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 Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:05:01 EST Sat, 21 Nov 2009 18:05:01 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/2009/11/091116131824.htm Adults who use pet therapy while recovering from total joint-replacement surgery require 50 percent less pain medication than those who do not, according to new research. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091116131824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm Scientists have decoded the genome of the domestic horse, revealing a genome structure with remarkable similarities to humans and more than one million genetic differences across a variety of horse breeds. In addition to shedding light on a key part of the mammalian branch of the evolutionary tree, the work also provides a critical starting point for mapping disease genes in horses. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143708.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121449.htm Ever since the Falklands wolf was described by Darwin himself, the origin of this now-extinct canid found only on the Falkland Islands far off the east coast of Argentina has remained a mystery. Now, researchers who have compared DNA from four of the world's dozen or so known Falklands wolf museum specimens to that of living canids offer new insight into the evolutionary ancestry of these enigmatic carnivores. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085819.htm Moose eat plants; wolves kill moose. What difference does this classic predator-prey interaction make to biodiversity? A large and unexpected one, say wildlife biologists. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111909.htm The American Physiological Society announced that it has endorsed the recommendation of a National Academy of Sciences report calling for the identification of new suppliers to replace Class B dealers as providers of random source dogs and cats for medical research. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029111909.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125539.htm Although most wolves in Yellowstone National Park live to be nearly six years old, their ability to kill prey peaks when they are two to three, according to a new study. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026125539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026172056.htm Scientists have identified the dominant odor naturally produced in humans and birds that attracts the blood-feeding Culex mosquitoes, which transmits West Nile virus and other life-threatening diseases. The groundbreaking research explains why mosquitoes shifted hosts from birds to humans and paves the way for key developments in mosquito and disease control. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026172056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104702.htm A Spanish researcher has analyzed the preferences of wolves from the north east of the Iberian Peninsula to demonstrate that, in reality, their favorite prey are roe deer, deer and wild boar, ahead of domestic ruminants (sheep, goats, cows and horses). Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091023104702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225543.htm Scientists say that studying pet dogs with cancer could yield valuable information on how to diagnose and treat human cancers. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012225543.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013185154.htm Animals shelter officials housing lost pets that had been implanted with a microchip were able to find the owners in almost three out of four cases in a recently published national study. According to the research, the return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2.5 times higher for microchipped pets than were the rates of return for all stray cats and dogs that had entered the shelters.  Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013185154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm You might watch your daily calorie intake or glance over nutritional information on food packages, but do you do the same for your pet? Veterinarians say there are several guidelines to follow when feeding your pet to ensure that it maintains good health. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113313.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172532.htm Lowers blood pressure, encourages exercise, improves psychological health -- these may sound like the effects of a miracle drug, but they are actually among the benefits of owning a four-legged, furry pet. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172532.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924141744.htm A study by developmental scientists challenges the conclusions of two recent studies on how babies and dogs respond to certain social cues. The new findings indicate that babies and dogs may not be as clever as the other studies suggest. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090924141744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125132.htm People and their dogs both need physical activity to fight obesity, and there are many exercises that owner and pet can do together that can improve their health and their relationship. Dogs, like people, reap many benefits from exercise, according to one veterinarian, who adds there are physical and mental health advantages for the dog owner and the dog when they exercise together. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105144.htm Previous studies have indicated that East Asia is where the wolf was tamed and became the dog. It was not possible to be more precise than that. But now researchers in Sweden have managed to zero in on man's best friend. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141336.htm Researchers used data from Portuguese water dogs -- the breed of President Barack Obama's dog Bo -- to help find a gene that gives some dogs curly hair and others long, wavy hair. Variations in only three genes account for the seven major types of coat seen in purebred dogs. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025813.htm Some dogs are revered or pampered, with fancy clothes and loads of affection; others work for a living. An Indiana researcher reports that relationships between dogs and their owners generally fall into three distinct categories, with some bestowing more canine benefits than others. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025813.