Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, is one of the most common inflammatory diseases in dogs. However, the current presence of canine periodontal disease is unknown in Japan. Using simple assessment methods, the present study evaluated the prevalence of dental plaque/calculus, which was not a direct cause of periodontal disease but is a contributor, and gingivitis in 202 household dogs. In addition, we also evaluated the scores of dental plaque/calculus and gingivitis, which were indicating stages of progression, with some factors such as ages. Overall prevalence of dental plaque/calculus was 94.6% and the prevalence was significantly higher in ≥10 years group (100%) rather than in ≤3 years one (83.0%). Overall prevalence of gingivitis was 70.8% and the prevalences of gingivitis in groups of 4-6 years (82.6%), 7-9 year (76.2%), and ≥10 years (95.2%) were significantly higher than in ≤3 years group (22.6%). The scores of dental plaque/calculus and gingivitis were also significantly increased in other groups rather than in ≤3 years group. These findings indicate that routine dental care to prevent periodontal disease has not been performed adequately in household dogs. Therefore, due to the owners are required to reconfirm the importance of routine dental care for their animals, the role of companion animal nurses is essential for client education.

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In this study, effective methods for providing information and raising awareness regarding heatstroke prevention in dogs, based on the level of interest of dog owners in countermeasures, were examined. A survey was conducted targeting agility participant owners (Group A) and non-participant owners (Group C). In both groups, >70% of owners walked their dogs on asphalt or concrete surfaces, indicating exposure to environments that can cause heat stress. Owners in Group A implemented a greater number of heatstroke prevention measures over a longer duration than owners in Group C. The use of cooling equipment by owners and for the dogs was also significantly higher for owners in Group A, suggesting a higher level of concern regarding heatstroke prevention. The internet was the primary source of information for both groups, although owners in Group A utilized friends, acquaintances, and social media. Although most owners recognized the importance of heatstroke prevention, it is necessary to promote scientifically grounded strategies and to accumulate evidence on the effectiveness of practical and easy-to-implement measures. Animal hospitals were not widely recognized as sources of information, highlighting a potential role for veterinary nurses for companion animals in the dissemination of information regarding companion animals. Efforts to increase awareness, tailored to the interest of dog owners, were considered to be effective in facilitating the dissemination of appropriate preventive measures.

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