Articles tagged with Pet Animals
A study by Javier I. Borráz-León and colleagues found that countries with more cats reported higher happiness, while those with higher Toxoplasma gondii prevalence reported lower happiness. The researchers suggest that economic factors, such as income and public health, may influence the relationship between cats and happiness.
A new study published in PLOS One finds that cats and dogs prefer kibble containing microbial proteins over standard animal-derived protein in a short-term preference test. The study involved 30 dogs and 30 cats, who were offered two bowls of food simultaneously for four consecutive meals over two days.
A global study of over 700 bacterial genomes found that 87% of the bacteria from dogs and cats belonged to strains identified in humans. The study also revealed high levels of antibiotic resistance, with nearly half of animal-derived samples carrying genes resistant to clinically important antibiotics.
Researchers developed a tool to analyze daily pet-owner conversations, finding that no two owners sound alike and that one-tenth of daily interactions are unique to each owner. The tool, AURAL-Pet, may help explain why pets affect some owners' well-being more than others.
A recent study revealed that dogs process smiles in a unique brain region and can distinguish between negative facial expressions, including anger, sadness, and fear. This ability allows researchers to understand the adaptations that have developed in dogs to support their social and emotional understanding of humans.
A study found that most cats adapt to indoor living with minimal issues, while owners experience improved peace of mind, closer bonds, and reduced veterinary costs. Practical strategies like environmental enrichment can support successful transitions.
A Swiss study finds that the quality of relationships between humans and animals is more important than pet ownership in determining wellbeing. The research suggests that women, people who spend more time with animals, and those who feel close to them report stronger emotional support from their pets.
Researchers found that primates play, groom and care for animals from different species, hinting at social curiosity and readiness to form cross-species bonds. These behaviors may represent evolutionary building blocks for human-animal companionship.
Researchers are studying foul-smelling substances to understand what attracts the New World screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite, to its favorite meal - open wounds. The goal is to develop better lures for trapping this serious threat to the livestock industry.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully generated red blood cell-like cells from canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), marking a significant step towards artificial cell production for blood bank reserves. The study used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to target glycophorin A, allowing the team to visualize and tr...
Darwin's Ark has established the world's largest community-powered pet research initiative, combining genetic data with owner information to explore questions about pet health, behavior, ancestry, and evolution. Researchers can collaborate by submitting a request form, accelerating discoveries that benefit animal and human health.
A new study has found that changes in a senior dog's gait can be an early warning sign of dementia. The research tracked the stride length of 88 geriatric dogs over time, revealing a significant decrease in front leg stride length with worsening cognitive decline. This change was found to be more pronounced than age-related decline alone.
Researchers have found that cats show comparable patterns of brain deterioration as they age, similar to humans. This study, part of the Translating Time project, aims to unlock new insights into human ageing and disease by comparing cat and human brain development.
Researchers found that interacting with pets during stressful moments does not reduce negative emotions and can even intensify them in cat owners. On the other hand, dog owners experienced improved emotional well-being when interacting with their dogs.
A large-scale study on Swedish children with asthma found that living with cats did not worsen asthma outcomes. The study of 30,277 children over 24 months showed similar asthma severity and lung function in cat-exposed and non-exposed groups.
Researchers used data from over 4,000 Pugs, Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs to identify heritable traits that contribute to breathing disorders. The study suggests that improving respiratory health through selective breeding may help reduce the prevalence of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in these breeds.
A new study finds that dog trainers' methods reflect their ethical stance on animals. Owners with an anthropocentric view are more likely to use punishment-based methods, while those with a focus on animal welfare opt for positive training methods. The study highlights the importance of considering ethics in dog training.
A Linköping University study shows that playing with dogs for just a few minutes a day can significantly improve the emotional bond between owners and their pets. Dog training did not have the same effect, suggesting that playtime is crucial for building strong relationships.
A survey study found that dog owners have difficulty recognizing subtle signs of pain in their pets. Only about half of owners correctly identified symptoms such as nighttime restlessness and clinginess as likely indicating pain.
