding zoonosis risks in Benin

Close and frequent contact with dogs that can carry zoonotic agents poses a threat to those interacting with them if necessary precautions are not observed.

This study aimed to describe dog management and hygiene practices among Benin dog owners.

A survey of 934 owners was conducted through direct interviews, and statistical analysis using the multiple correspondence analysis method was carried out on collected data to categorize the groups of dog owners.

This study showed that local dogs were more highly bred (88.87%) than cross-breeds (9.85%) and exotic breeds (6.21%). Dogs were more bred for household security (96.15%) than for companionship (57.6%), marketing (29.44%), and hunting (3.10%). The frequency of meals served to the dogs per day varied significantly and consisted mainly of residue food (96.68%). Only 20.34% of owners housed their dogs in cages, and 31.40% hired veterinarians to monitor their dogs. Regarding hygiene practices, 73.95% of owners washed their hands after touching their dogs. Dog excrement was well managed by 27.35% of respondents. The respondents' education level and municipality had a significant effect on hand hygiene practices, good management of dog excrement, and knowledge of exchanging microorganisms' risks.

This study reveals that all dog owners do not know or observe good hygiene practices. Programs to raise awareness and train dog owners in good hygiene practices need to be developed and implemented to prevent zoonotic diseases in households.