Articles tagged with Dogs
New research reveals ancient dingo fossils are most similar to Japanese dogs, 'singing dogs' of New Guinea, and highland wild dog of Irian Jaya. Modern dingoes have evolved to become larger and leaner over 3,000 years.
A pilot study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that therapy dog interactions increased self-reported positive mood nearly doubling among healthcare workers. The program improved work engagement and reduced emotional exhaustion, burnout, and stress among staff.
A massive genomic survey reveals two distinct lineages of Arctic canids that originated in the northeastern Siberian Arctic generations earlier than thought. Approximately half of all Siberian huskies bred for racing have introgression with European breeds.
New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.
A new study reveals that Gifted Word Learner dogs can remember toy names for at least two years, with an average correct choice rate of 44% compared to chance level. The researchers tested the dogs after a two-year wait and found that four out of five dogs remembered between 60-75% of the toys.
A recent survey conducted by PLOS ONE found that both cats and dogs often enjoy playing fetch with their owners. The study involved a large sample size of pet owners, providing evidence for the universal appeal of this popular dog activity.
The study found that senior dog quality of life decline is linked to higher mortality rates when scores fall below 76% of the maximum. Many older dogs still have high quality of life despite predicted lifespan, indicating individual variability.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that 4 in 10 cat owners report their feline companions playing fetch, while 78% of dog owners say their canine friends engage in the behavior. The research also highlights differences in fetching behavior between breeds and demographic factors.
A survey of over 9,400 dogs in the UK found no significant differences in health between designer poodle crossbreeds and their purebred counterparts. The study suggests that these hybrid breeds may be comparable in terms of physical health.
A new study published in PLOS ONE shows that dogs trained with soundboard buttons can comprehend specific words and respond appropriately. The study's findings suggest that dogs are not merely 'reading' their owners' body language but are indeed processing the words themselves.
Researchers sequenced mitochondrial DNA from archaeological dogs and discovered six with Indigenous North American ancestry. The findings suggest that dogs were not immediately eradicated when Europeans arrived and may have had interbreeding.
A study found that chromatin's spatial structure plays a key role in the evolution of social behavior in dogs. The researchers examined an intronic section of the GTF2I gene, which influences chromatin's spatial structure and causes differences in gene expression.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found temperature and humidity have no impact on dogs' ability to detect scents. However, indoor testing outperformed outdoor environments due to distracting stimuli. Age also plays a role, with 2-3 year old dogs exhibiting superior olfactory performance.
Researchers have trained dogs to sniff out Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the droppings of farmed and wild deer. This method offers a promising non-invasive approach for detecting CWD.
A recent study challenges the notion that domestication is the primary driver of reduced brain size in domesticated animals. The study found that the reduction in relative brain size in domesticated dogs is not an evolutionary singularity among Canids, as other ecological and evolutionary pressures can also drive such changes.
A new study finds that housing-related companion animal relinquishment increased across 21 US shelters from 2019-2023, while pet restrictions and conflicts declined. Housing insecurity worsens despite pet-inclusive policies, leaving owners with devastating choices.
A study found that dogs with a gallbladder disease similar to human cystic fibrosis have impaired CFTR function, not a genetic mutation. This discovery could lead to new treatment targets and insights into the underlying causes of CF-like diseases.
A team of researchers is creating a socially assistive model for a robotic dog that adapts its behavior based on the owner's physiological and emotional characteristics. The project aims to improve interactions between humans and robots in home and healthcare settings.
A study found that dogs make more pessimistic choices when exposed to the smell of human stress, reflecting a negative emotional state. The researchers used an observational study with 18 dog-owner partnerships and found that dogs improved their learning about food presence in two trained bowl locations when exposed to stress smells.
A new genetic test has identified a mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherd Dogs, allowing breeders to eliminate the disease from their population. The test is available for purchase and will help prevent the disease from being passed on to puppies.
Researchers at Tufts University have identified the immune cells driving cardiac inflammation in cancer patients taking doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. Blocking these cells could potentially prevent cardiac damage and make treatment safer for patients.
