Articles tagged with Pet Animals
Researchers analyzed data on over 19 million cats to understand typical weight gain and loss patterns. The study found most cats continue to put on weight as they age, with average weights peaking between 6-10 years old.
Researchers at Washington State University discovered that interacting with animals for just 10 minutes can lower cortisol levels, a major stress hormone, in college students. The study involved 249 participants divided into four groups, with the first group showing a significant reduction in cortisol levels after petting cats and dogs.
A new study from McGill University and the University of Antwerp has developed a PET imaging platform that allows simultaneous scanning of multiple awake animals. This breakthrough enables unprecedented experimental designs and opens up new avenues for research into brain function, neurochemistry, and behavior.
In a touchscreen-based task, wolves behaved more prosocially towards their fellow pack members than dogs. Wolves opted to deliver significantly more food to an adjacent enclosure when it held a member of their own pack present.
Researchers discovered a gene that enables bacteria to resist linezolid in cats and dogs at a UK animal hospital, suggesting potential transmission between animals and humans.
Researchers found that domestic cats can distinguish between their name and other words, even if they don't respond enthusiastically. Cats living in homes were more likely to recognize their owner's voice than those in cat cafés.
A new national poll found that 55% of adults aged 50-80 have a pet, which reduces stress, gives them purpose, and encourages physical activity. However, some pet owners may prioritize their animals' needs over their own health.
Researchers studied 250 mammals in zoos to investigate the connection between digestive systems and resting postures. They found that body size plays a significant role in determining the animals' resting posture, with larger animals more likely to lie on their sides and smaller ones on their chests.
A survey of 3,673 dog and cat owners found that 35% of pet owners who feed their animals conventional diets are interested in switching to a plant-based diet. Many respondents also reported already feeding their pets plant-based diets, with 27% of vegans having made the switch.
A study of Twitter activity reveals that viral videos of exotic animals can fuel demand for them as pets. Researchers analyzed nearly 14,000 tweets mentioning pet or captive lemurs and found a significant spike in searches for 'pet lemur' after a popular video went viral.
Researchers investigated PFAS exposure in older cats and compared it with hyperthyroidism prevalence. The study found a potential link between higher PFAS levels and increased risk of hyperthyroidism in senior cats.
A new Oregon State University study reveals that human encouragement significantly influences how dogs solve problems. Search and rescue dogs outperformed pet dogs when encouraged by their owners, but only solved the task independently after receiving social cues from their owners.
Scientists have successfully enhanced the capacity of PETase, an enzyme that degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a type of plastic commonly used in bottles. The breakthrough could lead to more efficient biodegradation of PET and reduce ocean plastic waste.
A new study reveals that allowing pets to roam outdoors can lead to a decrease in perceived environmental friendliness among bird lovers on social media. Even though property owners exhibit sustainable practices, those with outdoor cats are judged less environmentally concerned.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast found that female cats exhibit a strong preference for using their right paw, while males show a preference for the left. This gender-based difference in limb use may help cat owners understand their pet's stress levels and behavior.
A study published in Veterinary Record found that commercial raw meat diets (RMDs) are contaminated with zoonotic bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans. The research highlights the need for pet owners to be aware of these risks and take proper hygiene measures to minimize exposure.
A Brazilian startup has developed a smartphone app that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to identify animals. The 'Crowdpet' app combines photos of lost animals registered by owners with snaps of animals found in the street by volunteers, achieving a 99% success rate in distinguishing cats and dogs.
A recent study published in The BMJ found no evidence that pet ownership is linked to improved physical or psychological functioning in older adults. In fact, researchers analyzed data from over 8,700 adults and found no association between pet ownership and biomarkers of healthy aging.
A recent study by the University of Florida found that having a pet dog present during stressful experiences lowers children's stress levels and cortisol levels. Children who actively engaged with their pets had lower cortisol levels compared to those who did not.
A University of Washington study suggests that monitoring and potentially treating monkeys that co-exist with humans in affected areas may be part of the global strategy for eradicating yaws, a tropical disease. The researchers found that infected monkeys were more common in regions experiencing recent upsurges in reported cases.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) is offering a $50,000 grant to support research into the effects of companion animals on healthy aging in humans. The grant aims to advance the study of human-animal interaction's impact on older adults and their caregivers.
