http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/dogs/ Veterinary research and news on dogs as companions, canine health, wolf pack behavior and more. If it is news about dogs, you will find it here! en-us Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:05:01 EST Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/dogs/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152528.htm A 33,000-year-old dog skull unearthed in a Siberian mountain cave presents some of the oldest known evidence of dog domestication and indicates that modern dogs may be descended from multiple ancestors, with advancing glaciers thwarting early domestication efforts. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152508.htm Scientists have shown that they can prevent, or even reverse, a blinding retinal disease, X-linked Retinitis Pigmentosa, or XLRP, in dogs. The disease in humans and dogs is caused by defects in the RPGR gene and results in early, severe and progressive vision loss. It is one of the most common inherited forms of retinal degeneration in man. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123152508.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm A spoonful of medicine goes down a lot easier if there is a dog or cat around. Having pets is helpful for women living with HIV/AIDS and managing their chronic illness, according to a new study. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:55:55 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120123115523.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133552.htm Pigeons come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Some have feathers reaching up over their heads like a hood. Others have feathers all the way to the tips of their toes or fanned out on their tails like tiny turkeys. Now, researchers have traced the birds' family tree in an effort to sort out how all that remarkable variation came to be. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133154.htm Pigeons display spectacular variations in their feathers, feet, beaks and other physical traits, but a new study shows that visible traits don’t always coincide with genetics: A bird from one breed may have huge foot feathers, while a closely related breed does not; yet two unrelated pigeon breeds both may have large foot feathers. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:31:31 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120119133154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm Dogs with spinal cord injuries may soon benefit from an experimental drug currently being tested by researchers — work that they hope will one day help people with similar injuries. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118155338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131639.htm Dogs pick up not only on the words we say but also on our intent to communicate with them, according to a new report. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140710.htm On the 15th anniversary of the return of wolves to Yellowstone National Park, a quiet but profound rebirth of life and ecosystem health is emerging, scientists conclude in a new report. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:07:07 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203951.htm For pets suffering critical illness or injury, researchers have found that even tiny increases of creatinine in blood also could indicate acute kidney damage. Using human blood measurement guidelines for acute kidney injuries, the researchers believe they can now help pet owners better know the severity of their animals' illness. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:39:39 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111219203951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215094811.htm The mold fungus Penicillium crustosum occurs relatively frequently in food and animal fodder stored in temperate conditions. This mold produces powerful neurotoxins, for example penitrem A, which causes symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from those of other neurological diseases. Penitrem A is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier and new research has unveiled the mechanisms behind the neurological effects of the toxin. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215094811.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207133047.htm In part of an effort to replace animal fat in hot dogs, sausages, hamburgers and other foods with healthier fat, scientists are reporting an advance in solving the mystery of why hot dogs develop an unpleasant tough texture when vegetable oils pinch hit for animal fat. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207133047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140603.htm In pets and people, the time it takes to diagnose an infection may mean life or death. Now, a veterinarian is identifying ways to diagnose pet infections in approximately a third of the current diagnosis time. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205140603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144700.htm Life scientists have produced the most comprehensive mathematical model ever devised to track the health of populations exposed to environmental change. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 14:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111204144700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201142752.htm A study of the wolves of Yellowstone National Park has improved predictions of how these animals will respond to environmental changes. The study, which is part of the Yellowstone Wolf Project, involved tracking changes in various characteristics of the wolves of Yellowstone National Park ever since these animals were reintroduced to the park in 1995. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201142752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150355.htm Researchers have produced the first clear evidence that textiles made by the indigenous population of the Pacific coast of North America contained dog hair. Thu, 24 Nov 2011 15:03:03 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111124150355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123132937.htm Researchers say they have found further proof that the wolf ancestors of today's domesticated dogs can be traced to southern East Asia -- findings that run counter to theories placing the cradle of the canine line in the Middle East. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111123132937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132359.htm Researchers have uncovered evidence that evolutionary "breakpoints" on canine chromosomes are also associated with canine cancer. Mapping these "fragile" regions in dogs may also have implications for the discovery and treatment of human cancers. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025163149.htm Changes in North American ecosystems over the past 150 years have caused coyotes to move from their native habitats in the plains and southwestern deserts of North America to habitats throughout the United States. In a new study, researchers used DNA from coyote scat (feces) to trace the route that led some of the animals to colonize in Northern Virginia. The researchers also confirmed that, along the way, the coyotes interbred with the native Great Lakes wolves. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025163149.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172656.htm The addition of ascorbate (vitamin C) or its close relative, erythorbate, and the reduced amount of nitrite added in hot dogs, mandated in 1978, have been accompanied by a steep drop in the death rate from colon cancer, according to new research. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084331.htm Instinctive mothering behavior towards care of newborns has long been recognized as a phenomenon in humans and animals, but now research has shown that motherhood is associated with the acquisition of a host of new behaviors that are driven, at least in part, by alterations in brain function. