Knowledge, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Practices of Dog and Cat Owners Regarding Skin Tumors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT: Skin tumors are among the most common neoplasms in dogs and cats, sharing biological and environmental risk factors with human cancers. Owners play a critical role in early detection, yet little is known about their knowledge and attitudes. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and practices of Portuguese pet owners regarding skin tumors in companion animals. An online cross-sectional survey was completed by 420 respondents. Overall, awareness of risk factors such as sun exposure and age was relatively high, but most owners were unable to identify specific tumor types or locations. Only one-quarter believed skin tumors are curable, while the majority expressed uncertainty. Women, those with multiple or long-term pet ownership, and individuals with family or pers

SUBMITTER: Cardoso C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12656767 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature