Journal of Veterinary Parasitology

A preliminary survey made in 2003–2004 in Pondicherry from different dog owners, graded on the basis of their education, revealed that 21.66% dog owners had no idea regarding transmission of Toxocara canis to humans. However, awareness was more in owners. Whatsoever (11.66%), who were graduates potential owners and less below in high school passed owners (1.66%). About 41.66% owners allowed the dogs to enter in all rooms except kitchen and 39.43% owners allowed their dog(s) to roam outside. About 73.37% owners allowed the dogs to defecate near roadside, 14.26% in field or playground and 6.18% in public places. When dogs defecated in courtyard, 69.73% owners preferred to collect the faeces on a piece of paper for discard on roadside, and 31.64% people did not prefer to wash hands with soap detergent or water after handling dog faeces. Tendency to use detergent soap was more in graduate owners and less in others. Nearly, 71.65% owners allowed children to play with dogs and after playing 41.00% children follow the practice of washing their hands with soap, while 23.32% children washed hands with water only and 8.32% neither used soap or water.