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- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Dental home care in dogs-a questionnaire study among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- 2020
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In: BMC Veterinary Research. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1746-6148. ; 16:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Periodontal disease remains one of the dog's most common health issues, even though it is largely preventable by tooth brushing. Implementation of daily tooth brushing would not only improve animal welfare, but also reduce veterinary costs for the owner. There is a paucity of studies investigating attitudes, opinions and practices of dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses regarding preventative dental home care in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate these parameters in Sweden, thereby providing a basis for improved prophylactic strategies. Methods Validated questionnaire surveys were distributed to all Swedish dog owners (n = 209,263), veterinarians (n = 3657) and veterinary nurses (n = 1650) with e-mail addresses in the national registry. The response rates were 32% for dog owners and veterinarians, and 38% for veterinary nurses. The survey questions concerned attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care, including whether dog owners received information concerning dental home care or not, and if this information resulted in implementation. Results Attitudes, opinions and practices regarding dental home care are presented for Swedish dog owners, veterinarians, and veterinary nurses. A fundamental finding was that the absolute majority of Swedish dog owners do not perform adequate prophylactic dental home care. Considerable discrepancies were identified in the opinions of veterinary health practitioners and dog owners regarding attitudes towards dental home care and conveying of information. Several areas for improvement in the communication between dog owners and veterinary health practitioners concerning dental home care were identified. Conclusion Our results illustrates the need for validated methods to increase dog owner compliance with dental home care recommendations. We also see a need of further education, regarding canine dental home care, among veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and dog owners. The results from this unique study constitute an important foundation for future development of prophylactic strategies, with the ultimate goal to improve dental health, and thereby animal welfare, in dogs.
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| 2. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Development and validation of two questionnaires: Dental home care and dental health in Swedish dogs
- 2019
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In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203 .- 1932-6203. ; 14:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Background: Dental disease is one of the most common health problems in dogs. However, no studies have investigated the attitudes, opinions and practices of dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses regarding dental health and preventative dental home care in dogs. The objective of this study was therefore to develop and validate questionnaires for this purpose, in accordance with survey methodology guidelines. Methods: Questionnaire items were determined based on the authors' academic knowledge and clinical experience, and modified throughout the validation process. Several measures were taken to reduce sampling, coverage, measurement and non-response errors. Content validity was assessed by Subject-Matter Experts (SME) and cognitive interviews were conducted in accordance with the “think-aloud protocol”. Non-response analysis was performed using several methods. Results: Constructs were identified using exploratory factor analysis and two predefined constructs from the dog owner questionnaire were confirmed “Dog owners' attitudes towards brushing their dog's teeth” (Cronbach's α = 0.86) and “Dog owners' assessment of their dog's dental health” (α = 0.76). Additionally, exploratory factor analysis identified three potential constructs. In the veterinary health practitioner questionnaire, two constructs were identified: “Veterinary health practitioners' attitudes towards dental chews and dental feed” (α = 0.78) and “Veterinary health practitioners' attitudes and opinions on dental problems and dental cleaning” (α = 0.73). Non-response analysis showed a higher proportion of women in the sample of dog owners and veterinarians compared to the target populations. Veterinarians in the sample were also younger. In contrast, gender and age distributions in veterinary nurses did not differ between sample and target. Conclusion: The validation presented in this work showed that the developed questionnaires could be used as accurate and reliable tools for measuring attitudes and practices regarding dental home care in dogs among Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses.
