Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Some Owned Dogs in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

A study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs in Lokoja, North central Nigeria, found significant rate of infection. Three hundred (300) faecal samples were collected from the owned dogs from Lokoja Metropolis. The dogs were grouped in exotic and local breeds. The samples collected were diagnosed under microscope for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the study location, using floatation and sedimentation techniques. The 300 samples diagnosed, showed 46.67% infected with either one or more gastrointestinal parasites. The result showed Felele 46(62.16) had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites as observed in the various study locations. In relation to season, the result showed more prevalence in the rainy season 133(42.90) as compared to dry season 110(35.48).The   younger dogs 142(47.33)proved to have the highest infection rate as compared to the adult dogs 22(7.33) and this could be attributed to low immune system compared to adult dogs that have acquired impunity due to their previous exposure.  The result showed statistically significant difference among all the intrinsic and extrinsic factors under consideration P<0.05).The parasites identified were Echinococcus spp, Ancylostoma spp, Coccidia, Taenia spp, Fasciola spp, and Ascaris spp. Generally gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in the study area, which highlights the importance of this research that will provide a baseline to implement policies that will reduce spreading of these diseases among the dogs and other animals within the study area. There is need for mass education, on the importance of monthly deworming, and the danger associated raw meat feeding, offals feeding