A new study by Nationwide Children's Hospital found that nearly two-thirds of US households own a pet, putting children at risk from medicine intended for pets. The researchers recommend safe storage and handling of pet medications to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry, pets offer significant support for individuals managing long-term mental health conditions. Participants reported that their pets helped manage stigma associated with their condition and provided unconditional validation during times of crisis.
Scientists found that captive Komodo dragons share microbes with their environment, similar to humans and pets, and this constant exchange affects their immune systems. This study aims to improve animal husbandry practices by understanding the relationship between captivity and microbial diversity.
Researchers at Mizzou have identified a defect in the lower esophageal sphincter as a potential cause of megaesophagus, a devastating disease in dogs. A new treatment approach uses video fluoroscopic swallow studies and therapies like Botox to improve symptoms and quality of life for affected dogs.
A new genus and new species of freshwater crab, Yuebeipotamon calciatile, has been discovered in southern China's pet market. The species has distinctive features including a maroon-colored carapace, reddish-purplish claws and legs, and long slender legs that aid in climbing and movement.
A new study found that household transmission of C. difficile can occur through contact with pets and children, highlighting the need for simple hygiene practices like hand washing in the home. The study revealed that 13.4% of household contacts were infected with the bacterium, with younger children being more susceptible.
A new study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science ranks the suitability of mammals as pets, with Agile Wallaby, Sika Deer, Tamar Wallaby, Llama, and Asian Palm Civet making the top five list. The research developed a methodology to assess mammal suitability for domestic ownership, considering behavioral needs and welfare risks.
A special issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery defines common physical and functional changes in cats during aging. The issue provides assessment criteria for veterinary practitioners to provide the best care to ageing pet cats, as well as resources for future clinical research.
Researchers have selectively bred domesticated rat strains to exhibit tame behavior, with no instances of biting reported. The study also reveals hormonal responses and sex differences in aggression between male and female rats, shedding light on the physiological changes during domestication.
A new study from Duke University reveals that misnaming follows predictable patterns, with people often using relationship categories and phonetic similarities to mix up names. The study found that family members frequently call other family members by the name of the family dog, suggesting a special bond between humans and canines.
A case-controlled study of 23 young people with type I diabetes found that those who cared for pets had well-controlled blood sugar levels, 2.5 times more likely than non-pet owners. The researchers suggest that factors like household routines and responsibility may also support self-management of the condition.
A study found that older adults who form strong bonds with their dogs tend to exercise longer and more often, leading to improved physical health. Additionally, dog walking offers a means to socialize with pet owners and others, making it an accessible way for seniors to stay active and connected.
4th-year student Jennifer C. Miller co-authored an article with professor Inder Sehgal on a veterinary pharmacy course at Marshall University. The study found that the course effectively educated students about pet therapeutics and built enthusiasm for veterinary pharmacotherapy in pharmacy programs across the nation.
Almost one-third of lemurs in Madagascar are kept as illegal pets, posing a threat to conservation efforts. Investigators found 302 captive lemur sightings and 15% of hotels with illegal captive lemurs advertised to tourists.
A new study by the University of Florida found that shelter staff frequently misidentify dog breeds based on appearance, which can lead to negative outcomes for the dogs. The study evaluated DNA profiles and visual identification, finding limited agreement among staff members.
A 17-year-old woman contracted rat-bite fever from her pet rodents, a rare condition that can be treated. The case highlights the risk of infection from pet animals and the importance of proper hygiene.
The Indian star tortoise is being poached on a massive scale, with at least 55,000 individuals seized in a single year from one trade hub in India. The tortoises are sold to consumers for exotic pets or spiritual purposes, often for low prices, threatening their conservation and welfare.
A recent study reveals that reptile pets can shuttle grasshopper allergy and asthma into homes. Researchers found that insects used as reptile food can cause allergic reactions, even after exposure has ceased. Experts recommend keeping reptile food outside of homes to prevent this issue.
A study found that dust in US homes contains over 5,000 bacterial species and 2,000 fungal species, which can indicate the home's location and occupant's gender. Fungal communities are more predictive of a home's location, while bacterial communities reveal clues about the occupants' identities.
