Search Results (487)

This online survey aimed to elaborate on the salary, working conditions, and job satisfaction of employed veterinarians in Germany. The focus was on factors influencing salaries, violations of German laws, and comparisons between employees of owner- and corporate-managed practices. Answers of up to 1184 veterinarians were analyzed, representing 6% of employed veterinarians. The hourly salary increased by around 19% compared to a study in 2020, but remained significantly lower than in comparable professions and did not rise as much as the national average over the last five years. A multifactorial linear model showed that working experience, additional qualifications, leadership role for other veterinarians, section (pets, equines, farm animals, or non-curative), and gender significantly influenced the salary. The adjusted gender pay gap was about 7%. Employees of corporations earned significantly more than veterinarians being employed in owner-managed practices, but not when salary was adjusted for overtime. Moreover, employees of corporations had significantly lower job satisfaction. Requirements of the German Working Hours Act were regularly not complied with, as e.g., around 40% of respondents reported not being able to take their legally required break at least once per week. Results indicate that, despite improvements, there is still a need to address working conditions to retain veterinarians in the profession. Full article

While the health benefits of pet ownership are well-documented, research on co-sleeping with pets has yielded conflicting results, often contrasting objective sleep disturbances with subjective satisfaction. This study examined the association between dog or cat co-sleeping and well-being across two age groups: adults and youths. Data were collected through two cross-sectional online surveys involving adults (n = 2675) and youths (n = 1050). Participants reported their pet ownership, co-sleeping status, and well-being using the five-item World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare WHO-5 scores among three groups: non-owners, owners who do not co-sleep, and co-sleepers. In adults, dog co-sleepers exhibited significantly higher well-being scores compared to non-owners (p = 0.025). However, no significant associations were observed in the youth sample. These findings suggest that while pet co-sleeping is often perceived as disruptive, it may be positively associated with subjective well-being in adult populations. Further longitudinal research is needed to clarify the causal relationship and the specific mechanisms underlying this “pet effect” in the context of shared sleep environments. Full article

Veterinary practice involves frequent interactions with pet owners that may be conflictual, emotionally charged, and ethically complex. These relational demands may contribute to burnout and related distress, but the evidence remains scattered across outcomes and study designs. This scoping review mapped the literature on how veterinarian–client communication and relational experiences are associated with burnout among veterinarians. Five databases were searched, and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were quantitative, with qualitative and mixed-methods studies also identified. Overall, the findings showed that repeated relational friction with clients, emotionally demanding end-of-life conversations, financial conflicts, and blurred boundaries around availability can contribute to burnout risk. The review also identified mechanisms linking these experiences to distress, particularly emotional reactivity and the effort required to regulate emotions during difficult interactions. Protective factors included supportive teams, autonomy, structured communication training, and interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Training. These findings suggest that burnout in veterinary practice is shaped not only by workload, but also by the relational demands of client-facing care. Prevention efforts should therefore combine individual support with team-based and organizational strategies that strengthen communication practices and reduce avoidable interpersonal strain. Full article

Estimates suggest that approximately 400 million dogs are kept as pets worldwide. Despite their popularity, around 10% to 30% are surrendered to rescue shelters each year. Shelter workers play a pivotal role in the success of dog adoptions and provide ongoing support to help owners keep these dogs in their homes. However, research that captures their perspectives and experiences regarding the dog adoption process remains limited. Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Queensland shelter teams participated in six focus group discussions to share their perspectives and experiences of the dog adoption process in their shelters. Reflexive thematic analysis of the gathered data generated three themes: 1. “Doing great adoptions” starts with an inclusive, well-resourced application process and a skilled team. 2. Finding the right fit involves navigating the duality of carer and advocate through honest, informative interactions with the whole family. 3. Successful outcomes involve supporting and educating the public to care for and keep their dog. This grounded understanding of the challenges facing shelters in their work could provide valuable feedback to help shelter leaders and staff develop policies and practices that support positive adoption outcomes, tailor programmes to local needs, and reduce return rates. Full article

Humans have always been curious about what animals are trying to communicate, especially our closest companions—dogs and cats. While we often rely on instinct and observation to understand their needs and feelings, this method can be inaccurate or limited. This research introduces a new computational model designed to translate the behaviors of dogs and cats into simple, human-readable messages. By combining data from their body language, sounds, facial expressions, and movements, the model uses advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques to identify what the animal might be feeling or trying to express. We collect and analyze real-world behavioral data from pets, then train the system to interpret signals like barking, meowing, tail movements, or posture changes. The final output could be a sentence or voice alert that helps pet owners understand things like “I’m hungry,” “I’m scared,” or “I want to play.” This approach not only improves how we care for pets but also enhances emotional connection and communication between humans and animals. It opens new doors for technology in pet care, training, and veterinary support. Full article

