Articles tagged with Pet Animals
Researchers at Ohio State University identified 14 types of mold on and around Madagascar hissing cockroaches, including molds associated with allergies. Handling the insects may trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals if proper cleaning and care are not taken.
Research reveals that people's tendency to anthropomorphize (attribute human-like qualities) non-human entities can serve as a coping mechanism for loneliness. This phenomenon carries therapeutic and societal implications, suggesting that non-human connections can provide psychological benefits similar to those from human relationships.
Researchers found that vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas, with a high success rate in killing adult fleas (96%) and destroying younger stages (100%). The study suggests that the physical abuse caused by the vacuum's brushes and fans leads to flea death.
A study published by the American Chemical Society found a link between feline hyperthyroidism and exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from flame retardants in furniture, pet food, and household dust. PBDE levels were three times higher in hyperthyroid cats than in younger cats.
Researchers found that 71% of lost dogs were reunited with their owners, compared to 53% of lost cats. Identification tags or microchips played a crucial role in recovery. Posting signs and advertising in local newspapers also helped recover pets.
The survey found that dogs received 16% fewer animals since 1996, while cat intake increased by nearly 20%, leading to a rise in cat euthanasia rates. In contrast, dogs saw a significant decrease in euthanasia rates and more adoptions, with 63,700 dogs adopted compared to 51,600 in 1996.
According to Irvine, no animals had to be euthanized due to lack of space after Hurricane Charley. She studied how human attitudes and myths influence emergency workers' approach to free-roaming animals during disasters.
The Internet enables organizations to function as virtual shelters without physical locations, allowing for pre-screening and coordination of adoption events. Descriptive online ads educate potential owners about endearing traits, while interactive messages narrow the selection process.
Small animal imaging allows for repeated, non-invasive studies on the same living subject, providing crucial information on disease progression and treatment outcomes. This technology enables researchers to gain insights into human biology and disease, leading to improved diagnosis and development of innovative drugs.
Recent Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences article highlights the alarming rate of vertebrate invasions between Europe and North America. With a 25% chance of invasion for each introduced animal, precautions like port inspection and exotic wildlife regulations are crucial to combat invasive species.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed an advanced PET scanner, MicroPET II, that can resolve a volume of one cubic millimeter, significantly improving detection of small cancer cells in experimental animals. The non-invasive imaging technology allows researchers to gain more information and use fewer animals in studies.
The microPET Focus offers significant improvements in image resolution and system sensitivity compared to its predecessor. The new design features reduced detector crystal cross-sections and gap sizes, resulting in improved spatial resolution and increased sensitivity.
Researchers found that pet owners had lower stress responses and fewer errors when completing mental arithmetic challenges with their pets present. In contrast, participants without pets showed higher stress levels and made more mistakes when alone or with friends/spouses.
Children exposed to two or more pets during their first year of life were on average 66-77% less likely to develop allergic antibodies, a significant finding that challenges current understanding of allergy development.
A study found that children exposed to dogs and cats in the home have a significantly reduced risk of developing common allergies, with exposure levels reducing allergy rates by up to 45%. The research suggests that early exposure to endotoxins from pets may help the immune system develop a different response, making it less likely for...
A new study by National Jewish Health reveals that smoking and pet ownership are common triggers of asthma attacks in children. Households with smokers differ from those with pets in terms of socioeconomic and psychosocial profiles, suggesting that addressing these triggers requires individualized approaches.
This issue of Annals of Internal Medicine offers guidance on identifying and treating depression in terminally ill patients. A new program combining physical therapy and exercise is shown to effectively manage osteoarthritis symptoms, potentially delaying surgery for affected adults. Meanwhile, a pet parrot infection has been transmitt...
A Vanderbilt University study found high bacterial levels in Nashville runoff from pets and urban wildlife, contradicting the assumption that human waste is the primary source. The research suggests that animal wastes can taint fresh streams and rivers, killing aquatic life.
A University at Buffalo study found that pet dog or cat owners experienced significantly reduced cardiovascular measures during stressful situations compared to non-pet owners. The study showed that having a pet helped to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure in response to mental stress.
A study found that people with pets experienced half the increase in blood pressure under stress compared to those without pets. The researchers used medication to control high blood pressure and tested the effects of pets on stress reactivity.
Weed killers and pesticides applied to lawns can track into homes, causing unnecessary exposure, particularly to children. Consumers can reduce track-in by removing shoes, restricting access to youngsters and pets, and carpeting entryways.
Pet-owning couples have lower baseline blood pressure, less stressful response, and quicker recovery time compared to pet-less couples. They also have more frequent social interactions, with those most attached to their pets interacting the most with their spouses.
The studies found that moving and lifestyle issues were the main reasons for surrendering pets, with 64% being euthanized instead of adopted. The majority of pet owners who surrendered their animals were under 30 years old, and more dogs than cats were taken to shelters.
Researchers found that small-intestine digestibility and nutritive value are essentially equal in pet foods containing raw meat or animal by-products. Pet owners can opt for premium diets rich in protein with fewer stools and less gas, but at a higher cost.
A six-month study found that elderly and young women who owned pets had lower blood pressure readings than those without pets. Pet owners experienced physiological benefits comparable to those derived from human companionship, suggesting that pets can play an important role in moderating age-related increases in blood pressure.
Dr. Ron Siebeling is researching ways to eliminate salmonella among pet turtle populations, which could lead to their revival in the US market. His work may also help scientists develop new methods for dealing with other bacterial infections that harm poultry and livestock.