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Rest Easy. When It Comes to Swine Flu, Your Pet Is Safe
November 05, 2009
Recent reports of H1N1 in a cat or pigs are likely very rare, experts say. When the news broke on Wednesday that a domestic cat had come down with H1N1 swine flu, probably transmitted to the feline by sick owners, many people no doubt wondered how vulnerable their own pets were to the illness.
So, does Fluffy or Fido need protecting from this strain of flu? The answer, experts say, is basically no.
While the H1N1 flu currently circulating can jump easily from person to person, it does not travel well from humans to animals or animals to humans, except in a few rare instances.
So, does Fluffy or Fido need protecting from this strain of flu? The answer, experts say, is basically no.
While the H1N1 flu currently circulating can jump easily from person to person, it does not travel well from humans to animals or animals to humans, except in a few rare instances.
Dogs Helping to Advance Cancer Research
October 13, 2009
Treatment for canine tumors may yield insight into therapies for people, researchers say. Ordinary dogs with cancer could provide crucial insight into the human forms of the disease, potentially leading to better treatments and screening for tumors, researchers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute report.
Separation Anxiety, Canine-Style
September 18, 2009
Back-to-school season can be a tough adjustment for the family dog. The house is empty, the kids have gone back to school. Call it a sort of empty-nest syndrome, except that the remaining occupant of the home is busy chewing the remote control and the couch.
It's not an uncommon scenario as canines across the country are "abandoned" by their best human friends come fall and back-to-school season.
It's not an uncommon scenario as canines across the country are "abandoned" by their best human friends come fall and back-to-school season.
'Man's Best Friend' First Befriended in China
September 15, 2009
Domestic canines may trace their roots back 16,000 years, researchers say. Swedish and Chinese researchers believe they have come close to pinpointing where and when wolves evolved into dogs.
The findings, detailed in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, place the modern dog's birthplace as south of China's Yangtze River about 16,000 years ago .
The findings, detailed in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution, place the modern dog's birthplace as south of China's Yangtze River about 16,000 years ago .
Service Dogs Help Traumatized Veterans Heal
September 03, 2009
These trained canines alert owners to warning signs of PTSD, experts say. Iraq war veteran Jennifer Pacanowski was unaware that she was racing dangerously down the freeway at 85 miles an hour when she felt a wet nose nudge her elbow.
She immediately slowed down.
The wet nose belonged to Boo, Pacanowski's 110-pound Bull Mastiff, warning her that her anxiety levels were rising, a dangerous state given that Pacanowski has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her experiences as a medic in the war.
She immediately slowed down.
The wet nose belonged to Boo, Pacanowski's 110-pound Bull Mastiff, warning her that her anxiety levels were rising, a dangerous state given that Pacanowski has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from her experiences as a medic in the war.
Scientists Make Sweet Monkey Music
September 02, 2009
Primates respond to tunes based on their calls. Monkeys prefer silence to Mozart, but new research suggests they can appreciate music inspired by the sounds they themselves make.
When researchers played music similar to soothing monkey calls, the animals moved less often. If they played music that sounded like monkey distress calls, they became anxious.
When researchers played music similar to soothing monkey calls, the animals moved less often. If they played music that sounded like monkey distress calls, they became anxious.
Benji, Marley or Bo
Three Genes Dictate Dog's Coat
August 27, 2009
Findings could have implications for study of human genetics and disease. New research shows that only three genes are responsible for all seven types of coats found in purebred dogs.
So, whether a dog is curly-haired like Bo, President Obama's pooch, or long-haired like Lassie, variations of the genes RSPO2, FGF5 and KRT71 are responsible, according to a U.S.
So, whether a dog is curly-haired like Bo, President Obama's pooch, or long-haired like Lassie, variations of the genes RSPO2, FGF5 and KRT71 are responsible, according to a U.S.
Dogs and 2-Year-Olds on Same Mental Plane
August 10, 2009
Research shows canines can count, learn words. According to accumulating research, the beloved family dog is really a toddler with a snout and tail.