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806170727.htm Crystals are found in hundreds of plant families. Despite this, their purpose is not well-understood. Hypotheses include acting as a deterrent to herbivory, serving as a long-term storage depot for calcium, or providing extra support to various plant tissues. To help elucidate the role of crystals in plants and determine whether this role may actually be to prevent animals from munching on the plant, botanists studied the variety and locations of crystals found in the houseplant Dieffenbachia seguine. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806170727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025241.htm Although you wouldn't want one to balance your checkbook, dogs can count. They can also understand more than 150 words, and intentionally deceive other dogs and people to get treats, according to a psychologist and leading canine researcher. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810025241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804165210.htm African village dogs are not a mixture of modern breeds but have directly descended from an ancestral pool of indigenous dogs, according to a new genetic analysis of hundreds of semi-feral African village dogs. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804165210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205828.htm A new oral vaccine against sylvatic plague is showing significant promise in the laboratory as a way to protect prairie dogs and may eventually protect endangered black-footed ferrets who now get the disease by eating infected prairie dogs, according to new results. Sylvatic plague is an infectious bacterial disease usually transmitted from animal to animal by fleas. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803205828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803193649.htm An area of chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight has been identified using two different Japanese breeds. Knowledge of this four-gene region should be useful in breeding beef cattle. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803193649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194319.htm Dog breeds selected to work in visual contact with humans, such as sheep dogs and gun dogs, are better able to comprehend a pointing gesture than those breeds that usually work without direct supervision. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090723194319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721091839.htm Scientists have developed a system to detect the vapors emitted by human skin in real time. The scientists think that these substances, essentially made up of fatty acids, are what attract mosquitoes and enable dogs to identify their owners. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090721091839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163559.htm A new study shows that babies understand dogs. The experiments found 6-month-olds can match the sounds of friendly and aggressive barks to corresponding pictures of dogs, which they accomplished on the first try. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716141146.htm A single evolutionary event appears to explain the short, curved legs that characterize all of today's dachshunds, corgis, basset hounds and at least 16 other breeds of dogs, researchers report. In addition to what it reveals about short-legged dogs, the unexpected discovery provides new clues about how physical differences may arise within species and suggests new approaches to understanding a form of human dwarfism. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716141146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714210137.htm Biologically speaking, many animals besides dogs bark, according to evolutionary biologists, but domestic dogs vocalize in this way much more than birds, deer, monkeys and other wild animals that use barks. The reason is related to dogs' 10,000-year history of hanging around human food refuse dumps, she suggests. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090714210137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623162121.htm Elemental hyperaccumulation in plants is hypothesized to represent a plant defense mechanism. The objective of this study was to determine whether selenium hyperaccumulation offers plants long-term protection from the black-tailed prairie dog. This study is the first to test the ecological significance of hyperaccumulation over a long period in a hyperaccumulator's natural habitat. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623162121.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706134058.htm Pinpointing the genes involved in human brain cancer can be like looking for a needle in a haystack, and sometimes the needle you find may not be the right one. Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706134058.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100639.htm Scientists are describing discovery and successful tests of the first once-a-month pill for controlling both fleas and ticks in domestic dogs and cats.  Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629100639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626084633.htm Many animals and people experience chronic joint pain. In dogs, a common source of joint pain is hip dysplasia, a developmental defect of the hip joint. Implantation of gold into the soft tissues around the hip joints of dogs with dysplasia can relieve pain and lessen stiffness for several years. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626084633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065839.htm What dog owner has not come home to a broken vase or other valuable items and a guilty-looking dog slouching around the house? By ingeniously setting up conditions where the owner was misinformed as to whether their dog had really committed an offense, researchers uncovered the origins of the "guilty look" in dogs. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611065839.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124829.htm Osteoarthritis is commonly diagnosed in the late and irreversible stages, when treatment can only be expected to decrease pain and slow progression of disease. Because osteoarthritis is a widespread problem in dogs and humans, doctors and veterinarians need a precise way to diagnose the disease early and accurately. Now, researchers are investigating potential biomarkers in dogs for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, which could help identify patients at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090610124829.