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Simple Summary: Oclacitinib is a tablet-based therapy given for itching that is caused by allergic or atopic dermatitis in dogs. The objective of this study was to understand pet owners' perceptions of the conventional film-coated form of oclacitinib and the chewable form of oclacitinib in terms of convenience and value. Firstly, an interview phase with pet owners and veterinarians was used to develop detailed written profiles of these treatment options. Then, pet owners were invited to participate in a survey about their experiences and preferences. Overall, 1590 pet owners provided survey responses. Most respondents (62%) reported having experienced challenges giving tablet-based therapies to their dog(s), and half of the respondents (52%) had experience giving flavoured or chewable tablets to their dog. Comparing oclacitinib and chewable oclacitinib (with or without associated costs), the majority of the respondents preferred the chewable formulation in all countries for both short-term and long-term itch (≥58%; all p < 0.05). Chewable and/or palatable treatment options may be welcomed by pet owners and may have potential positive impacts on convenience, compliance, outcomes, quality of life, and the human–animal bond. Oclacitinib is an oral therapy indicated for pruritus associated with allergic or atopic dermatitis in dogs. This study sought to assess pet owners' perceptions of the relative convenience and value of the conventional film-coated formulation and the chewable formulation. A quantitative discrete-choice experimental methodology was applied, comparing (conventional, film-coated) oclacitinib versus chewable oclacitinib using unbranded treatment profiles. Initially, a qualitative interview phase with pet owners and veterinarians was conducted to develop detailed treatment profiles. Subsequently, pet owners participated in a quantitative survey. Overall, 1590 pet owners provided survey responses. Most respondents (62%) reported having experienced challenges administering tablet-based therapies to their dog(s). Half of all respondents (52%) had experience administering flavoured or chewable tablets to their dog. Comparing oclacitinib and chewable oclacitinib (with or without associated costs), the majority of the respondents preferred the chewable formulation in all regions across short-term and long-term scenarios (≥58%; all p < 0.05). The current research is one of few survey-driven studies for treatment preferences in companion animal medicine. Veterinarians may offer chewable or palatable treatment options where available, with potential positive impacts on convenience, compliance, outcomes, quality of life, and the human–animal bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External and internal parasites can cause significant pathology to pets, posing distress to their owners. Antiparasitic treatment is complex because there are many antiparasitic products and dog owners have a limited understanding of parasiticides. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of antiparasitic treatments available at veterinary offices to help veterinarians understand what pet owners value when selecting parasiticides for their dogs. Discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology was used. A list of important treatment attributes was developed based on semi-structured interviews with six dog owners with a total of nine dogs and six veterinarians. The questionnaire including 12 choices between pairs of hypothetical products defined according to treatment attributes was developed. The questionnaire was administered to UK dog owners recruited through an internet panel. It was tested in a pilot study with 17 dog owners, and then was completed by 160 dog owners in the main study. The selected treatment attributes were price, spectrum of action, veterinarian recommendation, treatment schedule, mode of administration, and place of obtention. The main analysis showed the first four of these attributes significantly influenced the preferences of dog owners for antiparasitic treatments. The most important factor was spectrum of action; most owners expressed a preference for products treating multiple parasites. The influence of price was comparable to that of spectrum of action. Pet owners were more likely to choose a product recommended by their veterinarian. Willingness-to-pay estimates were £11.22 [€12.68; $15.38] for extending protection from fleas and ticks only to intestinal worm and lungworm and £7.21 [€8.14; $9.87] for recommendation from veterinarian. A broad spectrum of action, veterinarian recommendation, and price are key drivers for choosing antiparasitic products among dog owners. These results may help veterinarians with recommendations of antiparasitic treatment for pet owners based on the key drivers pet owners value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease that causes hepatic and renal disease in dogs and human beings. The incidence of leptospirosis in dogs in the USA appears to be increasing. This study used 14 years of canine leptospirosis testing data across 3109 counties in the USA to analyze environmental and socio-economic correlates with rates of infection and to produce a map of locations of increased risk for canine leptospirosis. Boosted regression trees were used to identify the probability of a dog testing positive for leptospirosis based on microscopic agglutination test (MAT) results, and environmental and socio-economic data. The Midwest, East and Southwest were more likely to yield positive tests for leptospirosis, although specific counties in Appalachia had some of the highest predicted probabilities. Location (suburban areas or areas with deciduous forest) and climate (precipitation and temperature) were predictors for positive MAT results for leptospirosis, although the precise direction and strength of the effects was difficult to interpret. Wide geographic variation in predicted risk was identified. This risk mapping approach may provide opportunities for improved diagnosis, control and prevention of leptospirosis in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]