"Dogs basically have the developmental abilities equivalent to a human 2-year-old," said dog expert Stanley Coren, who was scheduled to present recent canine research developments at the American Psychological Association annual meeting this week in Toronto.
The average dog can learn 165 words, although "super dog" Rico, a border collie, could understand 200 spoken words.
"Dogs basically have the developmental abilities equivalent to a human 2-year-old," said dog expert Stanley Coren, who was scheduled to present recent canine research developments at the American Psychological Association annual meeting this week in Toronto.
The average dog can learn 165 words, although "super dog" Rico, a border collie, could understand 200 spoken words.
Researchers Discover the Tale Behind Short Dogs
July 30, 2009
Dachshunds, corgis and others may trace their height to an evolutionary event. Certain breeds of dogs may have developed distinctively short legs following a single change to the genetic code during their evolution, according to a finding that may also help explain a type of human dwarfism.
Researchers with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) found that about 20 short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds, corgis and basset hounds, have two copies of a gene that play a role in production of the protein fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The copies are not identical, though, as one lacks some essential parts of the DNA code, according to the study published July 16 in the online edition of Science.
Researchers with the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) found that about 20 short-legged dog breeds, including dachshunds, corgis and basset hounds, have two copies of a gene that play a role in production of the protein fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The copies are not identical, though, as one lacks some essential parts of the DNA code, according to the study published July 16 in the online edition of Science.
Babies Can Comprehend 'Canine' Language
July 24, 2009
They matched type of bark with right canine expression, researcher says. What's in a bark? A new study suggests that 6-month-old babies know the answer.
Researchers found that most infants who were tested could figure out that an aggressive bark goes with an angry-looking dog. They also seemed to know that friendly-looking pooches voice their feelings in a different way.
Researchers found that most infants who were tested could figure out that an aggressive bark goes with an angry-looking dog. They also seemed to know that friendly-looking pooches voice their feelings in a different way.
Health Tip
Keep Kids Safe Around Pets
July 20, 2009
Help prevent illness from handling animals Pets can be adored members of a loving family. But it's important to keep youngsters safe and healthy when playing with their furry friends.
The U.
The U.
Cats Purrfect at Getting Needs Met, Study Shows
July 13, 2009
'Cry embedded in a purr' exploits human psyche, researchers say. It's 6 a.m. Your cat has jumped up on the bed and, as he does every morning, lets out a mix of low purr and plaintive cry.
A Pet's Bite Can Pass on MRSA
June 22, 2009
Resistant staph bacteria is being transmitted between animals and humans, study finds. The spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections between pets and humans is increasing, with the most common being infections of the skin, soft-tissue and surgical infections, say researchers who conducted a review of clinical evidence.
"Pet owners are often unaware of the potential for transmission of life-threatening pathogens from their canine and feline companions," Dr. Richard Oehler, of the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, and colleagues wrote in the July issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
"Pet owners are often unaware of the potential for transmission of life-threatening pathogens from their canine and feline companions," Dr. Richard Oehler, of the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, and colleagues wrote in the July issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Need a Walking Partner? Try a Dog
June 11, 2009
Those who do are apt to exercise (and enjoy it) more, experts say. Forget about joining a gym. If you want to get into shape, all you need is a four-legged pal.
Dr.
Dr.
Discovery Could Eliminate Harmful Gene Mutation in Dogs
May 29, 2009
Scientists may be able to prevent heredity disorder in Golden Retrievers. A genetic mutation that causes a neurological disorder called sensory ataxic neuropathy (SAN) in Golden Retriever dogs has been identified by Swedish scientists.
Dogs with SAN have uncoordinated movement and sensory problems. The symptoms appear when affected dogs are puppies.
Dogs with SAN have uncoordinated movement and sensory problems. The symptoms appear when affected dogs are puppies.
Things to Know If You're Contemplating a Pet
May 24, 2009
Thinking ahead about the animal's and family's needs is key, expert says. President Barack Obama and his family took their time selecting their new dog Bo, and that's something everyone should do when considering a new pet, says a University of Maryland School of Medicine expert.
