Articles tagged with Dogs
A study published by the University of Helsinki found that an active lifestyle can significantly reduce fearfulness in dogs. The research revealed significant breed differences, with some breeds, such as Chinese Crested Dogs, being less fearful than others, like Cairn Terriers.
A new Oregon State University study suggests that firefighters are more likely to be exposed to potentially harmful chemicals while on duty compared to off duty. The researchers found 18 PAHs that have not been previously reported as firefighting exposures, and exposure levels increased with the number of fires responded to.
Research suggests that dogs are still a major threat to giant pandas in Chinese nature reserves, with 40% of habitats within range of roaming dogs. Implementing dog-control measures, such as licensing and neutering, is crucial for the bears' survival.
A new study from UC Davis found that mixed-breed dogs weighing over 44 pounds are at higher risk for joint disorders if neutered before 1 year of age. The study suggests that dog owners should consider their options carefully when deciding whether to spay or neuter their pet.
According to a recently published commentary article, increased rates of dog bites in children have been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors attribute these increases to heightened stress for dogs and decreased adult supervision around dogs and children.
A study in Journal of Marketing found that the dueling preferences approach can increase prosocial gifts, such as tipping and donating. This approach frames giving as a choice between two options, tapping into people's desire to express themselves.
Researchers found that filling homes with calming pheromones can reduce undesirable interactions between cats and dogs, such as dog chasing cat or barking at cat. Both Feliway Friends for cats and Adaptil for dogs showed positive effects on desirable behaviors like friendly greetings and relaxation in the same room.
Research suggests that 1 in 4 UK puppies may be acquired before the minimum recommended age, risking health and behavioral problems. Factors associated with early adoption include visiting the puppy before taking it home or intending to use the dog for work.
A new study reveals that dog brains, like human brains, process speech in a hierarchical manner, with intonation processed at lower stages and word meanings at higher stages. The research used functional MRI to measure brain activity in awake dogs while they listened to praise words and unknown neutral words in different tones.
A study by Purdue University reveals that the primary role of PTSD service dogs is to disrupt episodes of anxiety, with trained tasks being used an average of 3.16 times per day. The dogs' trained behaviors, such as nudging or licking veterans to focus, were also reported to be highly important.
Researchers at MU successfully treated bone cancer in dogs with a vaccine that stimulates the immune system against abnormal proteins specific to the patient's tumor. The treatment outperformed chemotherapy, resulting in over 400 days of cancer survival for dogs compared to about 270 days for those receiving traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers found that pigs initially initiate interactions with humans as dogs do, but in a problem-solving situation, pigs persist on their own, while dogs rely on humans for help. This study compares the communication behaviors of dogs and pigs in a problem-solving context.
A comprehensive study of 35 dog breeds found that vulnerability to joint disorders varies greatly depending on the breed, with smaller breeds generally unaffected. The study also identified significant increases in certain cancers in smaller dogs when neutered, highlighting the need for personalized neutering decisions.
A recent study claiming the coronavirus may have jumped from dogs to humans lacks direct evidence, according to a collaborative group of international researchers. The team refuted the earlier study, highlighting that dogs are not special in their content of proteins that interact with viral CpG content.
Researchers found that natural-origin sorbent materials, including peat moss, dog fur, and human hair products, can be effective in cleaning up oil spills on land. Sustainable options like dog fur and human hair show promise as cheaper and biodegradable alternatives to synthetic fabrics.
Research found that owner behavior, rather than internal principles like the principle of least effort, affects the effort and accuracy of dogs' showing. Owners who encouraged their dog to show where a toy was hidden increased effort but decreased accuracy.
Research found that children from dog-owning households had better social and emotional wellbeing, with reduced difficulties in emotions and social interactions. Regular family dog walks and playtime were associated with even more positive outcomes.
Researchers found a new formula that better matches canine-human life stages, with an 8-week-old dog equivalent to a 9-month-old baby. The study also identified developmental genes that drive aging and created an age-measuring clock for different species.
A study in Kenya found that grassroots dog vaccination campaigns can prevent rabies deaths, but to eliminate the disease, larger efforts are required. The efforts involved vaccinating over 13,000 dogs and raising awareness among children about rabies prevention.
