Public perception of epilepsy in dogs is more favorable than in humans

ObjectivesWith the use of YouTube™, this study provides results on both the demographics and public perception for a sample of videos of canine epilepsy.MethodsA random sample of 150 videos was collected, the uploader description was recorded, and viewers' comments were coded according to their emotional and informational content.ResultsMore comments were found to be sympathetic than derogatory, and there were more information-providing than information-seeking comments. The number of sympathetic comments was found to correlate positively with the number of derogatory comments, and the number of information-providing comments correlated positively with the number of information-seeking comments.ConclusionThese findings shed light on the variation in perceptions of seizures in dogs, which are interestingly more sympathetic towards dogs with epilepsy than towards humans with epilepsy. This highlights the potential future use of YouTube in investigating public views as well as in informing and educating.

► YouTube™ can provide insights into public perception of canine epilepsy. ► The general public is more often sympathetic than derogatory to dogs with seizures. ► Most people provide information rather than seek information. ► Public perceptions of seizures appear to be more sympathetic to dogs than to humans. ► YouTube™ can be used to investigate public views, to inform, and to educate.