Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria with probiotic qualities that could help alleviate canine inflammatory bowel disease. The bacteria can digest complex carbohydrates and has antimicrobial properties, promoting anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gut.
A study found that a water additive containing pomegranate extract can limit the formation of plaque and tartar in dogs after professional dental cleaning. The additive was shown to reduce plaque buildup by 47% and tartar by 24%, promoting healthy gums.
A study by the University of Helsinki has identified two genetic risk factors, RNF207 and PRKAA2, that contribute to dilated cardiomyopathy in both humans and Dobermanns. The research offers a new perspective on the disease and may lead to the development of early diagnostic tests for breeders.
A study found that flat-faced breeds like English and French bulldogs rely more heavily on humans during problem-solving tasks, leading to lower task success rates. This trait may contribute to the strong social bond between owners and these breeds, but the study's findings do not confirm a genetic predisposition.
Researchers are creating a frailty instrument that can be used to make health decisions and personalize geriatric veterinary care for dogs. The instrument will consider physical, mental, and emotional changes associated with aging, providing a better indicator of the body's condition than age alone.
A study analyzing data from KoalaBASE found that car strikes, dog attacks, and chlamydia-related illnesses are responsible for a significant number of koala deaths in South East Queensland. The research suggests that interventions such as road signs, overpasses, and information campaigns can help reduce these fatalities.
A trained detection dog was found to be more accurate and efficient than humans in detecting sea turtle nests in Florida. The study indicates the potential of using dogs for nest monitoring, which could improve conservation efforts for three sea turtle species.
A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.
A new study found that dogs adopted from shelters can exhibit a range of behavioral changes, including aggression and separation-related problems. However, despite these challenges, owners tend to be highly satisfied with their pets, with 93.7% rating their dog's behavior as excellent or good.
A new study published in Genome Biology analyzed the genomes of 2000 dogs from 321 breeds, revealing 25 major groups that match expected breed origins. The research found significant genetic variation among breeds, with wolves exhibiting 14% more variation than dogs.
A new study found that nearly half of dog owners in the US hold negative views about vaccinating their pets, citing safety and efficacy concerns. This hesitancy is linked to public mistrust in human vaccines during the pandemic, posing serious public health implications for both animals and humans.
A study found that veterinary students' attitudes towards dog breeds' pain sensitivity and trustworthiness change as they progress through their coursework, becoming more in line with those of practicing clinicians. The study suggests that cultural transmission, not just data transmission, plays a role in shaping these attitudes.
Researchers identified common bladder cancer-related mutations across species, including TP53, FAT1, and NRAS in cats, and ARID1A and KDM6A in dogs. This study provides insights into human MIBC and aids understanding of bladder cancer biology across species.
A study found that dogs are more sensitive to speech directed at them than adult-directed speech, with a greater response to female voices. The researchers measured dog brain activity via fMRI and found that the sensitivity was affected by voice pitch and variation.
A team of scientists has generated and analysed 2000 canine genomes, creating a toolkit for answering complex biological questions. The study reveals genetic diversity in breed morphology, behaviour, and disease susceptibility, as well as the structure of the genome.
Despite increased problem behaviors like stranger aggression and training problems, shelter dog owners reported high satisfaction rates of 94% due to improved behavior over time. Owners also noted a decrease in separation-related behaviors as their dogs became more assured of return home.
A new Australian study found that human DNA can be retrieved from all areas of dog samples, with higher amounts found on the head and back. The research suggests using DNA evidence from dogs in police investigations involving animals, expanding knowledge about human DNA transfer to pets.
Researchers at George Washington University found that dogs with plain faces are more expressive in their interactions with humans. The study, which analyzed over 100 dog participants, suggests that people can better understand a dog's level of expressivity if their dog has a simpler face.
A recent study analyzing over 2 million UK dogs found that mixed-breed, Labrador retrievers, and Jack Russell terriers are the most common breeds. Meanwhile, flat-faced breeds like French bulldogs and pugs increased health risks, with predictions of a canine healthcare crisis in the UK.
Researchers have identified podoplanin as a key protein driving the spread of mucosal melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Eliminating this protein could lead to a potential treatment through antibody therapy, offering hope for patients with this devastating disease.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.
Research review finds scent dogs can successfully sniff out COVID-19 in symptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and asymptomatic cases, as well as new variants and long COVID. Scent dogs demonstrate similar or better sensitivity and specificity than current gold-standard tests.
Researchers found osteochondrosis dissecans in fossil bones of Ice Age predators, with an incidence as high as 7% in shoulder and knee joints. The study suggests dwindling populations may have contributed to the disease's prevalence in these ancient species.
A recent study reveals that village dogs can decipher subtle human communicative cues, including facial expressions. The research found that both village and pet dogs exhibited aversive gazes towards angry but not happy expressions.
Researchers found real breed differences in pain sensitivity thresholds, contradicting veterinarian rankings. The study suggests biological and behavioral factors influence pain tolerance, highlighting the need for individualized treatment approaches.