Researchers at UC San Diego develop new method to accurately compare dog age to human age, based on methyl group patterns in genomes. The formula provides a 'molecular clock' that can help evaluate anti-aging products and understand aging processes in dogs.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania used a glowing dye to illuminate cancerous tissue during surgery, which helped identify spread to lymph nodes. The technique could improve outcomes in breast cancer patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery.
Genetic study reveals modern sled dog breeds share a distinct lineage that emerged at least 9,500 years ago. The analysis of ancient and modern Arctic dog genomes suggests gene flow from Siberian Pleistocene wolves, highlighting the importance of sled technology in human subsistence.
Thylacosmilus atrox, a marsupial from Argentina, was previously thought to be a fierce predator like Smilodon. However, new research reveals it was likely a scavenger, using its canines to open carcasses and possibly its tongue to extract innards. Its skull and teeth show distinct differences from those of placental saber-toothed cats.
Researchers sequenced ancient DNA from a 9,500-year-old dog, revealing that modern sledge dogs share a common origin with the ancient breed. The study also found genetic adaptations similar to those of polar bears and Arctic people.
A recent study found that walking with a shelter dog can decrease psychological and physiological stress indicators in military veterans, particularly those with higher PTSD symptom severity. The researchers measured heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and alpha-amylase before, during, and after walks with dogs or humans.
A UK study found that older and heavier dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, with flat-faced breeds like pugs facing higher risks. The study also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy bodyweight and breeding for respiratory function in dogs.
A recent international study found a significant shift in pet feeding practices over the past decade, with a rise in raw and home-made foods. The research warns that these unconventional diets may pose health risks for animals, citing nutrient deficiencies and bacterial contamination.
A study found that dog breeds labeled as 'cooperative' and 'independent' do not exhibit different responses to unfair outcomes, contrary to previous hypotheses. Dogs from both breed groups displayed inequity aversion, with some differences in behavior observed between the groups.
Researchers from the University of Bath have developed motion capture technology that can digitise dogs without a suit and using only one camera. This technology has various applications, including helping vets diagnose lameness and monitoring recovery in canine patients.
Researchers used silicone dog tags as passive environmental samplers to collect data on everyday chemical exposures in dogs and their owners. They found significant correlations between exposure levels for owners and pets, as well as similarities in urinary biomarkers.
A genomic region on chromosome 11 has been identified as associated with fearfulness in dogs, including large breeds like the Great Dane. The study's findings suggest that this region may play a role in both neural development and function, as well as anxiety.
A recent study by Arizona State University's Canine Science Collaboratory found that pet dogs will attempt to rescue their owners if they know how. Approximately one-third of the dogs in the experiment rescued their owners, suggesting that motivation alone is not enough, but rather a combination of understanding and ability are required.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that CBD significantly reduces inflammatory molecules and immune cells associated with arthritis in dogs. The study showed that CBD treatment improved quality of life in 90% of the dogs, supporting future scientific evaluation of CBD for human arthritis.
Research by Newcastle University and the University of Nottingham found that dogs exhibit typical teenage behavior, such as ignoring commands and training difficulties, at around 8 months old. This behavior is more pronounced in dogs with insecure attachments to their owners.
Trained dogs can detect fire accelerants like gasoline in tiny quantities, making them more sensitive than conventional lab tests. The study provides a target for forensic labs when processing evidence flagged by detection dogs.
Fruit flies' brains learn to ignore prevalent smells and amplify rare ones through a signal filtering process. This understanding may apply to dogs and humans, and could be used to train AI machines.
A new study suggests that CBD could be a useful therapy for glioblastoma, an often-deadly form of brain cancer. The researchers found that CBD slows cancer cell growth and is toxic to both canine and human glioblastoma cell lines.
Research from the University of Missouri found that pets lead to reduced stress and increased social interaction for both children with autism and their parents. The study suggests that pets can provide comfort and support for families, making them a valuable addition.
A study published in Evolution Letters found that dog breeds do not exhibit the expected correlation between their physical traits and behavior, contradicting earlier hypotheses. This challenges our understanding of the domestication process and highlights the need to distinguish between domestication traits and improvement traits.
