Articles tagged with Dogs
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that slower gait speeds in older dogs are linked to increased cognitive decline and dementia. The study measured gait speed on and off leash in senior dogs and found a significant correlation between walking speed and cognitive performance.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna found that dogs and humans have brain regions specialized in perceiving body postures, similar to those found in humans. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of 40 human participants with 15 pet dogs.
Researchers found that cooperative dog breeds outperformed independent ones when watching a human demonstrator in the 'V-shaped fence detour' task. The study highlights the role of functional breed selection in dogs' social learning skills, shedding light on elements of dog-human cooperation.
A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.
Research found dog bite incidence increases by 11% on hot days with high UV levels and by 4% on warm days, but no association with air pollution. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new method for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing in dogs has been developed, revealing that brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to the condition due to their shorter snouts. The study used a neckband system to measure breathing during sleep and found a higher number of events in short-snouted dogs.
A large survey of over 21,000 dog owners reveals that a dog's social support network is tied to better health outcomes, with financial factors having a lesser effect. The study found that dogs living in households with more children or wealthier owners were less healthy, while those with more social companionship were healthier.
A trained detection dog can find great crested newts even through soil and at a distance, potentially aiding critical conservation efforts. The study, published in PLOS ONE, found the dog achieved an 87% success rate in detecting the species across various environmental conditions.
Research found that flat-faced dog enthusiasts tend to be sociable, empathetic, and unaware of the dogs' health signals, considering health problems as normal breed characteristics. This study highlights the need to educate dog owners about the importance of health issues being abnormal and unacceptable.
Researchers surveyed medical staff at a large Japanese children's hospital about their experiences with full-time hospital facility dogs, finding that they improve terminal care and patient cooperation. The study also reveals that HFDs help staff manage workload and encourage children to express themselves more.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that breed, age, and puppyhood socialization significantly impact dog personality. Socialisation in puppyhood was associated with lower insecurity and aggressiveness/dominance, while older dogs showed higher training focus.
A recent study on canine brain networks has provided insights into the evolution of human brain function, revealing that the cingulate cortex played a central role in mammalian brain development. The research used fMRI to analyze brain activity in dogs and identified functional networks that differ from those in humans.
Researchers found that modern dog breeds, which are genetically more distant from wolves, have relatively larger brain sizes compared to ancient breeds. This increase in brain size cannot be attributed to the roles or life history characteristics of the breeds.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that pregnant and lactating dogs share similarities in certain blood metabolites with human pregnancy, including glucose and fatty acid concentrations. The research analyzed 27 dogs from 21 breeds and discovered intriguing correlations between canine metabolism and human physiological processes.
Researchers analyzed 90 samples of raw pheasant dog food and found that 77% exceeded the maximum residue level for lead in animal feed. The mean lead concentration was 34 times higher than in human-consumed pheasant meat, posing health risks to dogs, especially puppies.
Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) display altered brain wave activity during sleep, including reduced slow-wave sleep and increased fast beta waves. This research builds on human studies linking disrupted sleep patterns to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.
Researchers have analyzed DNA samples from over 50 institutions, including Balto at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, to shed light on extraordinary feats in mammals. The study has identified unchanged DNA across millions of years of evolution and pinpointed genetic variants associated with rare human diseases.
The study of Balto's genome provides new insights into the genetics of working dogs, revealing they were more genetically diverse and healthier than modern breeds. The analysis also identified beneficial adaptations in genes related to physical traits such as weight and skin thickness.
A Cornell University-led project has reconstructed Balto's phenotype using ancient DNA extraction and analysis. The research reveals that Balto had a genetically healthier and less inbred lineage than modern breeds, with characteristics adapted to the extreme environment of 1920s Alaska.
A new analysis suggests that US dog and cat owners experienced greater reductions in stress and loneliness during the reopening period, while cat owners showed more stress and loneliness. The study also found that pet ownership was linked to less loneliness related to romantic relationships.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic culprit in canine bladder cancers, with implications for early detection and targeted treatments. The study found that 13 out of 28 cases had a different type of mutation, which could lead to more precise treatment options.
A new study finds that economic growth is insufficient to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as improved pet ownership and education in vulnerable communities. The research uses data from over 100 countries to show a strong association between poverty and higher death rates from rabies.
A Portuguese study found that six pets in Portugal and one in the UK carried antibiotic-resistant bacteria similar to those found in their owners. The researchers emphasize the importance of including pet-owning households in programs to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Owners can reduce the spread by practicing good hygiene.
A group led by Virginia Tech's Audrey Ruple developed the PetSORT guidelines to standardize reporting in clinical trials involving dogs and cats. The guidelines address methodological features often missing from reported trials, which can affect meta-analysis results.
A new study in Human-Animal Interactions found that young dog owners prefer proactive coping styles when dealing with undesired behavior. The severity of behavioral issues was associated with the strength of emotions in response, with more severe issues eliciting intense emotions.
A team led by Bill Ballard has published a new study in GigaScience to propose Cooinda, an Alpine dingo, as the model specimen to represent a typical dingo. The study presents genomic and brain imaging data that sheds light on the evolutionary history of dingoes and their domestication process.
A study of over 65,000 Japanese infants found that those exposed to indoor pets during fetal development or early infancy had fewer food allergies. Children exposed to indoor dogs and cats were significantly less likely to experience specific allergies, while hamster exposure unexpectedly increased the incidence of nut allergies.
A global study found that dogs' functions are a good predictor of how they are treated by their owners, with more functions leading to closer relationships. The research also found that not all dog jobs influence treatment equally, with herding increasing positive care and hunting increasing personhood.