A deadly fungus identified in 2013 poses a significant threat to North American salamander populations. Scientists are urging the U.S. government to implement an immediate ban on live salamander imports to prevent the spread of the fatal Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) fungus.
Reevaluating pet feeding regimens can help combat pet obesity, with customized diets tailored to individual animals' unique needs. Maintaining a lean body condition score adds years to dogs' lives, while raw and whole-prey diets may offer an alternative to extruded ones.
A new study finds that a moderate amount of stress stimulates mellow dogs, while hyperactive dogs perform poorly under increased stimulation. Researchers tested pet and assistance dogs, finding that their baseline temperament plays a crucial role in determining optimal stress levels.
Researchers are using pet dogs with naturally occurring tumors to test new cancer drugs, which could lead to innovative therapies for both humans and animals. The dogs' physiological similarities to humans and conserved genetics between some dog and human cancers make them an ideal model for studying new treatments.
A study of almost 7,000 people found that viewing cat videos online increases energy and positive emotions, while decreasing negative feelings. Participants reported feeling guilty for procrastination but experienced pleasure outweighing guilt from watching cat videos.
New research finds that dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) preserves avian red blood cell viability, offering a potential solution for treating birds with life-threatening conditions. Further studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of DMSO for long-term blood storage.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that Tokay geckos harbor bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing a risk to pet owners. The study highlights the importance of pathogen screening in the pet trade to prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria from entering households.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels in hospitalized pet cats predict survival chances, with higher levels linked to better outcomes. The study suggests a potential link between vitamin D and feline health problems, offering new insights for veterinarians.
As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, robotic pets are becoming increasingly popular, offering alternatives for those who cannot have live pets. However, concerns arise about the ethics of relying on robots for companionship and potential impacts on human relationships with real animals.
A study led by Princeton University researchers found that bird species with increasing prices and decreasing availability exhibited plummeting populations in the wild. Market monitoring can be done more quickly and cheaply than field-based monitoring, making it an effective tool for conservation.
Researchers found high levels of certain flame retardants in cats with hyperthyroidism, hinting at a possible link between the compounds and the hormonal disorder. The study suggests that exposure to these substances through dust accumulation on fur could be contributing factor for this condition.
Researchers suggest families choose pet species that carry fewer diseases, such as dogs or cats, and follow general recommendations like handwashing and cleaning cages. The review aims to reduce zoonotic disease transmission among vulnerable groups, including infants and those with compromised immune systems.
Household pets can transmit infection to people, especially those with weak immune systems. Surprisingly, the general public and people at high risk for pet-associated disease are not aware of the risks associated with high-risk pet practices or recommendations to reduce them.
Researchers re-discovered the Pinocchio lizard in Ecuador's cloud forests and studied its long nose, finding it plays a key role in social interactions among males and between males and females. The team hopes to learn more about the appendage's evolution and its impact on conservation efforts.
Research found that 14 out of 17 popular pet food brands contained unspecified animal species, including cow, pig, and chicken DNA. The study highlights weaknesses in product labeling that could affect pets and their owners.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America outlines guidelines for animal-assisted activities, service animals, and personal pet visitation in healthcare facilities. The recommendations aim to protect patients and healthcare providers from animal-to-human transmission and promote evidence-based practices.
A new study reveals that media portrayals of monkeys in human settings increase their desirability as pets and alter public perception. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that such images change the way people perceive these species from wild animals needing conservation help to those suitable as household pets.
University of Illinois journalism professor Matthew Ehrlich compiled hundreds of cat-related tales from the New York Times digital archive, showing a range of stories beyond just cute cat videos. He found hero cats and nuisance cats, as well as concerns over animal treatment and rights.
A new study by Kansas State University veterinary diagnosticians found that a rabies booster can protect pets with out-of-date vaccinations from developing the fatal disease. The finding gives pet owners and veterinarians new options when faced with quarantining or euthanizing a pet exposed to the rabies virus.
Researchers discovered two new species of water monitor lizards in Manila's black market, which were previously unknown to science. Genetic analysis revealed distinct genetic variations from known local species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.