Dogs

More selective breeding might help flat-faced dogs to breathe easier

Peruvian hairless dogs discovered at ancient site

A new study published in the Journal of Anthropological Archaeology provides physical evidence of Peruvian hairless dogs from the Wari Empire site of Castillo de Huarmey. The site, located on the Pacific coast of northern Peru, yielded dog skeletal remains that were analyzed using standard zooarchaeological methods and isotopic analysis.

New technology helps flat-faced dogs breathe easy

Australian scientists have developed an injectable therapy called Snoretox-1 to help clear blocked airways in flat-faced dogs suffering from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). The treatment shows early success in improving breathing difficulties in bulldogs.

Playing with your dog creates a stronger bond

A Linköping University study shows that playing with dogs for just a few minutes a day can significantly improve the emotional bond between owners and their pets. Dog training did not have the same effect, suggesting that playtime is crucial for building strong relationships.

Assistance dogs interpret needs of the person they assist non-verbally

A study by the University of Turku reveals that assistance dogs actively contribute to their human's care through continuous interpretation and trust. They anticipate health status, provide mobility assistance, and offer emotional support in ways that humans cannot.

Unlocking how dogs’ fungal ear infections evade treatment points vets to drug stewardship

Researchers discovered that mutations in a key protein make yeast found in dogs with common outer ear infections more resistant to topical antifungals. The team recommends using shorter-tailed azoles as initial therapy for dogs with yeast ear infections, reserving longer-tailed azoles for recurrent or non-responsive cases.

Dog Aging Project studies offer insight into how owners experience pet loss

New research from the Dog Aging Project reveals that dog owners experience strikingly similar emotional impacts whether their dogs died through euthanasia or unassisted death. Owners reported comparable feelings of grief, guilt, and blame regardless of the circumstances surrounding their dog's death.

Big and small dogs both impact indoor air quality, just differently

A study by the American Chemical Society found that small active dogs produce more airborne particles, while larger dogs release more microbes into the air. The research suggests that dogs can impact household air quality at a level similar to or more than humans, and highlights the importance of including pet emissions in ventilation ...

Dogs are more like toddlers than cats when it comes to helping humans

Research found that dogs and 16-month-old toddlers exhibited similar prosocial behaviour when searching for a hidden object, with over 75% of them indicating or retrieving the object. In contrast, companion cats rarely showed such behaviour, suggesting domestication may not be enough to produce human-like cooperation.

Pekingese, Shih Tzu and Staffordshire Bull Terrier among twelve dog breeds at risk of serious breathing condition

A study from the University of Cambridge identified twelve dog breeds at risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, a condition causing serious breathing problems. The breeds include Pekingese, Shih Tzu, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, with narrow nostrils and short head shapes being significant risk factors.

Canine obesity and its link to eye pressure

Overweight and obese dogs have significantly higher eye pressure than lean dogs, with a 1.9 mmHg increase for every one-unit rise in body condition score. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for protecting a dog's long-term vision and ocular health.

New expert guidelines standardize diagnosis and monitoring of canine dementia

A new set of guidelines provides veterinarians and pet owners with a clear approach to diagnose and monitor canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also known as canine dementia. The guidelines outline key signs, diagnostic levels, and stages of disease severity to support care decisions.

Ancient ‘spaghetti’ in dogs’ hearts reveals surprising origins of heartworm

A global DNA study suggests that Australian heartworms may share ancestry with parasites from Asia, potentially linking their origin to dingoes that migrated from the continent thousands of years ago. The research has implications for developing treatments given the rise in drug resistance to heartworm disease.

Sniffing out cancer: Trained dogs can detect hemangiosarcoma by scent

Researchers at Penn Vet have shown that trained dogs can identify the odor of hemangiosarcoma, a malignant cancer of blood vessel cells, with an accuracy rate of 70%. Early detection could lead to better outcomes, including prevention of disease spread and earlier removal of the spleen or initiation of chemotherapy.

Influence of dog ownership on exercise self-efficacy and physical activity: Differences before and after COVID-19

Dog owners experienced a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned to pre-pandemic levels. Non-dog owners showed no significant changes. Before the pandemic, dog ownership was associated with high exercise self-efficacy, predicting greater physical activity.