Researchers found that two species of ticks, Gulf Coast and lone star, can live at least one week and up to three weeks on hard-surface and carpeted floors. The study emphasizes the importance of taking protective measures to prevent tick bites.
The University of Tennessee has launched the Center for Pet Family Well-Being, reflecting its national recognition for advancing research and community-based solutions for pet-inclusive families. The center aims to integrate systems in ways that recognize pets as part of the family and essential to family and community resilience.
Cats are prone to kidney disease due to a unique biological quirk, accumulating modified triglycerides with special ether-linkages. This study proposes that these fats may be an early sign of long-term stress within the kidney, potentially contributing to tissue damage over time.
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
A recent Illinois study found that nearly 8,500 online classified ads for exotic amphibians were posted between 2004 and 2024, representing 301 species from around the world. The researchers verified a dataset of these listings, revealing 44 species traded without official paperwork, sold at a 40% premium. This illicit trade poses sign...
A study by Dutch police dog handlers revealed that confident, persistent, and resilient dogs with no insecurities are most suited for professional deployment. The research aimed to explore the ideal characteristics of scent detection dogs for successful police work.
Research found cats' hair and whisker nitrogen isotope values resemble those of vegans, indicating high efficiency in protein processing. This challenges the long-held assumption that carnivore isotopic signatures can determine diet.
A study found that dogs experience changes in balance when hearing angry or happy human voices. Angry voices were most strongly associated with destabilization, while happy voices led to both stabilization and destabilization in some cases. The research suggests that emotional arousal may play a role in the dogs' responses.
Dog owners experienced a decline in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned to pre-pandemic levels. Non-dog owners showed no significant changes. Before the pandemic, dog ownership was associated with high exercise self-efficacy, predicting greater physical activity.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 5 surveyed UK adults who experienced the death of a pet report it as more distressing than experiencing human deaths. The study also discovered significant rates of prolonged grief disorder symptoms following pet loss.
A recent study found that common flea and tick control medications used in dogs and cats can contaminate ecosystems with toxic chemicals. Isoxazoline antiparasitic drugs, used globally since 2013, may harm dung-feeding insects, including flies and butterflies, which are crucial for nutrient cycling and soil health.
A Japanese study discovered dog ownership strengthens community ties through neighborhood interactions. The study compared dog owners with friends and acquaintances, finding a significant difference in social connections.
A recent study found that dogs given CBD supplements show below-average levels of aggression over time, with the most aggressive changes observed in male dogs. The study, which used data from almost 50,000 dog owners, also found a link between CBD use and health conditions such as dementia and osteoarthritis.
Researchers identified 12 genes linked to canine behaviour also associated with human traits like anxiety, depression, and intelligence. The study provides insights into understanding dog emotional worlds and tailoring training or care to suit their needs.
A study published in Insect Conservation and Diversity analyzed over 17,000 social media photos and videos to understand domestic cats' prey in urban settings. The research found that cats hunt a diverse range of arthropods, including Orthoptera, Hemiptera, and Blattodea.
A study by Fisabio found that children who owned 'other animals' had a protective effect against emotional problems, while cat ownership at ages 4-5 showed a mild association. The study suggests that less demanding pets may help create stable relationships and enhance psychological well-being.
A new study found that sniffer dogs' performance in real-world scenarios is highly variable and dependent on factors like region, day, and explosive type. The research suggests that limited access to explosive training materials is a primary challenge for teams, highlighting the need for wider access to improve detection performance
A study of 105 dogs found that 33 exhibited compulsive engagement with toys despite negative consequences. Dogs showed excessive fixation on their toy, lack of interest in alternatives, and inability to calm down after toy removal.
A Dartmouth study found that people without pets donate more than cat owners, who in turn give more often and diversely. The researchers analyzed over $70 billion in donations from approximately 63 million donors, suggesting that personality traits may play a role in philanthropic behavior.
A new study reveals that puppy ownership can bring joy to parents and children, but also presents mental health challenges, including child-puppy interactions and caregiver responsibilities. To mitigate these risks, researchers recommend discussing dog-care responsibilities with children and attending safety training classes.
