Characterization of human-animal interactions among pet owners in Mexico from a One Health perspective: A...

Determining the characteristics of coexistence between humans and their pets will enable the identification of risk behaviors associated with zoonotic transmission. This cross-sectional study in Mexico aimed to evaluate patterns of human-pet coexistence by examining the human-animal interaction and domestic hygiene sections of the online survey "National Survey on Coexistence with Pets in Mexico (NSCP)". The study adhered to STROBE guidelines. Associations were assessed using Pearson's χ2 test with p-values adjusted by Bonferroni and Holm's methods, and effect size was estimated with Cramér's V. Adjusted Pearson residuals were used as a complementary analytical tool. A multinomial logistic regression model was also performed, with mouth-to-snout/tongue contact intensity as the dependent variable. A total of 3699 complete surveys were analyzed. The households reported that pets slept in the owner's bed (34.6%), that owners did not wash their hands after direct contact (37%), the face kissing (mouth-to-snout/tongue) was allowed (74.7%), that feces and urine were noticed inside the house (61.2%), and that pets were taken to potentially contaminated public areas (77.7%). Younger age, a higher number of dogs, frequent visits to public places, poor hand hygiene after direct contact, and allowing pets to sleep indoors were associated with increased intensity of mouth-to-snout/tongue contact. Close human-pet interactions require responsible expressions of affection that prioritize both animal welfare and public health. From a One Health perspective, understanding household behaviors is crucial for identifying risky practices that could lead to zoonotic transmission.