Given the growing popularity of pet ownership, this study aimed to examine the effects of pet owners’ tourism constraints on learned helplessness, travel avoidance with pets and behavioural intentions to travel with pets. The relationship between learned helplessness and travel avoidance with pets was also analysed. More importantly, the serial paths from pet owners’ tourism constraints to travel intentions with pets were tested. Considering the importance of decision-making style (i.e., head vs. heart), it was used as a moderator. Data were collected in Türkiye from 341 pet owners who owned at least one dog, one cat, or both. Data analysis was conducted using PLS-SEM. The results showed that the indirect effects of the pet’s specific constraints, the pet’s interpersonal constraints, and the pet’s structural constraints on behavioural intention to travel with pets via learned helplessness and travel avoidance were significant. However, decision type did not have a moderating role. Both pet attachment and guilt over leaving pets alone had positive and significant effects on behavioural intention to travel with pets. The findings contributed to the understanding of both pet owners’ tourism constraints and learned helplessness through examining serial mediation paths. Full article

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is a leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in companion animals. This study characterized 42 UPEC isolates recovered from dogs and cats at the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine Diagnostic Laboratories between 2023 and 2024, focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence gene profiles, biofilm-forming ability, and phylogroup distribution of the isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) showed that 40.48% of the isolates were resistant to at least one of the tested antibiotics, and 9.52% exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). Phylogroup B2 was predominant (69.05%), and 61.90% of isolates demonstrated strong biofilm formation in artificial human urine. Virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of genes mediating adhesion (fim, pap, sfa), iron acquisition (fyuA, iro), biofilm formation (csg, bcs, pga, ycg/ymg), motility (fli, mot, flh), and stress response (oxyR, soxR/S, kat). Multiple plasmids carrying AMR and virulence determinants were also identified. The co-occurrence of the traits underscores the potential for persistent and recurrent infections, which can complicate therapeutic outcomes and facilitate horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The detection of antimicrobial-resistant, highly virulent UPEC strains possessing human UPEC traits in companion animals suggests the risk of zoonotic and reverse-zoonotic transmission, particularly in households with close pet–owner interactions. These findings emphasize the importance of judicious antimicrobial use, routine molecular surveillance, and integrated One Health strategies to mitigate the veterinary and public health threats associated with UPEC infections in companion animals. Full article

Cats are among the most beloved and affectionate companion animals to humans. Historically, they have been utilised to manage pests or offer comfort and companionship, a practice that continues today. Due to human malpractice, unowned free-roaming cats (as stray pets or feral cats) are now considered amongst the 100 worst invasive species, and are responsible for the decline and even the disappearance of many wild species worldwide. Free-roaming cats maintain their hunting instincts, causing problems for native species, which is recognised as a major issue in island biodiversity. Despite their impact, limited studies have been conducted to understand the spatial activity of free-roaming cats in the Mediterranean when they are away from their caregivers (owners who feed and care for their cats while allowing unrestricted outdoor roaming). To investigate this, we used GPS tracking collars to monitor 15 free-roaming cats on the island of Cyprus, during spring–autumn 2022. The monitored cats were active in a spectrum of different habitats, from forests and farmland to shrublands and the suburbs. We monitored cats for 5.6 days, on average, to investigate their home range sizes (KDE 95%; median: males = 55,678 m²; females = 11,377 m²), daily distance travelled (median: males = 1233 m; females = 538 m), and daily/nocturnal activity, and the factors that influence these patterns. The animals’ sex, shelter availability, and the type of coverage in an area show statistically significant differences in relation to their home range, while activity peaked during the afternoon hours, a finding that is also statistically confirmed. Although the sample size of the study is relatively small, the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the home range of free-roaming cats in Cyprus is revealed. These findings offer quantitative evidence and can contribute to wildlife conservation and free-roaming cat management. Full article