Mental trauma succeeds 1 in 7 dog related injuries, claims data suggest

A study analyzing personal injury claims data for England and Wales found that mental trauma succeeds 1 in 7 dog-related injuries, resulting in the need for time off work and/or loss of earnings. Most incidents occurred in public spaces, with unrestrained dogs being a common cause.

Some dogs can learn new words by eavesdropping on their owners

Researchers found that Gifted Word Learner dogs can quickly learn hundreds of toy names through natural play sessions with their owners. These dogs excel in learning both directly and from overheard speech, similar to human infants.

Researchers develop guidelines for diagnosing, monitoring canine cognitive decline

Researchers have released guidelines for diagnosing and monitoring CCDS in senior dogs, offering practical diagnostic criteria and standard definitions. The guidelines are designed to aid both clinicians and researchers in helping dogs with cognitive issues, paving the way towards improved diagnostics and therapeutics.

Study explores role of neutrophils in canine atopic dermatitis

A new study from North Carolina State University found that neutrophils play a role in the early stages of atopic dermatitis flares in dogs. The researchers compared skin samples from four dogs with house dust mite-induced AD with samples from five healthy, or control, dogs.

Family dogs boost adolescent mental health through the microbiome

Research suggests that owning a family dog during adolescence can boost mental well-being and social support by altering the gut microbiota. The study found that adolescents with dogs had higher mental health scores and lower social problems compared to those without dogs.

Researchers confirm new rickettsia species found in dogs

Researchers from North Carolina State University have confirmed a new species of Rickettsia bacteria found in dogs, associated with symptoms similar to those of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The new species, Rickettsia finnyi, has been cultured and sequenced, and its genome revealed a unique circular chromosome.

What is that dog taking? CBD supplements could make dogs less aggressive over time, study finds

A recent study found that dogs given CBD supplements show below-average levels of aggression over time, with the most aggressive changes observed in male dogs. The study, which used data from almost 50,000 dog owners, also found a link between CBD use and health conditions such as dementia and osteoarthritis.

From shiloh shepherds to chihuahuas, study finds that the majority of modern dogs have detectable wolf ancestry

Research reveals that post-domestication wolf ancestry has shaped the evolution of dogs, influencing characteristics such as body size, sense of smell, and personality traits. The study found detectable levels of wolf ancestry in a wide range of dog breeds, including Shiloh shepherds and chihuahuas.

Most homemade dog diets lack nutrients, Texas A&M study finds

A recent study from the Dog Aging Project found that only 6% of homemade dog food recipes meet nutritional requirements. Dog owners should work with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to create a balanced diet tailored to their pet's needs, and consider testing their homemade diet for accuracy.

Golden retriever and human behaviours are driven by same genes

Researchers identified 12 genes linked to canine behaviour also associated with human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The study provides insights into understanding dog emotional worlds and tailoring training or care to suit their needs.

Family dogs’ ADHD-like traits are linked to learning and self-control

Researchers found that dogs with stronger ADHD-like traits were slower to learn new information, but improved with repetition and sufficient sleep. The studies also revealed a link between ADHD-like traits and self-control in dogs, suggesting that cognitive training and sleep can mitigate these impairments.

Message from the oldest-living dogs to dogs and men: Gonad function fights frailty

A study by the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation's Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies found that retaining gonad function can significantly impact frailty mortality risk. Male dogs with shortest testis exposure had high mortality risks, while those with longest gonad exposure showed no consequence of increasing frailty.

Uncovering the biology of growing old

A large study in pet dogs has uncovered molecular clues that could shed light on how aging unfolds in pets and people alike. The researchers found that a type of metabolite called post-translationally modified amino acids (ptmAAs) appeared strongly linked with aging across dogs of all breeds, sizes, and sexes.

Can blood analyses in dogs provide insights into human aging?

Researchers analyzed blood samples from dogs in the Dog Aging Project and found that post-translationally modified amino acids are strongly linked to age, suggesting a promising indicator of physiological aging. The study also highlighted an important role of the kidney in the relationship between age and blood metabolites.