A study found the dangerous mcr-1 gene in two healthy humans and a pet dog in Portugal, providing resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort. The presence of this gene in humans and animals raises concerns about potential transmission and the emergence of untreatable infections.
A new study has investigated the role of pet care in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among hospital patients. The research found no significant difference in pet care or closeness of contact to pets between MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative patients, with only a small percentage of pet owners and their pets infected.
New research reveals that raw-type dog foods contain high levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to last-line antibiotics. The potential transfer of such bacteria between dogs and humans is an international public health risk.
Researchers developed CoproID, a reliable method to distinguish between human and dog feces based on ancient host DNA and microbiome composition. This technique enables the investigation of changes in the human gut microbiome throughout time, shedding light on food intolerances and other health issues.
A questionnaire survey identified potential separation-related problems in 30 out of 223 sampled cats, including destructive behavior, excessive vocalization, and depression. The study found that households with no female residents and those without cat toys were more likely to have cats with these issues.
Interacting with therapy dogs for several minutes reduces self-reported anxiety and salivary cortisol levels among emergency providers. The study suggests a small benefit in stress reduction after the interaction, but the extent of the benefit is unclear.
Scientists have mapped the genome of the German shepherd, providing a reference for future studies of diseases that afflict this breed. The completed genome will enable early detection and development of breeding programs to reduce genetic diseases like hip dysplasia.
A University of Helsinki study reveals significant differences in fearfulness among urban and rural dog populations. Socialisation in puppyhood, activity levels, and breed-specific factors all contribute to fearfulness in dogs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found that heart size affects both vortex flow and pressure difference in dogs. The study suggests that correcting for these differences can be used to diagnose diastolic function in pediatric and veterinary medicine.
A genetic disorder affecting Airedale Terriers has been discovered and found to be associated with a surfactant deficiency in their lungs. The study identifies the LAMP3 gene as a candidate gene for this disease and suggests a potential link to human newborn respiratory issues.
Researchers found that large predators generally suppress smaller predators, providing more food in the form of leftover prey. However, the scavenging process can also be deadly for smaller carnivores, as they may be killed by their larger kin when returning to the kill site.
Separation anxiety in dogs is caused by four key forms of distress: getting away from something, wanting to get outside, reacting to external noises, and boredom. Understanding these root causes is crucial for effective treatment.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki discovered novel loci associated with hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in German Shepherds, highlighting the hereditary nature and polygenic background of the disorder. The study sheds light on the genetic factors influencing complex diseases and may lead to better treatment options in the future.
Researchers tested zika virus as a therapy for dogs with spontaneous brain tumors, achieving tumor reduction and longer survival. The treatment was well-tolerated and safe, with no adverse side effects.
A study by University of Helsinki researchers identified a gene variant in the regulatory region of the retina responsible for canine blindness in Miniature Schnauzers. The finding provides valuable insights into retinal biology and offers a new model for understanding related diseases, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
A study of 46 Finnish Leonbergers found that 15% had severe arrhythmia and 15% had milder cardiac changes, with sudden deaths linked to cardiac arrhythmia. The researchers aim to identify the genetic cause of the disorder to develop early diagnostics, breeding programs, and potential drug therapies.
Research by University of Helsinki finds unwanted behavior in 73% of dogs, with significant breed-specific differences. Traits like noise sensitivity and fearfulness are common, while compulsive behaviour and separation anxiety also occur.
Researchers describe cases of hearing loss in working dogs, highlighting the importance of noise protection. Hearing loss can be treated, and owners can adapt to help their pets thrive despite the condition.
A study of 13,700 Finnish pet dogs found that 72.5% displayed anxiety-like traits or behavioral issues, including aggression and fearfulness. The most common anxiety traits were noise sensitivity and fear.
Distributional semantics provides radically empirical representations of words' meanings by processing thousands of texts. Research by Gemma Boleda highlights its potential to advance knowledge on how language works, including detecting changes in meaning over time.
Researchers develop a new health tracking sensor that can monitor vital signs like heart and breathing rates through fur or up to four layers of clothing. The sensor could help owners track their pets' health and improve the work of sniffer dogs used to detect bombs and missing persons.