A team of Texas A&M researchers will conduct a five-year study on brucellosis in Armenia to improve detection capabilities and provide education. The project aims to better understand the disease's presence and prevalence, allowing the Armenian government to develop a control plan to stop its spread.
The ELTE Eötvös Loránd University has digitised over 431 animal skulls, including those of 152 dog breeds and 12 wild relatives. This unique collection is now available online, enabling researchers to conduct comparative anatomical and evolutionary studies.
Researchers have identified a mechanism in dogs that may render multiple antibiotic classes ineffective due to the loss of function of specific genes. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapies to treat both animals and humans, and establishes clinical infections in dogs as a surveillance approach for public health.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that domestication and human socialization alone are insufficient to trigger a human-analog attachment bond in companion animals. Dogs displayed specific behaviors typical of the attachment bond, unlike pigs, which did not exhibit these behaviors.
The study, published in PNAS, used ancient dingo DNA to analyze the genetic landscape of dingoes before European settlement. The research found that modern-day dingoes retain much of their ancestral genetic diversity and are distinct from domestic dogs.
Researchers found that dogs matched their emotional state with the content of human vocalizations, while pigs exhibited stress behaviors to unusual humming sounds. This suggests that domestication may have facilitated emotional contagion in dogs.
Researchers Audrey Ruple and Courtney Sexton urge scientists to collect data on a more diverse range of dog owners to better assess exposure risks for vulnerable populations. They advocate for standardized data collection on owner demographics, including age, gender, geographic location, and household composition.
A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.
A new study reveals that praising and petting dogs enhances their learning success by reducing stress. Dogs who received a 'permissive' training style with praise and petting performed better than those in a 'controlling' style, which induced greater stress.
A nonrandomized controlled trial found that psychiatric service dogs partnered with usual care significantly reduced PTSD symptom severity and improved psychosocial functioning in veterans. This study suggests that psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complementary intervention for military service-related PTSD.
A study by researchers at the University of Arizona found that veterans paired with service dogs for three months had significantly lower self-reported PTSD symptom severity, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. They also experienced a 66% lower odds of receiving a PTSD diagnosis.
A new Durham University study reveals that selective breeding has constrained communication abilities in domestic dogs compared to their wolf ancestors. The research found that domestic dogs can only convey affective states with 65% accuracy, whereas wolves can do so with 71% accuracy.
A new study from Edith Cowan University reveals that having a justice facility dog at Children's Court significantly reduces stress and anxiety for young victims, witnesses, and caregivers. Dr Suz Rock and Associate Professor Natalie Gately found that interacting with the dog reduced self-reported anxiety and stress levels.
A recent study revealed dogs can identify significantly lower concentrations of eucalyptus hydrolate than previously thought. The dogs' sense of smell is so precise that they detect as few as 1 molecule per milliliter of water, far beyond the capabilities of modern analytical instruments.
Researchers at UC Davis have updated their guidelines on neutering popular dog breeds, finding major differences in joint disorders and cancers. The study emphasizes personalized decisions, considering breed, sex, and context, and provides a table with guidelines for all 40 studied breeds.
Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine are developing a new way to detect hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive type of cancer in dogs, using liquid biopsy. The technique involves analyzing tiny snippets of DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells.
A study of over 900 dogs found that self-control, turning to humans, and good impulse control are valuable traits for pet dogs, while impulsiveness can lead to challenges. The research aims to improve the welfare of both owner and dog by identifying key traits.
A new study by the University of Liverpool revisits data suggesting a nutritionally-sound vegan diet is the healthiest choice for dogs. The analysis reveals that associations between dog diet and owner perceptions of health are minimal, with other variables such as age, breed, and veterinary care having stronger associations.
A study by UMass Amherst researchers reveals key features for developing effective robotic guide dogs, including two-hour battery life, camera orientations, and audio sensors. The research aims to address barriers to adoption of canine guide dogs, which are currently limited by cost, allergies, and physical limitations.
