Articles tagged with Pet Animals
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 UK survey of rabbit owners found that 1 in 5 pets suffer from painful or debilitating ear disease. Lop-eared and older rabbits were most at risk, highlighting the need for better diagnosis and treatment.
A survey conducted by the University of York found that living with an animal did not improve wellbeing or reduce depression and anxiety in people with serious mental illness. Despite strong human-animal bonds, the study suggests that pet ownership may exacerbate stressors such as financial uncertainty and housing insecurity.
A mathematical model of UK cat populations suggests that neutering of owned cats affects not only their own population but also those of feral, stray, and shelter subpopulations. The model shows that lower rates of neutering of female owned cats lead to population booms within the other subpopulations, especially for stray cats.
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.
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 recent study by Mississippi State University faculty members found that individuals with hoarding tendencies who own multiple pets are at risk of poor animal health. Households with eight or more animals were associated with worse health outcomes for the animals.
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 found two E. coli strains resistant to colistin and third-generation cephalosporins in dogs and cats in Japan. The study highlights the need for 'One Health' approaches to understand companion animals' role in antimicrobial resistance transmission.
The US federal government's management of wild horses is flawed due to conflicting societal views, leading to unsustainable population growth. A clear definition of feral equids is needed to implement effective management plans that balance ecosystem health and fiscal responsibility.
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.
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.
A new study finds that pet rabbits require daily freedom to exercise outside their home enclosure, even in larger hutches with access to an exercise area. The research highlights the importance of allowing pairs of rabbits to move freely throughout the day.
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.
Researchers from George Mason University found that anti-tobacco campaigns on Facebook discussing the risks of second-hand smoking to pets received the most user engagement. The studies analyzed factors influencing effective antismoking campaigns and user interaction.
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 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 new study found that exotic pet owners are concerned about species conservation and prefer captive-bred exotic pets. The survey of over 300 keepers across 33 countries revealed that relational motivations, such as caring about the species, outweighed aesthetic or morphological traits.
A study by the University of Helsinki found that non-fearful and sociable cat personalities, as well as clean litterboxes, can decrease litterbox issues. The research identified 34 variables associated with two behavioural traits: house soiling and litterbox fussiness.
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.
A recent study found that dog owners are more likely to experience sleep disorders than non-dog owners. Cat ownership was also linked to higher odds of leg jerks during the night. The research suggests that pets may disrupt their owner's sleep due to increased activity at night, particularly with cats.
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 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.
A study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that fish recognize themselves in photographs based on their faces, not bodies. The cleaner fish attacked photos with unfamiliar faces but not their own, indicating a higher sense of self awareness.
A CU Boulder study estimates that 1,182 animals were affected by the Marshall Fire, with most being fatally injured due to rapid-onset disasters and poor emergency notification systems. Researchers emphasize the need for pet owners to create evacuation plans and designate trusted contacts to help rescue pets in case of an emergency.
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.
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.
Half of online sellers fail to disclose law and disease risks associated with small turtles. Despite federal regulations, many US sellers circumvent public health guidelines when selling these pets.
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.
A novel technique using stable isotopes can accurately determine whether wood turtles are wild-caught or captive-bred, helping combat the illegal pet trade. The method was tested on 71 turtles and achieved a success rate of over 97%, providing conservation law enforcement officials with a valuable forensic tool.
A University of Maryland study found that domestic cats in Washington D.C. have a high probability of overlapping with native wildlife, including raccoons and opossums, increasing the risk of disease transmission and harming native populations. Keeping cats indoors can significantly reduce these risks.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that feeding cats and dogs dry food can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their diets compared to wet food. The research evaluated the environmental impacts of different pet diets, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water usage.
A new study found that smartphones can harbor allergens such as cat and dog dander, β-D glucans, and endotoxin. Cleaning compounds like chlorhexidine/cetylpyridinium chloride and benzyl benzoate/tannic acid were effective in reducing these allergens.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed two tests to assess age-related memory performance and neophobia differences in dogs. The memory test found that older dogs make more mistakes before finding food, while the novel object test revealed an increased tendency to avoid new objects with age.
A study found that fearful cats tend to display excessive grooming and aggression towards humans. Early socialization with humans is crucial in reducing fearfulness and related behavioral issues in cats. The research also discovered a correlation between litterbox issues and aggressive behavior in households with multiple cats.