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| 3. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Dog Owners' Ideas and Strategies Regarding Dental Health in Their Dogs-Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 2297-1769. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Periodontal disease is the most common disease in dogs over 3 years of age. In dogs, as in humans, daily tooth brushing, as a means of active dental home care, is considered the gold standard for prophylaxis and prevention of periodontal disease progression. However, the performance of adequate tooth brushing is insufficient in dogs. There is no full account as to why dog owners fail to comply with this routine, but in order to facilitate better practice, a further understanding of dog owner's perspectives is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding their dogs' dental health. In a large-scale Swedish survey regarding dental health in dogs, dog owners' free text comments (n = 8,742) from a concluding open-ended query were analyzed using qualitative methods. Many different notions concerning dental health in dogs were identified, of which perceived importance of different diets and chewing being the most prominent. Five common themes represented dog owners' ideas and strategies regarding dental health in their dogs: what is considered to cause dental problems; what is deemed not to promote dental health; how to prevent dental problems; what impedes proper dental care, and; needs for increased knowledge and support. Contrary to existing research and knowledge in the field, the respondents commonly trusted that diet procure good dental health in the dog, as does chewing on bones. Seemingly, a range of misconceptions flourish among dog owners, indicating a need to share information and experiences, as well as support to bridge barriers to tooth brushing and other aspects that can enhance dog owners' knowledge and practice. In addition, this study highlights the need for randomized controlled trials on effects of diets and supplements on different aspects of dental health; calculus, periodontal disease, and dental fractures, including dogs of different breeds, sizes and ages. Further research is also needed with respect to which strategies that best aid dog owners, by whom the support is best provided, when, and at what time point.
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| 4. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Dog Owners' Perspectives on Canine Dental Health : A Questionnaire Study in Sweden
- 2020
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In: Frontiers in Veterinary Science. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-1769. ; 7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs, with a reported prevalence of at least 80% in dogs over 3 years of age. However, there is a lack of studies regarding dog owners' assessment of their dog's dental health, and whether they perceive clinical signs often associated with periodontal disease, i.e., dental calculus, halitosis or mobile or lost teeth. A validated questionnaire survey was distributed to all Swedish dog owners with email addresses in the national registry (n = 209,263). The response rate was 32%. The survey questions concerned opinions and practices regarding canine dental health, including assessment of dental health parameters and dog owners' ability to examine their dog's mouth. A construct (α = 0.76) was used to investigate dog owners' assessed symptoms of their dog's dental health in relation to background factors. Half of the respondents rated their dog's dental health as very good. However, one in four dog owners experienced difficulties when inspecting the dog's teeth. The most common reason for this difficulty was stated to be an uncooperative dog. Almost half of the dog owners reported halitosis to some degree in their dog, and almost four in ten owners reported dental calculus. One in eight dogs had been previously anesthetized for dental cleaning, and one in 12 dogs had experienced problems with gum disease, according to the owners. Owners' assessment varied significantly with the dog's age, weight, breed, breed group, sex, and concurrent disease. Owner-related factors that influenced the assessment of the dog's dental health were age, gender, education, county (urban/rural), and whether they were breeders or not. Dog owners with smaller dogs, older dogs and certain breeds predisposed to periodontal disease assessed their dog's dental health as worse than their counterparts, which is in agreement with previously reported higher prevalence of dental disease in these groups. This indicates that dog owners are able to perform relative assessment of their dog's dental health status. Our results also highlight the need for routine professional assessment of periodontal health, as well as education of dog owners and training of dogs to accept dental care procedures.
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| 5. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Long-term effects of motivational interviewing vs. traditional counseling on dog owners' adherence to veterinary dental home care: a three-year follow-up study
- 2024
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In: FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE. - 2297-1769. ; 11
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. However, disease is largely preventable by eliminating dental plaque, best achieved by daily tooth brushing. Unfortunately, owner adherence is low to the recommendation of daily tooth brushing in dogs. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of various communication strategies, traditional advice (TA) versus motivational interviewing (MI), and compare them to a control group receiving no additional communication (CG), on dog owners' performance of dental home care and the oral health of their dogs. Methods The study was conducted as a longitudinal clinical intervention study spanning 3 years, and involved 75 dog owners with young dogs who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: TA, MI, or CG. Intervention groups received annual telephone consultations based on their assigned methodology. A questionnaire was administered twice to all groups, and the dental health of the dogs was assessed at the study's conclusion. Result Tooth brushing frequency demonstrated a significant increase in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01), albeit with a relatively low occurrence of daily brushing among owners. Dental health assessment revealed a significantly lower plaque index in the MI group compared to the CG group (p < 0.05), and a lower calculus index in the TA group compared to the CG group (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences were observed between the MI and TA groups in terms of dental health. Conclusion Regular veterinary communication appears to have a positive influence on dog owner adherence to veterinary recommendations concerning dental care in dogs. Communication with veterinarians (MI and traditional advice) improved owner knowledge, attitude, and decreased frequency of not brushing. Although dental health parameters improved, the effect size was small, suggesting the complexity of adherence. Personalized calls to dog owners offer potential for dental health improvement, warranting further comparison of MI with traditional advice.