"There are many health and safety concerns that should be addressed before bringing an animal into the home," Mary Beth Bollinger, an associate professor of pediatrics and interim chief of the pediatric pulmonology and allergy division, said in news release from the American Osteopathic Association.
"Individuals and families who are well-prepared will get the most enjoyment out of owning a pet," she said.
"There are many health and safety concerns that should be addressed before bringing an animal into the home," Mary Beth Bollinger, an associate professor of pediatrics and interim chief of the pediatric pulmonology and allergy division, said in news release from the American Osteopathic Association.
"Individuals and families who are well-prepared will get the most enjoyment out of owning a pet," she said.
Beware of Dog Bites
May 17, 2009
Experts offer advice on how to avoid being attacked.They can be cute and cuddly, but even friendly dogs can be unpredictable, warns the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
Some 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, according to the U.
Some 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, according to the U.
Pooches Sometimes Miss the Point
May 07, 2009
Like 2-year-old kids, dogs understand some but not all gestures, researchers say. Dogs share the same basic functional abilities as 2-year-old kids, at least when it comes to figuring out where older humans have hidden a treat.
So says a team of Hungarian researchers, who also found that 3-year-olds surpass their canine companions when confronted with the task.
At age 3, kids can locate a hidden toy by "reading" a pointed index finger, but younger children and dogs take their cues from the posture or direction of the hand, arm and torso .
So says a team of Hungarian researchers, who also found that 3-year-olds surpass their canine companions when confronted with the task.
At age 3, kids can locate a hidden toy by "reading" a pointed index finger, but younger children and dogs take their cues from the posture or direction of the hand, arm and torso .
Cat Food-Linked Illness Yields Clues to MS
April 03, 2009
Affected felines recovered from a similar neurological disorder, researchers say. Cat food could be the unlikely inspiration for important insights into multiple sclerosis and other afflictions of the central nervous system, scientists say.
While looking into why pregnant cats on a special diet of irradiated food began to have problems with movement, including paralysis and vision, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that the felines' nerve fibers had lost the fatty myelin insulation that helps signals pass along these axons.
Once off the diet, though, the cats' bodies reestablished thinner myelin sheaths that allowed the cats to recover fully, but slowly.
While looking into why pregnant cats on a special diet of irradiated food began to have problems with movement, including paralysis and vision, University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that the felines' nerve fibers had lost the fatty myelin insulation that helps signals pass along these axons.
Once off the diet, though, the cats' bodies reestablished thinner myelin sheaths that allowed the cats to recover fully, but slowly.
For All Their Plusses, Pets Pose a Risk for Falls, Too
March 26, 2009
Being pulled by a dog or chasing a cat causes many tumbles, CDC reports. Dogs and cats may be favored companions of many Americans, but they're also apparently the cause of falls that results in thousands of injuries each year.
U.S.
U.S.
Dogs Help in Hunt for New Cancer Drugs
March 23, 2009
Research with canines may one day lead to new therapies to benefit humans. Joe Bauer got the call on a Friday afternoon.
A 10-year-old bichon frise named Oscar had developed anal sac adenocarcinoma, a particularly virulent cancer in dogs, and had been given only three months, at best, to live. The dog's owners, from Milford, Mass.
A 10-year-old bichon frise named Oscar had developed anal sac adenocarcinoma, a particularly virulent cancer in dogs, and had been given only three months, at best, to live. The dog's owners, from Milford, Mass.
Health Tip
Avoid Animal Bites
March 10, 2009
Steps to help reduce your risk Even the most friendly of cats and dogs can inadvertently bite you or a loved one, which could lead to an infection.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent animal bites:
Small children should never be left unattended with any animal.
If you see animals fighting, avoid trying to separate them.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions to help prevent animal bites:
Small children should never be left unattended with any animal.
If you see animals fighting, avoid trying to separate them.