A University of Illinois study finds that two human-grade vegan diets provide adequate nutrition for dogs, with benefits including lower blood triglycerides and cholesterol. The research also shows positive changes in the fecal microbiome and reduced stool, indicating a potential shift towards improved gut health.
A new study from PetDx shows OncoK9 performs similarly to its landmark clinical validation study in real-world settings, detecting 26 types of cancer in high-risk dogs. The test also provides peace of mind for veterinarians and families by detecting cancer in over 94% of negative cases.
A research review found that COVID-19 lacks canine data, fueling concerns about the risk of pet animals serving as virus reservoirs. The lack of testing has made it difficult to understand the susceptibility of dogs to the new variants.
A study of over 2,800 hospital patients and their companion animals found that sharing multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) between pets and owners is possible. However, the rate of MDRO transmission from pets to humans was very low, suggesting that neither cat nor dog ownership is a major risk factor for hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers found that dogs with anxiety have altered brain connectivity, particularly between the amygdala and hippocampus. The study used fMRI to characterize abnormal neural networks in anxious dogs, providing insight into anxiety disorders in both animals and humans.
Researchers at the University of Bern have determined the structure of the canine distemper virus docking protein, enabling the development of tailor-made active substances to prevent virus entry into host cells. This breakthrough paves the way for novel therapies and antiviral drugs against this highly contagious viral disease.
Researchers studied genetic differences between two Chornobyl dog populations living near the nuclear power plant and 16.5 km away. They found significant genetic distinctions, with 391 outlier regions indicating potential genetic repair mechanisms. The study may provide insights into human adaptability to environmental disasters.
A study published in PLOS ONE analyzed a Bronze Age debris deposit in Mycenae, Greece, revealing the types of animals that lived there and how they were used as a source of subsistence. The analysis of animal remains and associated artifacts provides clues to the social dynamics of ancient settlements and responses to natural disasters.
A new Australian study found that assistance dogs used in conjunction with traditional therapies provide the most effective treatment outcomes for defence veterans' mental health. Almost 90% of veterans reported improvements in post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety after being matched with an assistance dog.
Researchers confirmed the first cases of canine distemper virus in tigers and leopards in Nepal, which can cause fatal neurological disease. The study found that 11% of tigers and 30% of leopards had antibodies to CDV, indicating prior infection with the virus.
A study found that dog puppies but not kittens and wolf pups spontaneously imitate human actions, even when unrewarded. The researchers believe this can inform novel training methods less dependent on food rewards.
A new genetic test can identify dogs at risk of a potentially deadly disorder resulting in excessive bleeding and bruising after surgical procedures. The DEPOHGEN test will allow for preventative treatment by administering antifibrinolytic drugs to dogs with the mutation before surgery.
Research published in Scientific Reports found that dogs fed non-processed meat-based diets and human leftovers during puppyhood and adolescence were less likely to experience gastrointestinal disorders later in life. This suggests that providing puppies with a variety of whole foods early on may reduce the risk of future digestive iss...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania's Working Dog Center trained dogs to distinguish between healthy and diseased deer feces. The dogs showed great specificity in detecting CWD-positive samples, suggesting a potential asset in managing the highly contagious disease.
Researchers found that breeds genetically closer to wolves are more prone to reply with howls, while modern breeds bark instead. Older dogs over 5 years also show increased stress-related behaviors when howling.
A new study analyzed 3,452 dogs with cancer to determine median ages of diagnosis based on characteristics such as weight, breed, and sex. The findings suggest that giant breeds, males, and purebred dogs tend to receive a cancer diagnosis at relatively younger ages.
Researchers found solid scientific evidence that Vikings transported animals, including a horse and dog, across the North Sea to Britain. The analysis of human and animal remains from the Heath Wood cremation cemetery revealed that these animals originated from Scandinavia.
A novel form of chemoimmunotherapy has been proven to be a promising treatment for canine cancer, extending the lives of terminally ill dogs. The therapy uses modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells carrying a potent 'kill-switch' that induces anti-cancer immunity and improves quality of life.
Researchers found that companion dogs, but not pigs, would show their owners the location of a food reward out-of-reach. This suggests that directing humans' attention to interesting locations may not be a universal ability among domestic animals. Dogs and other visually communicative species were more likely to use this behavior.
A study of 13 dog breeds found breed differences in cognitive traits like social cognition, problem-solving ability, and inhibitory control. The results suggest that different breeds excel in specific tasks, highlighting the complexity of canine cognition.
A study of 665 pet dogs found that life history, owner gender, and breed can influence canine behavior. The results highlight the importance of environmental interactions in shaping animal behavior, suggesting that traits like weight, height, and cranial morphology impact the dog-owner relationship.
A study from the University of California, Davis' One Health Institute found that canine echinococcosis increased to 6.9% in Tierra del Fuego's sheep farms after the government cancelled a deworming program in 2004. Reestablishing the program could help protect people and animals from hydatid disease.
Researchers found that differences in epigenetic DNA methylation predict behavioral differences between dogs better than genetic markers. Epigenetics are more informative for behavior than genetics, and the results open up new possibilities for screening and selecting desired behavioral traits in companion or service dogs.
Research by Uppsala University and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences links atopic dermatitis in dogs to specific genome regions. The study identifies genes coinciding with human atopic eczema, including the filaggrin gene region.
A study analyzing DNA samples from over 200 dog breeds and nearly 50,000 pet-owner surveys pinpointed genes behind canine behavioral traits. The researchers found that common sets of genes were responsible for behaviors among dog breeds well-suited for similar tasks, such as hunting or herding.