A study published in Anthrozoös found that having a pet can improve mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those who are less resilient. Owners who spent more time interacting with their pets reported better mental health.
A study of 16 cats found they can differentiate their owner's voice from a stranger's, even when tone is changed. This suggests that cats form strong bonds with their owners based on experience of the speaker's voice.
Researchers have reverse-engineered a virus linked to chronic kidney disease in cats and described its mechanism of infection. The feline morbillivirus, or FeMV, can spread from host to host through urine, similar to the zoonotic Nipah virus.
A study by Oregon State University found that dogs with owners who have high expectations and respond well to their behavior are more social, secure, and persistent problem solvers. The research suggests that understanding a dog's needs is crucial for raising secure and resilient dogs.
Invasive alien species threaten EU biodiversity, causing harm to wildlife, crops, and human health. The new awareness campaign urges people to 'Beware of Aliens' and report sightings to prevent their spread.
Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.
A One Health Clinic in Seattle provides concurrent primary health care and veterinary care to homeless youth and their pets, addressing the human-animal bond to increase access to healthcare. The clinic offers a free toolkit for starting similar clinics in the US or Canada.
Researchers found that discounted prices were 1.5 times higher for human medications than for pet medications, affecting over 60% of medications.
A recent study by Washington State University researchers has identified distinct genetic patterns among the most prevalent types of canine soft tissue sarcomas, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. The findings suggest that a single treatment approach may not be effective for all subtypes of the tumor.
A recent study found a significant decline in pet neuter surgeries nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased shelter overcrowding and euthanasia. The study, which analyzed data from 212 clinics, showed a shortage of veterinarians and staffing issues exacerbated the problem.
Horses with long-term relationships with owners are less stressed when encountering novel objects and surfaces. Research suggests that exclusive ownership and positive human interactions shape the horse's behavior, particularly in new or stressful situations.
A new international study suggests that dog owners who spend more time exercising themselves tend to exercise their dogs more, leading to a perceived ideal body weight. The study found that feeding practices play a main role in owner perception of their dog being overweight, while exercise practices are crucial for an ideal weight.
A recent study found that US animal shelters experienced a surge in dog and cat intake following climate-linked disasters. The influx of animals lasted for up to a year, highlighting the need for preparedness and resources for affected facilities.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that dog gut bacteria can change rapidly after introducing a new diet, with microbial turnover occurring in under a week. The research also confirmed previous findings on the health benefits of high-fiber diets over high-fat and high-protein diets.
The first global dataset of SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals has been published, providing a comprehensive overview of the virus's impact on animal populations worldwide. The dataset shows an increasing number of reported cases globally, with high diversity of variants detected in various species.
Two studies found that dogs fed on a diet of raw meat were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant E. coli in their faeces. The research suggests that not feeding raw meat to dogs may help reduce the circulation of critically important antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of a 'cat-friendly' approach to care, reducing stress and creating positive associations through gentle handling, comfortable bedding, and calm interactions. Regular offering of food and careful feeding techniques are also crucial for managing inappetence and promoting recovery.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.
A new study finds that the quality of dog-owner relationships is similar between Canadian-born dogs and internationally sourced dogs. Owners reported equal satisfaction, attachment, and problematic behaviors, suggesting owner attitudes play a greater role than dog characteristics.
A new study suggests that goldfish pose a significant risk to native biodiversity in rivers and lakes. With insatiable appetites and bold behavior, goldfish can outcompete other species for resources, leading to catastrophic outcomes.
A growing market for pet insects is driving interest in praying mantis conservation; hobbyists and enthusiasts share valuable knowledge, while also raising concerns about the trade's regulation.
A survey of veterinarians in the US and Canada reveals a significant increase in cannabis poisoning cases among pets since Canada's 2018 legalization, with most cases treated successfully. The study highlights the importance of understanding the effects of cannabis on pets to inform veterinary efforts and policies.
A survey of over 2,500 dog owners found that nutritionally sound vegan diets were associated with better health outcomes for dogs compared to raw or conventional meat diets. The study controlled for various factors and suggested that a well-planned vegan diet may be the healthiest choice for canines.
Research shows that children aged 9-11 believe farm animals should be treated like pets and think eating animals is less morally acceptable than adults. The study suggests that speciesism - a moral hierarchy giving different value to different animals - is learned during adolescence.