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...
dogs
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...
Pet owners want to be masters, not servants; which is why we value dogs more than cats
The more subservient behavior of dogs makes their owners more willing to pay when it comes to spending on vet bills and luxury pet items.... Read More...
Good Dog? Bad Dog? Their Personalities Can Change
Just as with humans, a dog's personality is likely to change over time, a new study reports.... Read More...
How Dogs Process Words
A new neuroimaging study reveals how dogs process words they have been taught to associate with objects. Findings suggest dogs have a rudimentary neural representation of meaning for words they have been taught.... Read More...