A survey of nearly 50,000 dog owners found that dogs became harder to train during the pandemic, with improvements noted once restrictions were lifted. Factors like age, breed, and size also influenced behavior, with mixed-breed dogs showing more fear, aggression, and need for attention.
A UK study found that plant-based dog foods did not meet nutritional guidelines for iodine and B-vitamins, but experts say supplements or formulation changes can address these gaps. The research analyzed 31 dry dog foods, including meat-based and veterinary options, and found none met European Pet Food Industry Federation standards.
A new class of targeted therapy showed promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in pet cats, with 35% of patients experiencing controlled disease. The drug, which targets the transcription factor STAT3, also raised levels of PD-1, a protein associated with an immune response to cancer.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University found that elevated phosphate levels are associated with poor outcomes in canine respiratory disorders. The study used medical records from 133 dogs and identified heart rate, body temperature, and other factors as significant prognostic indicators.
A recent study found that pet owners who recently adopted pets often struggled to access veterinary care, particularly those working from home and having children. The researchers analyzed an online survey of 751 US residents and discovered that 20% of all pet owners faced difficulties accessing basic veterinary services.
A study found that six breeds are significantly more likely to get diarrhea than generic crossbreeds, while two breeds are less likely. Most dogs recover quickly from diarrhea, but around 38% require antibiotic treatment.
A study published in PLOS One found that domestic cats can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar humans based on their odor. Cats spend longer sniffing the odor of a stranger than that of their owner, suggesting they can identify human scent patterns.
New research found pet dogs disturb and directly harm wildlife, even when leashed, leading to reduced animal activity and avoided areas. Dog waste contributes to water pollution and inhibits plant growth.
Researchers have discovered a new probiotic bacterial strain that is 15% more effective in treating giardiasis than the existing strain. The strain, Lactobacillus johnsonii CNCM I-4884, has significant anti-Giardia activity and can transform conjugated bile salts into toxic compounds for the parasite.
A small study found 19 types of microplastic particles in cat placentas and fetuses during early pregnancy. The researchers suggest that microplastics may accumulate in cat placentas and potentially impact fetal health, highlighting the need for limits on plastic use and mitigation strategies.
The American Heart Association invites communities nationwide to walk together on National Walking Day to break the cycle of sedentary behavior. Regular walking can improve both physical and mental well-being, even in small steps.
Research suggests that dog ownership is connected to declining birth rates, as people turn to dogs for emotional support and companionship. The theory proposes that the popularity of dogs is rooted in biological evolutionary causes, but has culturally escalated as human relationships are often damaged or absent.
New research from Arizona State University reveals that humans often misunderstand their pet's emotional state and base it on the context of the event. The study found that people rely on external factors rather than observing the dog's behavior, leading to a deeper misunderstanding of canine emotions.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells, a major breakthrough for veterinary regenerative medicine. The high-quality stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and be transplanted to restore internal damage.
A new study reveals that Siamese fighting fish require significantly more space in pet shops than currently practiced, with a minimum tank size of 5.6 litres recommended for display and sale, and larger tanks for pets.
A Danish study found that rural cat owners are increasingly managing their cats similarly to urban owners, leading to fewer unwanted kittens. The change reflects a growing human attachment to owned cats and a diminishing divide between rural and urban life.
First-year college students who interacted with therapy dogs on campus experienced lower stress and depression levels, increased self-compassion, and improved mental well-being. The study suggests that unstructured access to therapy dogs can provide sustained mental health benefits.
Researchers found that pandemic puppies, bought during the COVID-19 pandemic, had a greater burden of dog ownership, with higher costs and emotional challenges. Owners who reported problem behaviors, such as separation anxiety or aggression, also experienced a greater burden.
A new study analyzed 100 cases of Florida spot keratopathy (FSK), a condition characterized by white spots on the cornea. The research found that FSK is typically stable and does not significantly affect vision or quality of life, but may be linked to exposure to little fire ants.
A study found that working sled dogs take a day to adjust to the change in routine caused by Daylight Savings Time, whereas pet dogs and their owners show no significant changes. Older pet dogs are less active on the first morning after the time shift.
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.