Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
A new study by George Washington University researchers found that people make instant judgments about unknown dogs based on their facial appearance. The study's lead author, Courtney Sexton, suggests that better understanding canine and human communication is crucial as these animals play increasingly important roles in society.
A rare case of an opossum infected with rabies has been reported in Brazil, highlighting the risk of virus transmission to humans. The study found that dogs can act as vectors for the virus and that opossums are key to surveillance in urban environments.
A study of human-animal co-burials from ancient Italy suggests that the practice may have been related to enduring companion relationships or religious beliefs. Researchers found that the people buried with animals did not share common traits, leaving multiple interpretations for this phenomenon.
A team of physicists and veterinary scientists at Purdue University has developed a method to detect chemoresistance in cancer patients using biodynamic imaging (BDI). This technique measures the motions inside cancer cells and how they respond to chemotherapy, identifying patients who will not respond to treatment. The study shows pro...
A study analyzing over 580,000 dogs found that small, long-nosed breeds like Whippets have the highest life expectancies, while medium-sized flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs have the lowest. The research suggests that understanding these differences may help identify dogs at risk of early death.
A survey of 2,002 Danish dog owners found that 38% used cannabinoids, primarily CBD, to treat their pets' pain, behavioral issues, and allergies. 77% of these owners reported positive effects on their dogs' mental or physical health.
Researchers identified two probiotic strains that promote weight loss in obese dogs. The strains, Enterococcus faecium IDCC 2102 and Bifidobacterium lactis IDCC 4301, reduced body fat percentage and improved intestinal microflora balance in dogs fed a high-fat diet.
Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.
A new mobile phone-based facial recognition application for dogs has been developed to improve rabies vaccination efforts in endemic areas. The app was tested at a clinic in rural Tanzania and proved remarkably accurate, identifying 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs.
A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs are most engaged when watching videos featuring other animals, with content featuring other dogs being the most popular. The research aims to improve the assessment of canine vision and support a healthier life for dogs as they age.
A study of over 25,000 US dogs found that larger breeds face higher risks for certain conditions, while smaller breeds are more prone to ocular and cardiac diseases. The research provides insights into the disease patterns that may underlie the lower lifespan of larger dogs.
Researchers found that dogs react negatively to deterioration in reward quality in some tasks but not others. In tests with cooked liver and dry food, dogs were slower and more reluctant to work when the liver was replaced with kibble.
Researchers at the University of Surrey studied dog owners' motivations and behaviors when traveling with their pets. The study highlights the importance of providing clear information and welcoming services for dogs, which can enhance the travel experience for both humans and animals.
Researchers from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History analyzed a 160-year-old woolly dog pelt to determine its genetic makeup. The study found that woolly dogs diverged from other breeds up to 5,000 years ago and were genetically similar to pre-colonial dogs from Newfoundland and British Columbia.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that a group of exceptionally gifted dogs, known as Gifted Word Learners (GWLs), share common characteristics. The researchers identified 41 dogs from various breeds and countries with the ability to learn hundreds of toy names, highlighting their unique talent for language acquisition.
Research by Hungarian researchers found that flat-faced dogs, like French Bulldogs, sleep more due to increased daytime sleepiness and longer REM sleep phases. Their EEG patterns showed signs of white matter loss and distorted brain function.
A new study found that pickier dogs exhibit distinct brain responses when rewarded with higher-quality food, which influences their motivation. The research used behavioral observations and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between food quality and dog behavior.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that dogs are more skilled than cats in choosing food rewards based on human pointing. The researchers tested 62 indoor family cats and 30 dogs, with dogs finding the reward significantly more frequently, while cats became less willing to choose over time.
Researchers analyzed bones from 52 sacrificed animals at the well-preserved site of Casas del Turuñuelo, revealing a pattern of repeated mass animal sacrifice in Iron Age Spain. The study sheds light on ritual protocols and intentional selection of adult horses over young animals.
A recent study published in One Health found that feeding dogs raw meat significantly increases the risk of excreting antibiotic-resistant E. coli, a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections. The researchers emphasized the importance of proper hygiene and sourcing high-quality meat to reduce this risk.
A recent study at Eötvös Loránd University found that 'smarter' dogs process information similarly to humans, with object appearance mattering as much as its location. The researchers measured spatial bias in 82 dogs and found that those with better cognitive performance linked objects more easily to places.
A collaborative research project found that shelter dogs with brief outings or fostering stays were more likely to be adopted, increasing adoption outcomes by five and 14 times. Short-term fostering programs can improve a dog's life in the shelter and help them find forever homes.
A recent analysis of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data notes a potential correlation between canine sterilization and hemangiosarcoma development. Intact females consistently have lower diagnosis rates, while spayed females show an increasing risk beyond 8 years old.
A recent UBC Okanagan study found that canine cuddles have a comparable positive wellness effect across all genders, contradicting previous studies with predominantly female participants. The research suggests that canine-assisted interventions can be an inclusive option for post-secondary mental health and wellness programs.
A new study finds climate change is increasing the likelihood of toxic blue-green algae blooms in US lakes, which can damage human livers and kill wild and domestic animals. Researchers used EPA data from 2,804 lakes collected between 2007 and 2017 to predict toxin spikes.
Researchers analyzed gut and skin microbiota in Shiba Inu dogs with atopic dermatitis, finding that treatment with Oclacitinib restored balance to the microbiome. The study suggests that microbes may serve as potential therapeutic targets for canine atopic dermatitis, offering new disease management strategies.
Researchers develop a novel iNKT cell therapy approach using canine models, demonstrating improved survival and longer therapeutic effect. The platform could potentially treat human cancers with reduced risk of relapse and increased efficacy.
A new study reveals a distinct genetic fingerprint of Leishmania mexicana in non-traveler patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, suggesting locally acquired cases are on the rise. The CDC warns that domestic sand flies may acquire a deadly form of visceral leishmaniasis via imported dogs.
Researchers at UC Davis discovered a gene variant in Golden Retrievers that extends their lifespan by nearly two years. This finding has significant implications for human cancer studies, as the same gene is linked to cancer risk in humans.
A recent University of Florida study found that nine out of ten dogs chose food over toys in a simulated training experience. Dogs responded more strongly to the food reward and gave up earlier when offered a preferred toy reward.
A recent scientific publication found that sterilized dogs of different sizes exhibit varying levels of obesity, with small breeds at highest risk and giant breeds at lowest. The study also discovered that the optimal time for spaying/neutering differs by breed size, with young large breeds facing a higher risk of obesity.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A recent study found that animals in the Greater Kruger National Park react with alarm to hearing human voices, fleeing waterholes and abandoning their habitat. The researchers used custom sound systems to compare the fear response of mammals to humans versus lions.
A new study suggests that antimicrobials do not improve outcomes for dogs with uncomplicated diarrhea, prompting a potential reduction in their use by veterinarians. The findings come from a causal inference analysis of clinical trial data.
A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.