Canine metabolism responds better to fat than carbs, research suggests

A new study by the University of Helsinki found that a high-fat raw meat-based diet had favorable metabolic effects on dogs, while a high-carbohydrate kibble diet was associated with adverse changes. The study's lead researcher notes that more research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of these diets.

The talking dog dream: what science says about it

Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University review the biological and technological possibilities behind enhancing canine communication. They find that while dogs may not need words to be great communicators, understanding each other requires 'listening' in the right way.

Study finds ‘man’s best friend’ slows cellular aging in female veterans

A groundbreaking study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found that working with service dogs can slow cellular aging in female veterans. The study, which involved female veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, revealed promising biological benefits associated with service dog training.

Babies who grow up around dogs may have a lower risk of developing childhood asthma

Research suggests that exposure to dog allergens in the home may reduce the risk of developing childhood asthma by five years old. Babies with higher levels of Can f1, a dog skin protein, had around a 48% lower risk of developing asthma and better lung function.

Reducing the environmental ‘paw-print’ - plant-based dog foods are better for the environment than red meat options

A recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that plant-based diets for pets have the lowest environmental impact across all measures. The study analyzed 31 commercially available dry dog foods and estimated their environmental metrics using life cycle assessment datasets. Compared to red meat options, plant-based dog foods...

Raising money for a charity? Don't bark up the wrong tree.

A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.

With no prior training, dogs can infer how similar types of toys work, even when they don’t look alike

A team of animal behavior experts found that Gifted Word Learner dogs can distinguish between toys used for tugging versus fetching, even when the toys don't share any obvious physical similarities. The dogs were able to remember those categorizations for long periods without prior training.

Dogs can extend word meanings to new objects based on function, not appearance

Researchers found that Gifted Word Learner dogs can apply verbal labels to new objects by recognizing their functional purpose, mirroring human language development. This ability opens exciting avenues for studying how language-related skills may evolve beyond humans.

Getting a puppy poses mental health challenges alongside benefits for U.K. families

A new study reveals that puppy ownership can bring joy to parents and children, but also presents mental health challenges, including child-puppy interactions and caregiver responsibilities. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend discussing dog-care responsibilities with children and attending safety training classes.

Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

A new Virginia Tech study establishes a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale, tracking trends in fear, attention, aggression, and trainability over four years. The research found that dogs are adaptable and not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with some notable exceptions related to trainability.

Puppy power: Parents see quality of life improvements in children with impaired walking thanks to mobility assistance dogs

Children with variable levels of walking impairment experience significant physical activity, social engagement, and family life improvements. Parents also report increased confidence, self-belief, and reduced anxiety in their children.

Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

A new Virginia Tech study analyzes four years of owner-reported data from over 47,000 dogs to establish a baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale. The research reveals that dogs are adaptable and shows no substantial changes in behavioral profiles despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic may have influenced the trainability of dogs, as reported by their owners

A survey of nearly 50,000 dog owners found that dogs became harder to train during the pandemic, with improvements noted once restrictions were lifted. Factors like age, breed, and size also influenced behavior, with mixed-breed dogs showing more fear, aggression, and need for attention.

Researchers unleash the power of a new tool in canine cancer treatment

A new study from Mizzou's College of Veterinary Medicine analyzed the effects of radioactive iodine therapy on thyroid cancer in dogs. The research found that tailoring the dose of radiation more precisely for each dog could improve outcomes and potentially lead to more targeted care.

Wired for voices: Conserved brain responses in mammals

A new study reveals that humans, dogs, and pigs share similar brain responses to vocal sounds and calls from their own species, indicating an evolutionarily ancient mammalian heritage. This discovery sheds light on the deep roots of voice perception and highlights the value of studying companion animals to better understand human biology.

A diagnostic system developed for identifying ADHD-suspected dogs

A new diagnostic system has been developed to identify ADHD-like symptoms in family dogs. The system combines owner-rated questionnaires with a short behavioral test to assess inattention, excessive activity, and impulsivity levels.