Animals Respond to Acupuncture's Healing Touch
March 03, 2009
Specially trained vets are using ancient treatment to fight illness, pain. After surgery for a ruptured disk two years ago, Nelly's legs remained extremely weak. She could barely move, became lethargic and lost her appetite.
Things were looking grim, but then a concerned friend took the 10-year-old to an acupuncturist, who treated her three times in half-hour sessions.
Things were looking grim, but then a concerned friend took the 10-year-old to an acupuncturist, who treated her three times in half-hour sessions.
With 4 Legs They All Walk the Same, It Seems
February 26, 2009
Experts bemoan humans' ineptness in depicting animals' gait. If you have a dog, you probably take it for a walk, at least now and then. But do you actually watch the dog walk? Or, more specifically, can you describe how your dog does it?
If not, you're apparently in good company.
Taxidermists, toy designers, artists and more frequently get it wrong, according to a study on the foot-fall pattern of dogs and other four-legged creatures that was published in Current Biology.
If not, you're apparently in good company.
Taxidermists, toy designers, artists and more frequently get it wrong, according to a study on the foot-fall pattern of dogs and other four-legged creatures that was published in Current Biology.
Smokers Will Stop for Their Pet's Sake
February 10, 2009
Survey discovers nearly 1 in 3 will do so for Fido, if not for themselves. Many smokers who won't kick the habit for their own health will do it for their pets, a new survey finds.
"We wanted to determine whether pet owners who learned that smoking is bad for their pet's health would change their behavior," said Sharon Milberger, an epidemiologist at the Henry Ford Health System Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and lead author of a report in the February online issue of Tobacco Control.
The answer was "yes" for nearly one in three of the pet-owning smokers surveyed by Milberger and her colleagues.
"We wanted to determine whether pet owners who learned that smoking is bad for their pet's health would change their behavior," said Sharon Milberger, an epidemiologist at the Henry Ford Health System Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and lead author of a report in the February online issue of Tobacco Control.
The answer was "yes" for nearly one in three of the pet-owning smokers surveyed by Milberger and her colleagues.
In the World of Germs, Man Bites Dog
January 28, 2009
Study finds owners had more multiple drug-resistant strains than their pets. People who let their dogs sleep with them or allow them to lick their faces are no more likely than other dog owners to have the same strains of E. coli bacteria as their dogs, a Kansas State University veterinarian reports.
Dr.
Dr.
Salmonella Common in U.S. Poultry
January 23, 2009
2 outbreaks highlight the dangers of infection from live birds, report shows. While peanut butter contaminated with salmonella has dominated the headlines recently, U.S. health officials cautioned Thursday that salmonella bacteria is also prevalent in live poultry.
Domestic Animals Owe Varied Coats to Humans
January 16, 2009
Study shows gene mutations for coloring, patterns exist only in livestock and pets. The coat colors and patterns of wild and domestic animals are different primarily because of human intervention over thousands of years, a new study suggests.
A particular gene .
A particular gene .
Health Tip
Coping With Pet Allergies
January 12, 2009
Reduce symptoms without getting rid of your furry companions If being near a pet makes you sniffle, sneeze, and your eyes water, you may not have to live a pet-free life.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these suggestions:
Always wash your hands after you touch a pet. And avoid kissing or hugging your furry friend.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology offers these suggestions:
Always wash your hands after you touch a pet. And avoid kissing or hugging your furry friend.
Dogs Get Petty About Treats
December 08, 2008
Study found they would withhold paws in face of unfair reward system. It's a dog-envy-dog world, and a jealous dog isn't likely to take it lying down.
According to new research in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, dogs who sense that another canine is getting better treatment will go on strike, er, make that a paw strike. They refused to "shake hands" if they weren't getting equal "pay.
According to new research in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, dogs who sense that another canine is getting better treatment will go on strike, er, make that a paw strike. They refused to "shake hands" if they weren't getting equal "pay.
First Family Will Have Tough Time Finding Hypoallergenic Dog
November 14, 2008
Experts point out such a breed doesn't exist since allergens are also in canine skin. President-elect Barack Obama has inspired throngs around the world to say, "Yes, we can." But when it comes to finding a hypoallergenic dog for the White House, allergists are saying, "No, you can't."
Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Dry Dog Food Continues
November 06, 2008
Eight more people -- mostly young children -- infected, bringing total to 79, CDC says. Eight more cases of people becoming infected with salmonella traced to dry dog food have been identified, U.S. health officials said Thursday.
For Some Animals, There's No Place at Home
October 07, 2008
Exotic pets like rodents, reptiles and monkeys can carry disease, report warns. Exposing your children to the joys of pet ownership may, in some cases, also mean exposing them to infections and injuries.
Early Childhood Factors Raise Risk for Snoring
August 22, 2008
Ear infections, dogs in the home, and large families all contribute, study finds. Suffering respiratory or ear infections in early childhood, having a dog in the house as a newborn, and even being raised in a large family all appear to increase the risk of snoring later in life, new research suggests.
Cats Can Trigger Eczema in Some Infants
June 25, 2008
Babies with a genetic mutation and a cat at home were more likely to develop skin condition before age of 1, study finds
Gene Therapy Helps Dogs Stricken With Cancer
June 16, 2008
Treatment could eventually be used to improve lives of humans with disease, study says.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food
May 21, 2008
70 people, many of them young children, were sickened after handling the food, CDC says.
Donor Dogs Give the Gift of Life
April 18, 2008
Four-legged heroes - cats, too -- are maintaining the veterinary blood supply.
Women Veterinarians Face Higher Miscarriage Risk
April 03, 2008
Study points to anesthetic gases, radiation and pesticides as probable causes.
Dog Flu May Have Been Active as Early as 1999
March 25, 2008
Canine influenza affecting racing greyhounds closely related to horse virus, study says.
Woman and Cat Shared 'Super Bug'
March 12, 2008
Researchers think it's likely woman was first infected with dangerous germ.
Cats Help Shield Owners From Heart Attack
February 21, 2008
Study finds 30% risk reduction when felines are in the home.
U.S. Seeks to Limit Animal Testing of Toxic Chemicals
February 14, 2008
Future screening would rely on lab cells, robots, computer models.
Dogs Could Be a Diabetic's Best Friend
February 03, 2008
Study aims to prove anecdotes that canines can smell dangerous drops in blood sugar levels.
Pet Turtles Linked to Rise in Salmonella Infections
January 24, 2008
They're banned for sale by law, yet many parents are unaware of health risks, experts say.
Infection With Common Parasite Raises Schizophrenia Risk
January 24, 2008
Findings show toxoplasma, carried by cats and farm animals, precedes mental illness.
Terriers Join Fight Against a Killer Disease in Humans
December 27, 2007
'Westies' breed is also prone to pulmonary fibrosis, which has no cure.
Scientists Spot Dog Fur Color Gene
November 01, 2007
This canine insight could help humans, team says
Cat's Genome Map Purrfected
October 31, 2007
Blueprint of feline DNA could help humans, too, scientists say
Medical, Behavioral Woes Can Drive Dogs to Bite
October 03, 2007
Study found pain, nervous disposition helps spur these outbursts
Chemical Flame Retardants Linked to Thyroid Disease in Cats
August 15, 2007
Finding could be a sign of possible health threat to humans, researchers say.
Pet Doors Opening at Assisted Living Centers
July 24, 2008
The health benefits of an animal's companionship can be significant, experts say. When the elderly woman first arrived at Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Sandy Spring, Md., some of the staffers were skeptical when they saw she had brought her cat along.
Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Dry Dog Food
70 people, many of them young children, were sickened after handling the food, CDC says
May 30, 2008
An outbreak of human Salmonella infection, which occurred as far back as 2006, has been traced to contaminated dry dog food, the first time such a link has been uncovered, according to U.S. officials.
Salmonella infections in humans from dry dog food may be an under-recognized source of illness in people, especially young children
Salmonella infections in humans from dry dog food may be an under-recognized source of illness in people, especially young children
