New dog, old tricks? Stray dogs can understand human cues
Stray, untrained dogs respond to gestures given by humans. The findings suggest that dog/human understanding may transcend learning.... Read More...
dogs
Early-life exposure to dogs may lessen risk of developing schizophrenia
Exposure to household pet dogs in the early years of life was associated with a significantly decreased risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia later in life.... Read More...
Dogs process numerical quantities in similar brain region as humans
fMRI neuroimaging reveals the parietotemporal cortex of dogs responds to numeric concepts. The study provides evidence that numerosity is a shared evolutionary neural mechanism.... Read More...
Humans’ ability to read dogs’ facial expressions is learned, not innate
The human ability to recognize the facial expressions of dogs is acquired through age and experience and is not an evolutionarily selected trait.... Read More...
Dog ownership reduces loneliness
Evidence suggests new dog owners experience a reduction in negative mood and feelings of loneliness.... Read More...
Dog ownership associated with longer life, especially among heart attack and stroke survivors
Owning a dog was associated with a 33% lower risk of death for heart attack survivors who lived alone, and a 27% reduced risk for those who suffered a stroke, compared to those who did not own a pet. Additionally, dog ownership was linked to a 24% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% reduced risk of death by heart attack or stroke.... Read More...
How humans have shaped dogs’ brains
Selective breeding has altered brain anatomy in dogs. Neuroimaging of 33 dog breeds revealed brain structures varied across breeds, and the variations are associated with specific behaviors. ... Read More...
Dog ownership associated with better cardiovascular health
Those who own dogs may have a boost when it comes to cardiovascular health. Researchers found pet owners report better physical wellbeing than those who don't own a pet. Dog owners had a significant improvement in cardiovascular health, physical fitness, and diet over owners of other types of pets.... Read More...
Study demonstrates stress reduction benefits from petting dogs and cats
Cortisol levels associated with stress are reduced after interacting with cats and dogs, researchers report.... Read More...
Choosing the perfect pooch poses challenges similar to dating
Findings could help animal shelters to improve the pet adoption process and find the perfect pet partner for people.... Read More...
Dogs mirror owner’s stress
Researchers identify an interspecies correlation between hair cortisol concentrations in humans and dogs during summer and winter months. The cortisol levels were not affected by the amount of activity the dog had during these periods. The study reveals a seasonal effect in higher cortisol levels between humans and animals, and human personality traits significantly affected the dog's level of stress. Findings suggest that dogs often mirror the stress levels of their owners.... Read More...
CBD clinical trial results on seizure frequency in dogs ‘encouraging’
Dogs with epilepsy who received cannabidiol as part of a clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures. ... Read More...