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602083759.htm Researchers have discovered the genetic cause of day blindness or "cone-rod dystrophy" in the wire-haired dachshund. The disease was discovered in two litter mates in 1999 and has since been studied in both clinical and genetic trials in offspring of these. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602083759.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527174052.htm A new discovery could help feed millions. When a scientist set out to alleviate diseases associated with menopause, she didn't realize her work could lead to addressing world hunger and feeding hundreds of millions of people. The research has identified a nontoxic chemical technology that when applied to rodents, caused infertility in rats, which feast on crops intended for human consumption. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090527174052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528203728.htm Sensory ataxic neuropathy (SAN) is a recently identified neurological disorder in Golden Retriever dogs with onset during puppyhood. Affected dogs move in an uncoordinated manner and have sensory deficits. Researchers in Sweden have now revealed that SAN is caused by a mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Sat, 30 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528203728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090525173545.htm Packs of hunting dogs, troops of baboons, herds of antelope: when people observe social animals, they are often struck by how intelligent they seem, and recent studies suggest that sociality has played a key role in the evolution of larger brain size among several orders of mammals. But new research calls this hypothesis into question -- at least for carnivores. Tue, 26 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090525173545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm A new study shows how the behavior of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behavior and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behavior. The findings challenge many of the dominance related interpretations of behavior and training techniques suggested by current TV dog trainers. Mon, 25 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521112711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507181225.htm Baboons are surprisingly skilled social animals. Researchers describe a female baboon that herded goats in an African village. The baboon knew all of the relationships between the goats so well that at night she would carry a bleating kid from one barn directly to its mother in another barn. Sat, 09 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507181225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507101820.htm Researchers investigated whether MRSA and C.difficile could be passed between pet therapy dogs and patients. The findings suggested that MRSA and C. difficile may have been transferred to the fur and paws of these canine visitors through patients handling or kissing the dogs, or through exposure to a contaminated health care environment. The dog that acquired C.difficile had politely shaken paws with many of the patients. Fri, 08 May 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090507101820.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424114315.htm Many dogs are put down or abandoned due to their violent nature, but contrary to popular belief, breed has little to do with a dog's aggressive behavior compared to all the owner-dependent factors. This is shown in a new study which includes breeds that are considered aggressive by nature, such as the Rottweiler or the Pit Bull. The conclusions, however, are surprising: it is the owners who are primarily responsible for attacks due to dominance or competition of their pets. Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424114315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415162658.htm As more pet owners are choosing to treat their pets' cancers through advanced medicine, veterinarians gain valuable knowledge about the progression and treatment of cancers in humans through pet trials of new drugs. To help organize nationwide trials in tumor-bearing dogs using cancer drugs. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415162658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402171440.htm The wolves on Isle Royale in the state of Michigan are suffering from genetically deformed bones. Scientists blame the extreme inbreeding of the small isolated wolf population on the island National Park in northern Lake Superior. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402171440.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140210.htm Researchers are looking to soy as a way to make traditional canine cancer therapy more effective, less stressful for the dog and less costly for the owners. Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181445.htm Modern technology increasingly is encroaching into human connections with the natural world and psychologists believe this intrusion may emerge as one of the central psychological problems of our times. Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090401181445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402124238.htm We all know that people sometimes change their behavior when someone is looking their way. Now, a new study shows that jackdaws -- birds related to crows and ravens with eyes that appear similar to human eyes -- can do the same. Sat, 04 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090402124238.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326181720.htm "Falling all over" a pet usually refers to indulging or pampering a four-legged companion, but a new report shows that many Americans, particularly the elderly, are falling over their dogs and cats literally... and hurting themselves. Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326181720.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323143856.htm Scientists are reporting promising results with a drug called nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl) in battling cancer in dogs without any negative side effects. While it gives profound hope to dog owners, NO-Cbl also points to a powerful new cancer treatment for humans -- one that infiltrates cancer cells like a biological Trojan horse. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323143856.htm