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018155221.htm An experimental vaccine is the first veterinary cancer vaccine of its kind that shows an increase in survival time for dogs with spontaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The work shows for the first time the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of this alternative cell-based vaccine, which could be employed in the treatment of a number of different cancer types. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018155221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013121709.htm Industrial chemicals are being transported from the industrialized world to the Arctic via air and sea currents. Here, the cocktail of environmental toxins is absorbed by the sea's food chains, of which the polar bear is the top predator. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013121709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132543.htm Jack, a 12-year-old Yorkshire terrier, was lethargic and gasping for air when he arrived at a veterinary hospital. His tongue and gums were a bluish-purple. But, just one day following an innovative procedure, Jack bounced back to his former youthful exuberance. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930153052.htm Veterinarians are working to understand how distemper -- a virus afflicting domestic dogs and many wildlife species -- may be a growing threat to Siberian tigers. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930153052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm When a species recovers enough to be removed from the federal endangered species list, the public trust doctrine -- the principle that government must conserve natural resources for the public good -- should guide state management of wildlife, scientists say. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929161333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185023.htm A recent, large-scale study on cat intestinal cancer has provided new insight into a common pet disease and its causes; the findings could ultimately benefit humans. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923095003.htm Diabetes affects not only humans but also animals. While humans generally show some willingness to modify their behavior to help their treatment, pet owners face additional problems in that animals generally do not understand the need for intervention. Treatment plans should be based on an understanding of natural fluctuations in blood glucose levels but these are very hard to determine. Researchers have now shown that a commercially available system for continuous glucose monitoring can be applied to dogs without requiring the animals to be kept in a clinic. The resulting information can give valuable guidance to veterinarians to improve the dogs' treatment. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923095003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172844.htm After more than three decades of research, veterinarians and vision-research scientists have identified a gene responsible for a blindness-inducing disease that afflicts dogs. In the process, the scientists may have discovered clues about how retinal cells, and perhaps even neurons, can be regenerated. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172834.htm Birds may have a more highly developed sense of smell than researchers previously thought, contend scholars who have found that penguins may use smell to determine if they are related to a potential mate. Smell may help guide them to their homes as well as avoid inbreeding, they say. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144606.htm The "white-coat effect" is not reserved for only the human patients who see their blood pressure rise in response to the stress of a doctor visit. In a new study, researchers have determined that anxiety associated with being in a veterinary hospital elevates the blood pressure in retired racing greyhounds -- a breed known for having higher-than-average blood pressure in the first place. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830144530.htm As wolf populations grow in parts of the West, most of the focus has been on their value in aiding broader ecosystem recovery -- but a new study also points out that they could play an important role in helping to save other threatened species, including the Canada lynx. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830144530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190602.htm Bacteria from fecal material -- in particular, dog fecal material -- may constitute the dominant source of airborne bacteria in Cleveland's and Detroit's wintertime air. Thu, 18 Aug 2011 19:06:06 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110818190602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817194548.htm Sniffer dogs could be used for the early detection of lung cancer, according to new research. The study, carried out by researchers in Germany, is the first to find that sniffer dogs can reliably detect lung cancer. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817194548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132854.htm Researchers have found a strong association between the consumption of red meat -- particularly when the meat is processed -- and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study also shows that replacing red meat with healthier proteins, such as low-fat dairy, nuts, or whole grains, can significantly lower the risk. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 13:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810132854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808104624.htm Researchers surveyed 2,320 residents of Wisconsin, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming -- including both hunters and non-hunters -- between 2001 and 2007. Their findings reveal hunter attitudes toward wolves that are largely inconsistent with stewardship. Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110808104624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802180825.htm For many people, Fido and Fluffy are more than just pets, they're true and equal members of the family. And it's not hard to see why. Our pets greet us at the door after a long day of work, settle in our laps while we're watching TV, or 'sing' along when we hum a tune. They provide companionship and even a sense of comfort. Yet according to new research there simply isn't strong evidence for the general claim that living with a pet makes for a happier, healthier or longer life. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 18:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802180825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728103146.htm Researchers have discovered a gene pattern that distinguishes the more severe form of bone cancer from a less aggressive form in dogs. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728103146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727203844.htm A new epilepsy gene, LGI2, has been found in the Lagotto Romagnolo dogs, known from their gift for truffle hunting. Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727203844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164022.htm Scientists have announced preliminary findings in two major studies involving the health of West Highland white terriers also known as westies. Findings in these and other studies of Westies and other dogs may hold answers for similar human conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 16:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110718164022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110715135332.htm There are many kinds of cancers of the immune system, but one, activated B-cell diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, is particularly common and pernicious. Researchers have now shown that dogs that develop this disease spontaneously share the same aberrant activation of a critical intracellular pathway with humans. They also found that a drug designed to disrupt this pathway helps kill tumor cells in the dogs' lymph nodes. Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110715135332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191429.htm A protein that appears to play a key role in the formation of lymphoma and other tumors by inhibiting a tumor-suppressing gene has been identified by a team of veterinary and human medicine researchers. The newly identified protein may be a potential target for diagnosing and treating lymphoma in humans and animals. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714191429.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707161738.htm Contrary to popular belief, so-called hypoallergenic dogs do not have lower household allergen levels than other dogs. That's the conclusion of a study by researchers who sought to evaluate whether hypoallergenic dogs have a lower dog allergen in the home than other dogs. Hypoallergenic dogs are believed to produce less dander and saliva and shed less fur. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110707161738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130338.htm In a case study that illustrates the need for people with diabetes to be cautious of foot injuries and to protect themselves from pets, a woman with numbness in her feet caused by diabetic neuropathy slept through a traumatic episode in which her Jack Russell terrier chewed off part of her slightly infected big toe, according to a new article. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130338.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622102646.htm New research suggests that, in the petroleum-rich Athabaska Oil Sands in northern Alberta, human activity related to oil production and the timber industry could be more important than wolves in the decline of the caribou population. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622102646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621173521.htm An extensive study of the caribou population in the Fort McMurray oilsands region shows the animals' survival isn't as threatened as was perceived in the past. The study recommends efforts to manage human activity around resource development before resorting to the drastic measure of a wolf kill. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110621173521.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616092535.htm Youths in groups or gangs choose to own dogs primarily for socializing and companionship. Dogs are also used for protection and enhancing status, but to a lesser extent, contrary to popular perception. Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110616092535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014443.htm A new study reveals that keeping a dog or cat in the home does not increase children's risk of becoming allergic to the pets. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 01:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110613014443.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609084808.htm Dog owners often attest to their canine companion's seeming ability to read their minds. How do dogs learn to beg for food or behave badly primarily when we're not looking? According to one research team, the way that dogs come to respond to the level of people’s attentiveness tells us something about the ways dogs think and learn about human behavior. Their research suggests it is down to a combination of specific cues, context and previous experience. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:48:48 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609084808.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122248.htm When people are depressed or anxious, they are much more likely to see their glass as half empty than half full. In tough times, evidence of that same pessimistic outlook can be seen in dogs, rats, and birds. Now, researchers show that bees, too, share those very same hallmarks of negative emotion. Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110602122248.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601111410.htm As Wisconsin's wolf population grows, intensifying the potential for conflicts with people, new research is revealing that one of the most visible types of conflict -- attacks on livestock -- is highly localized and may be predictable. Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110601111410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527080325.htm How does a dog run? Until recently, even experts found it nearly impossible to answer this simple sounding question. Zoologists have now presented the results of the most extensive study worldwide concerning the motion of dogs and offered new insights into their course of movement. Fri, 27 May 2011 08:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110527080325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152344.htm In a new study, researchers report the discovery of a novel hepatitis C-like virus in dogs. The identification and characterization of this virus gives scientists new insights into how hepatitis C in humans may have evolved and provides scientists renewed hope to develop a model system to study how it causes disease. Mon, 23 May 2011 15:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110523152344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503203816.htm Was the iconic, extinct creature that once roamed Australia a marsupial wolf or a Tasmanian tiger? By examining bones, researchers have shown that the thylacine was an ambush-style predator that was unable to outrun prey over long distances. This hunting approach differs from wolves and other dog-like species that hunt in packs and pursue. Tue, 03 May 2011 20:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110503203816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110430133113.htm Patients who undergo MRI often suffer from elevated anxiety. Patient discomfort may cause poor image quality due to motion artifacts or early termination. Anxiolytic medications are currently used to reduce this anticipated anxiety, but animal-assisted therapy may be a non-invasive alternative treatment with fewer adverse effects, according to new research. Sat, 30 Apr 2011 13:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110430133113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426071021.htm Scientists have found chemical flame retardants in the blood of pet dogs at concentrations five to 10 times higher than in humans, but lower than levels found in a previous study of cats. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110426071021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173900.htm Researchers have changed the way veterinarians treat diabetes in animals by adapting a device used to monitor glucose in humans. Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110425173900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419151440.htm Dog owners and veterinarians have long relied on a mix of limited data and anecdotal evidence to assess which breeds are at risk of dying from various conditions, but a new study provides a rare and comprehensive look at causes of death in more than 80 breeds. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 15:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110419151440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418135531.htm Researchers believe both humans and animals will benefit from their discovery that the same gene mutation found in Tibetan terrier dogs can also be found in a fatal human neurological disorder related to Parkinson's disease. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418135531.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093844.htm Researchers were surprised to find that dogs and humans share a common tumor marker. The researchers uncovered a molecule, the CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) receptor, that is almost identical in the two species. The result could lead to the rapid development of new therapies for dogs and humans. Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110418093844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142219.htm Until recently scientists studying the wolves of Isle Royale National Park thought they'd been totally isolated on the Lake Superior island for more than half a century. Now, by analyzing droppings, they've found the DNA of a fairly recent immigrant wolf from Canada. Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110331142219.htm