Babesia vogeli is considered endemic in urban settings of Brazil, whereas Hepatozoon canis remains insufficiently documented in several regions, including the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. This study investigated the frequency, spatial distribution, and determinants of infection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. in dogs from distinct environments. A total of 372 blood samples from pet dogs were collected between June and October 2023 in Maricá (Area 1; n = 105) and in the Administrative Regions of Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, and Jacarepaguá (Area 2; n = 267). Molecular screening was performed using 18S rRNA gene-based PCR assays, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic inference. Conventional PCR was used for piroplasmids, while both conventional and nested PCR were applied for Hepatozoon detection. Overall, 30 dog samples (8.1%) tested positive. Piroplasmids were detected in 3.5% of dogs, with a higher occurrence in Area 1, whereas Hepatozoon spp. infection was identified in 5.4% of samples, with co-positivity with piroplasmids being rare. All piroplasmid sequences corresponded to B. vogeli, while H. canis was confirmed in thirteen dogs. The absence of owner-reported tick-borne disease history was the main factor associated with hemoparasite positivity. These findings provide the first molecular epidemiological evidence of H. canis circulation in different areas of Rio de Janeiro and highlight the need for integrated diagnostics, surveillance, and targeted actions to improve control. Full article

The rapid increase in companion animal ownership has intensified the demand for innovative tools that support animal health and overall welfare. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has emerged as a promising approach in veterinary medicine. However, its application beyond clinical diagnostics, especially in behaviour and personality assessment, remains fragmented and insufficiently integrated into routine practice. This systematic review aims to synthesise current knowledge on AI-based applications in companion animal care, with a focus on behavioural monitoring, personality prediction, and welfare-related challenges. Following PRISMA guidelines, a structured literature search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases from 2020 to 2025. In addition, grey literature sources were searched to capture relevant non-peer-reviewed data. A total of 115 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Eligibility criteria included studies applying AI methods (machine learning or deep learning) to companion animals (dogs, cats, and exotic pets), while studies on humans, farm animals, or without AI methods were excluded. Due to the heterogeneity of included studies, no formal risk of bias assessment was performed, and results were synthesised narratively. The findings indicate that AI applications are most advanced in diagnostic imaging and clinical decision support, where data availability and methodological maturity are highest. In contrast, AI-based approaches for behaviour and personality prediction remain limited, particularly in cats and exotic companion animals, largely due to small, heterogeneous datasets, potential bias, and a lack of external validation. Emerging technologies such as wearable sensors, computer vision, and multimodal data integration demonstrate substantial potential for continuous behavioural monitoring and early detection of welfare-related issues in real household environments. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist, including data heterogeneity, limited model explainability, ethical considerations, and the absence of regulatory frameworks specifically addressing AI-based veterinary applications. Overall, this review highlights a substantial gap between the technical potential of AI and its current readiness for widespread application in companion animal behaviour and welfare assessment. Future research should prioritise large-scale and standardised data collection, cross-species validation, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure that AI-driven tools effectively support veterinary decision-making, animal welfare, and the well-being of owners. Full article

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related apicomplexan parasites of veterinary and public health importance. T. gondii is a zoonotic pathogen for which cats are the definitive host, whereas N. caninum is a major cause of reproductive losses in cattle, with dogs acting as the definitive host. Data on exposure in pet animals in Thailand remain limited. This study investigated seroprevalence and associated risk factors of T. gondii and N. caninum in pet cats and dogs in Pathum Thani Province, an urban area adjacent to Bangkok. Between June 2020 and July 2021, serum samples were collected from 169 owned animals, including 86 cats and 83 dogs, participating in a mobile sterilization program. Antibodies were detected using the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and animal characteristics, behaviors, and environmental factors were obtained via owner questionnaires. Serological evidence of exposure to both parasites was detected. Antibodies against T. gondii were detected in 4.73% (8/169) of animals, including 4.65% (4/86) of cats and 4.82% (4/83) of dogs. For N. caninum, the overall seroprevalence was 10.06% (17/169), with a higher prevalence in dogs (15.66%, 13/83) than in cats (4.65%, 4/86). No significant risk factors were identified for T. gondii or N. caninum infection in either cats or dogs (p > 0.05). Full article