Researchers identify gene associated with deadly heart disease in golden retrievers

Golden retrievers are at risk of a fatal heart condition due to a genetic mutation in the Cardiac Troponin-I gene. The study, published in Circulation: Genomic and Precision Medicine, identified a single genetic variant that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and sudden death in dogs.

Plant-based dog foods not nutritionally complete, but may suffice with supplements

A UK study found that plant-based dog foods did not meet nutritional guidelines for iodine and B-vitamins, but experts say supplements or formulation changes can address these gaps. The research analyzed 31 dry dog foods, including meat-based and veterinary options, and found none met European Pet Food Industry Federation standards.

Vegan dog food provides similar nutrients to meat-based diets, new study finds

A new study published in PLOS One found that vegan diets for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat-based diets. The study highlights the importance of a balanced and nutritional diet for canine companions, emphasizing that every dog is unique and dietary needs vary.

Immune system markers could unleash personalized veterinary care for dogs

The study identified patterns in T cell receptor repertoires that are specific to both individual dogs and breeds of dog. This could lead to the development of simple blood tests to inform treatment and diagnostic decisions.

What do you do if your dog ingests cocaine? How one researcher is trying to protect pets from future accidents

Dr. Jake Johnson explains the challenges of studying canine cocaine toxicosis, including limited data and messy clinical reality. He shares insights on diagnosing symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of owner honesty in seeking veterinary help.

A new network could help predict health problems in your pup

A study of over 26,000 dogs reveals which diseases tend to co-occur and provide insights into canine healthcare. The network analysis suggests new connections between diseases, such as low iron and protein in the urine, and helps guide veterinary practice.

What’s in your pup’s bowl? Heavy metals, reveals 10-state survey

A recent survey of 178 dogs in 10 states found that two-thirds consume higher-than-recommended levels of heavy metals in their drinking water. The study highlights the need for further research on the long-term health effects of these exposures, particularly in rural areas where private wells are common.

Winning by a nose: Dog behavior is linked to head shape

Researchers found that short-nosed dogs are calmer and less reactive, but this benefit is often masked by lack of training. Consistent training is crucial for their good traits to shine through.

Study links dog breed, environment to canine obesity

A new study led by Texas A&M University found that popular sporting group breeds are more likely to be motivated by food, while owners in urban environments and with multiple dogs are also at risk. The study emphasizes the importance of tailored weight management strategies for dogs and their families.

Animal behavior: Dog TV viewing habits vary by personality

Research found that dog TV viewing habits differ by personality, with excitable dogs more likely to follow on-screen objects and fearful dogs reacting to car horns or doorbells. The study, published in Scientific Reports, suggests that engaging with TV could provide dogs with an enriching experience.

Do dogs judge you?

A recent study by researchers at Kyoto University found that dogs across all age groups did not exhibit preferences for generous or selfish individuals, despite their ability to eavesdrop on another dog's interactions. This suggests that reputation formation may be more complex than previously thought in animals like dogs.

Man’s best friend could be the spotted lanternfly’s worst enemy

A study led by Virginia Tech found that volunteer dog-handler teams can effectively detect the elusive egg masses of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect damaging farms and forests across the eastern and central United States. With proper training, dog owners can turn their pets into powerful partners for conservation.

Bio detection dogs successfully detect Parkinson’s disease by odor, study finds

Researchers trained two dogs to distinguish between sebum swabs from people with and without Parkinson's disease, achieving sensitivity of up to 80% and specificity of up to 98%. The study suggests that dogs could help develop a quick, non-invasive method for early detection.

New study finds no lasting impact of pandemic pet ownership on human well-being

A new study found that acquiring a dog during the COVID-19 lockdown had a short-lived boost in cheerfulness but no long-term positive effects on human well-being. Losing a pet also did not leave a lasting impact on its former owners' well-being.

Ancient DNA reveals new clues about the incredible journey of dogs in the Americas

A new study on ancient dog DNA shows that dogs slowly spread southward alongside early farming societies in the Americas. The research found that all pre-contact dogs in Central and South America descended from a single maternal lineage.