THE USE OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT-PRACTICES BY A RANDOMLY SELECTED GROUP OF DOG OWNERS IN PERTH

A telephone survey of 284 households owning 339 dogs was conducted to determine the adoption of health and management practices and the use of veterinary services. Although most dogs (91%) had been vaccinated at some time, only 67% had been vaccinated in the preceding 12 months. More than 80% of dogs had been treated for fleas and intestinal parasites in the previous 12 months. Forty-three percent of dogs were on preventive heartworm therapy. Most dogs (77%) had visited a veterinarian in the preceding 12 months. Ninety-four percent of the interviewees were satisfied or very satisfied with the service provided by the veterinarian. Fees were an occasional source of dissatisfaction. It is concluded that there are areas of veterinary services such as annual booster vaccinations and heartworm preventive therapy which require further emphasis and promotion.