Background: Raw-meat-based diets (RMBDs) for companion animals have gained popularity but may serve as vehicles for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, posing risks to animal and public health. This study investigated the occurrence and risk factors of AMR in indicator bacteria (Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) and Campylobacter spp. from commercial RMBD products. Methods: In 2023, 50 RMBD samples were collected in Belgium, representing 21 brands from five countries. After both selective and non-selective isolation and MALDI-TOF identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed using broth microdilution. Results: From non-selective media, E. coli was found in 45 samples (90.0%), E. faecalis in 31 samples (62.0%), E. faecium in 23 samples (46.0%), and Campylobacter spp. in 3 samples (6.0%). Among these, one E. faecalis strain with acquired resistance to vancomycin and daptomycin was isolated. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was identified in 17 isolates from 15 samples (30.0%), including 14 MDR E. coli, 1 MDR E. faecalis, and 2 MDR E. faecium. From selective media, presumptive ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli were detected in 17 samples (34.0%), and 5 E. faecium from linezolid-supplemented media were confirmed by the broth microdilution method. Samples from Belgian origin showed significantly higher E. faecium prevalence (76.5%) compared to Dutch samples (21.4%) (OR = 11.9, p < 0.001). Minor livestock sources were associated with increased MDR risk (OR = 5.52, p = 0.016). Conclusions: Commercial RMBDs in Belgium exhibit widespread bacterial contamination with concerning AMR patterns. These findings highlight the need for improved production standards in the RMBD industry and the need to raise awareness in pet owners. Full article

This study aimed to obtain information on veterinarians’ experience regarding the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the United Kingdom and Europe. A questionnaire consisting of two parts (part 1—DM management [28 questions]; part 2—demographic information [9 questions]) was made available online in three languages (English, German, and Czech) to be completed by European veterinarians from May 2022 to February 2024. In total, 488 veterinarians completed the questionnaire. Most respondents worked in first-opinion practice (396/488 [81.1%]) and diagnosed DM in 2–4 dogs (206/488 [42.2%]) and 2–4 cats (250/488 [51.2%]) per year. In both dogs and cats, most respondents recommended twice daily insulin injections (398/488 [81.6%] and 440/448 [90.2%], respectively). Poor owner compliance and the presence of comorbidities were considered the main challenges in DM management by 220/488 (45.1%) and 179/488 (36.7%) veterinarians, respectively. Nevertheless, most owners were willing to start treatment, and only 80/488 (16.4%) respondents for dogs and 114/488 (23.4%) for cats reported that >1 in 10 pets were euthanised after DM was diagnosed. Our results suggest that the management of diabetic pets in Europe fairly corresponds with DM management guidelines, although challenges preventing their full implementation exist. Full article

Dogs exhibit sophisticated interspecific communication skills, including the use of visual signals to indicate the location of inaccessible resources, known as showing behaviour. Previous studies have investigated factors such as age and training, but the effects of breed and cranial morphology remain unclear. Here, we tested a uniquely large sample of 101 pet dogs from 43 different breeds, using a standardized out-of-reach/hidden object task to assess three key visual behaviours: gaze at the owner, gaze at the reward, and gaze alternation between owner and reward. Dogs were tested in familiar environments without pre-training, and owners were instructed to remain passive to avoid unintentional cues. Our results confirm the importance of gaze alternation and gazing at the reward as central components of showing behaviour, particularly when both owner and reward were present. Contrary to expectations, we found no effect of breed or Cephalic Index on these behavioural patterns, suggesting that life experiences rather than artificial selection can influence visual communicative strategies in this specific context. The exceptionally large and diversified sample of this study provides unprecedented insight into the consistency of visual signalling across dog breeds. Full article

The population of dogs and cats is rapidly increasing, and their lifespans are extending due to advances in veterinary medicine and increased owner awareness. As a result, companion animals are also gradually entering an aging society. Research on the nutritional needs of aging dogs and cats remains limited. Key factors contributing to this gap include unclear biomarkers of aging, fragmented research efforts, and a lack of experimental models using healthy aged animals. By reviewing recent publicly available literature on aging biomarkers in dogs and cats, this study identifies biomarkers with practical value for aging research. It further analyzes reported physiological changes, nutritional requirements, and common dietary supplements for senior pets, and summarizes large-scale research programs focused on aging dogs and cats. Capitalizing on rapid advances in artificial intelligence, this paper proposes three key recommendations: developing aging biomarkers based on non-invasive sampling methods; accelerating the establishment of nutritional guidelines for healthy aging dogs and cats; and promoting personalized nutrition research for aging pets through cross-border and cross-regional collaboration. This study aims to consolidate existing knowledge on nutrition for aging dogs and cats, identify current research gaps, suggest directions for future studies, and provide evidence-based recommendations to support healthy aging in dogs and cats. Full article