Researchers trained two dogs to imitate human actions using the Do as I Do training method, with successful replication from frontal and side angles. However, dogs struggled to imitate actions from overhead perspectives. This study expands knowledge on dog perception and interpretation of human actions.
A University of California - Riverside study finds that medium-sized dogs have a higher risk of developing cancer than larger or smaller breeds. The multistage model of cancer acquisition supports this finding, suggesting that size is a major risk factor for cancer.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that a combination of cognitive and physical therapy improved the behavior and engagement of older dogs. However, it was discovered that cognitive exercise alone had no positive effects, while physical activity alone showed modest improvements in flexibility and friendliness.
A new study reveals that dog owners experience significant emotional distress after their pet is stolen, similar to the grief of losing a child. The 'owner' role and relationship with dogs equate to familial relationships, leading to feelings of disenfranchised grief and ambiguous loss.
Domestic dog attacks on mountain tapirs in Colombia's cloud forests threaten their physical wellbeing and reproductive performance. Conservationists urge population management and control of domestic dogs to protect these endangered species.
A new UK/Portuguese study suggests that pets can act as reservoirs of resistance, spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria to their healthy owners. The study found multidrug-resistant bacteria in both pet-owning households and among the owners themselves.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.
Researchers teach two dogs to recognize the scent of trauma reactions on human breath, achieving 90% accuracy in discriminating between stressed and non-stressed samples. The study suggests that dogs may be able to detect stress VOCs linked to PTSD symptoms, potentially allowing them to interrupt episodes at an earlier stage.
Children with developmental disabilities increased their moderate to vigorous physical activity by 17 minutes per day, while reducing sedentary time by nearly an hour per day through the 'Do As I Do' training intervention. The program also helped build responsibility, independence, and awareness of nonverbal cues.
A new study aims to understand how family dogs influence children's physical activity levels, with researchers exploring ways to promote healthy habits in young people. The study found that about 20% of daily physical activity comes from time spent with the dog.
Dogs have an implicit understanding of object words, activating a matching mental representation when hearing their name. Research found that brain activity patterns differ between matching and mismatched objects, supporting the notion that dogs comprehend object words.
Pet owners are most likely to help their overweight pets lose weight when veterinarians caution about the impact of obesity on life expectancy. Impact on life expectancy is the top concern for cat owners, while life expectancy and arthritis are the top concerns for dog owners.
A study found that dogs activate a mental representation of an object when hearing its name, indicating they understand the meaning of those words. The discovery suggests that dogs may have a capacity to understand words in a referential way, similar to humans.
A survey of UK, Austria, and Denmark pet owners found that 6 in 10 believe their pets should have access to the same healthcare treatment options as humans. Those with strongest emotional attachments to their pets were more likely to desire advanced care options.
A potentially fatal parasite has been discovered in the Colorado River in California, affecting dogs and causing liver and intestinal illness. Researchers confirm the presence of Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm that can be transmitted through snails and water, highlighting the need for awareness and precautions among dog owners.
Spending time with dogs increases alpha-band oscillations, associated with relaxed wakefulness, and beta-band oscillation strength, linked to heightened concentration. Participants reported reduced fatigue, depression, and stress after dog-related activities.
A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine found no significant correlation between canine lymphoma and proximity to environmental toxins. Researchers used data from Morris Animal Foundation's Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to map dog home addresses to radon zones and fracking wells, but did not find a link.
A genetic mutation in a quarter of all Labradors hard-wires them for obesity, making them hungrier between meals and burning fewer calories. Owners must be strict with feeding and exercising their dogs to keep them slim.
A study investigates the social dynamics of cohabiting family dogs using a new tool, the Dog Rank Assessment Questionnaire (DRA-Q). The results show that DRA-Q can assess rank relationships between family dogs in a meaningful way, making it useful for investigating social dynamics and measuring hierarchy firmness.
Researchers found that participants had an average of 31% fewer seizures when they had seizure dogs, with seven participants achieving a 50-100% reduction. Seizure dogs are trained to recognize seizure activity and provide companionship during the seizure subsides.