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| 7. |
- Enlund, Karolina Brunius, et al.
(author)
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Professional dental cleaning in dogs: clinical routines among Swedish veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- 2020
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In: Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1751-0147 .- 0044-605X. ; 62:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Dental disease is very common in dogs and veterinary professional dental cleaning and examination, together with daily dental home care, is the foundation for good dental health. To our knowledge, no previous study has investigated professional dental cleaning routines in small animal veterinary practice. A validated questionnaire survey was distributed to all veterinarians and veterinary nurses with registered e-mail addresses in the Swedish national registry (veterinarians; n = 3657, veterinary nurses; n = 1650). Response rates were 32% for veterinarians (V) and 38% for veterinary nurses (VN). Results: In total, 73% (V)/96% (VN) of respondents reported that professional dental cleaning was performed at their work place under general anesthesia, and 27% (V)/18% (VN) that dental cleaning was performed under sedation. Of the respondents, 43% (V)/96% (VN) considered regular dental cleaning under general anesthesia fairly or very important, and 49% (V)/47% (VN) stated that it was sometimes important for good dental health in dogs. A majority of respondents, 84% (V)/97% (VN), reported that dental extractions were performed at their clinic, and 72% (V)/90% (VN) had access to dental radiography equipment. Conclusion: A majority of Swedish veterinarians and veterinary nurses perform professional dental cleaning under general anesthesia with access to dental radiography equipment, in accordance with national and international recommendations. However, a considerable proportion of professional dental cleanings were performed under sedation only, and extractions performed without access to dental radiography equipment were common, suggesting several areas of improvement in the routines in Swedish veterinary clinics and hospitals. Our results clearly indicate the need for improved educational efforts to increase the awareness among veterinary health professionals regarding guidelines and official recommendations in canine dental care.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Enlund, Karolina
(author)
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Dental care in dogs : a survey of Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses
- 2021
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Dental problems are often encountered in dogs, with periodontal disease as the most common disease by far. Today, daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for dental home care in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes and practices regarding canine dental care. Questionnaires were developed, validated and distributed to all registered Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Responses were received from 66,434 dog owners (32%), 1,161 veterinarians (32%) and 624 veterinary nurses (38%). Results showed that only 4% of dog owners brushed their dog’s teeth daily. Another finding was the lack of early preventative dental home care information communicated by veterinary health practitioners to dog owners. Although dog owners perceived their pet’s dental health as being of major importance (80%), many also reported difficulties when inspecting their dog’s mouth (25%). Many owners (26%) reported having attempted to brush, but discontinued. It was more common for smaller dogs and for breeds known to be at risk of periodontal disease to have their teeth brushed. We propose that dog owners would benefit from extra support from e.g. veterinary practitioners to maintain dental home care routines for their dog. Contrary to national and international guidelines, professional dental cleaning in veterinary clinics using sedation only, and dental extractions without access to dental radiography equipment, occurred commonly, highlighting room for improvement. In conclusion, this thesis presents the attitudes, opinions and routines of Swedish dog owners, veterinarians and veterinary nurses regarding dental care in dogs, providing a basis for future improved prophylactic strategies.
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