Articles tagged with Dogs
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a crucial link between a gene mutation and immune system signaling in canine hemangiosarcoma, a potentially life-threatening condition. The study findings reveal an important discovery about how this cancer grows and spreads, providing new insights for novel therapies.
Dog owners cite emotional, physical, and social benefits of dog ownership, but also costly responsibilities. While daily life benefits include improved exercise and stability, the biggest cost is often cited as veterinary expenses.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that regular dog walking is associated with improved mobility, reduced fear of falling, and a lower likelihood of unexplained falls. The study, based on TILDA data, highlights the potential benefits of this simple activity for older adults.
A small preliminary study reveals that fearful dog microbiomes differ significantly from those of non-fearful dogs. These findings suggest a possible link between the gut and brain, potentially influencing fear behaviors.
A new study explores how city life is influencing the evolution of urban coyotes, revealing genetic changes related to diet, health, thermoregulation, behavior, cognition, and reproduction. The research also highlights the challenges of studying urban coyotes, which are increasingly common in urban areas throughout the US.
Researchers analyzed DNA of Chornobyl City and NPP dogs to detect genetic mutations, finding none despite long-term exposure to radiation and other toxins. The study implies that low-level environmental contamination could explain genetic differences between the two dog populations.
New research reveals widespread resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers among canine hookworms in Australia. This increases the risk of gastrointestinal parasites, anaemia, diarrhea, and malnutrition in dogs, as well as cutaneous larva migrans disease in humans.
A study found that dogs were more effective than humans at detecting egg masses of invasive spotted lanternflies in forested areas near vineyards. In contrast, people spotted the egg masses better in vineyards. The trained dogs had a higher detection rate in forests due to their sense of smell.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered the brain actively prevents learning both types of memory, leading to confusion. The brain prioritizes one type of learning over the other using a strategy to resolve conflicts.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs can recognize their owners based on pre-recorded speech, demonstrating an ability to discriminate between familiar voices. Dogs performed well in matching the correct owner with their voice, with performance best when hearing their main owner's voice.
A new study from UC San Diego reveals that dogs trained on soundboards can make deliberate two-word button combinations to express their needs and desires. The research found that these sequences are not random but rather reflect specific requests, such as accessing the outdoors or obtaining treats.
A new study led by University of Arizona researcher François Lanoë reveals that Indigenous people in the Americas interacted with early dogs and wolves as far back as 12,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on how long humans have had relationships with the ancestors of today's dogs.
A new study finds that Enterococcus faecalis produces protective capsular slime when present with certain strains of pathogenic Escherichia coli, making E. coli more resistant in low-iron environments. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for specific dog and poultry infections.
In a new study, researchers found that dogs prefer texture to shape when identifying objects, suggesting a reliance on tactile cues. The study involved 35 dogs trained to fetch objects and presented with choices between similar shapes or textures.
Research found that dog owners attribute various roles to their pets, including friend, family member, child, colleague, or security guard. The study identified three distinct owner profiles with different dog roles and characteristics, which may impact daily life and canine welfare.
A new international canine gene research database has been developed, covering over 100 different tissues and enhancing understanding of hereditary diseases. The database provides a comprehensive resource for studying gene expression in various tissues and prioritizing hereditary factors related to diseases.
A study at the University of Jyväskylä found that dog and owner heart rates synchronize during interaction, reflecting emotional state. The connection suggests a strong bond between species.
A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.
A team from UNIGE analyzed the formation of grooves in dog noses using 3D imaging and computer simulations. They found that differential growth of skin tissue layers leads to the formation of domes, supported by blood vessels.
A recent study by Imperial College London has found that dogs swimming in contaminated ponds are releasing harmful levels of two pesticide medications. The chemicals, imidacloprid and fipronil, were used as flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs, posing a significant threat to aquatic life.
Researchers found that dogs slow down their speech rate when addressed by humans, while humans' speech rhythms meet in the middle. Dogs process human language only within the delta band (1-3 Hz) and with phonological content, debunking myths about prosody sensitivity.
Researchers found that humans slow their speech when talking to dogs to match the pets' receptive abilities, allowing for better understanding of commands. The study also revealed that dogs respond well to slower tempos and prosody in human speech.
Researchers at Baylor University found that coyotes possess a well-developed muscle for raising their inner eyebrow, similar to dogs, contradicting the idea that this feature evolved specifically during domestication. The study suggests that 'puppy dog eyes' may be an ancestral trait shared by multiple species in the Canis genus.
Researchers developed a frailty screening questionnaire that predicts short-term mortality in dogs aged 10 and older. The tool, combined with veterinarian assessments of body and muscle condition, is a simple yet effective predictor of canine frailty.
Researchers found that dogs trained to detect explosives are less sensitive in extreme temperature and humidity conditions, leading to longer detection times. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors when training dogs for explosive detection tasks.
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.