Even comparing sizes of human brains to one another, intelligence and size don’t directly correlate. Albert Einstein had an ‘average’ sized brain for example.

A recent study looked at the cognitive data of over 7,000 dogs across 74 breeds, like those who can benefit from a CBD Oil dosing chart, with a range of brain weights and body sizes, to investigate this correlation. For dogs that may benefit from this type of support, cbd for dogs like the ones at https://keolalife.com/collections/cbd-for-dogs can offer a natural solution to help manage various health conditions. Read the good the bad and the ugly about dogs here for more info! Regardless of the size of your dog, you may get them custom engraved pet tags for their identification.

What Makes a Brain ‘Smarter’?

If absolute size and relative size don’t equate to more intelligence, what makes humans special? What makes one person or one dog smarter than the next?

A more definitive measure of intelligence can be determined by the number of neurons in the brain and how dense they are packed. These factors make up an individual’s information processing capacity (IPC), of which humans come out on top[ref]Dicke U, Roth G. Neuronal factors determining high intelligence. Philos Trans R Soc Lond, B, Biol Sci. 2016;371(1685):20150180.[/ref].

As the brain size of a dog increases, the number of neurons also increases. One comparison found that a golden retriever (body weight of 32 kg) contained 627 million neurons, while an unknown breed (body weight of 7.45 kg) contained 429 million neurons[ref]Jardim-Messeder D, Lambert K, Noctor S, Pestana FM, de Castro Leal ME, Bertelsen MF, Herculano-Houzel S (2017) Dogs have the most neurons, though not the largest brain: trade-off between body mass and number of neurons in the cerebral cortex of large carnivoran species. Front Neuroanat 11:1–18[/ref].

How Can You Testing a Dog’s Intelligence?

The study in Animal Cognition collected data from Dognition, a website that gives users games to play with their dogs to determine how smart they are, while if they want to relax while their dogs play they can use the Budpop’s Live resin gummies which are great for this purpose.

Dognition hosts 20 games that were created by scientists, trainers, and behavioral specialists. These games help determine the empathy, communication, cunning, memory and reasoning of your dog. You can also help your pets brain development with the new CBD weed syrup.

The results from these games, which may be just as interesting as 핑카지노, are saved on the Dognition website and go towards creating an overall profile for your dog.

Games included tasks such as a pointing to food with an arm and then a foot and seeing how your dog responds. Or another example, which larger-brained dogs did particularly well in, was to forbid food and time how long it took for the dog to eat the food without any further interaction, still if you need to train your dog you can find a dog trainer online and you can hire them for the services so your dog get trained easily.

Did Large-Brained Dogs do Better in Tests?

The study hypothesised that dog’s with larger brains (and more neurons) would have greater intelligence.

By estimating average brain size using breed information and comparing this to the test results stored on the Dognition website, the study demonstrated correlation between brain size and performance for certain games[ref]Horschler DJ, Hare B, Call J, Kaminski J, Miklósi Á, Maclean EL. Absolute brain size predicts dog breed differences in executive function. Anim Cogn. 2019;22(2):187-198.[/ref].

Larger-brained breeds performed better in tests of short-term memory and self-control. However, the same correlation was not seen in all other tests of cognitive function.

Larger-brained dog breeds perform better in tests of short-term memory and self-control.
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For example, larger-brained breeds exhibited greater self-control by waiting significantly longer to eat food that was forbidden by their owner, in the ‘cunning’ test.

In conclusion, a larger brain didn’t result in an all-round improvement of intelligence, but did demonstrate an improvement in certain areas.

How Big is Your Dog’s Brain?

Below is data from a 1979 study that compared the brain weights of dogs, cats and horses to their body weights. Below are the average weights for each of the dog breeds listed in that study.

Values from Bronson Study, 1979[ref]Bronson RT. Brain weight-body weight scaling in breeds of dogs and cats. Brain Behav Evol. 1979;16(3):227-36.[/ref].

Does Your Dog Follow the Trend?

Do you consider your dog to be intelligent? Are they big or small, let us know in the comments below. An if you are looking for new furry companions, you may want to consider goldendoodle puppies which could be the right size for you and they are also easy to train. If what you’re looking for is a smart and friendly family dog, you should find a Schnoodle Breeder. They’re a very friendly mix, with their intelligence being one of their main traits.

If you want to determine your dog’s intelligence using Dognition, they have plans starting at $29, see their website for more details.

Graphics Provided by www.Vecteezy.com

The post Are Bigger Dogs Smarter than Smaller Breeds? appeared first on PetSci.

Always follow the advice of your veterinarian from a veterinary practice, only they are qualified to prescribe the use of alternative medications such as essential oil aromatherapy[ref]Animal Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Safety, Kelly Holland Azzaro, RA, CCAP, CBFP, LMT[/ref].

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs and Other Pets?

Essentials oils are heavily distilled oils produced from plants. They contain active compounds found in the plant in high concentration. They are biologically active and should be treated with the same care and respect as pharmaceuticals.

A number of essential oils have beneficial properties and are suitable for use in dogs. Dogs are much more sensitive to essential oils than we are, so they should be used with caution around your pet. Essential oils are typically safe for dogs if heavily diluted (e.g. 1%) and they are not given orally.

It is important to note that if you have other pets in your household, you should avoid using essential oils. Cats in particular are extremely sensitive to certain oils. Many essential oils are toxic to cats. Essential oils can also be toxic to fish, reptiles, birds, rodents and small mammals.

Diffusing Essential Oils

The safest way to use essential oils around your pet is with a water diffuser. A water based diffuser disperses small amounts of oil in a water mist into the environment

Diffusers work best with neat essential oils. Because our dogs are highly sensitive to essential oils, one or two drops in a diffuser is all that is needed.

Diffusing essential oil safety tips:

• Never exceed more than 20 drops of essential oil per 100ml of water (1% dilution).
• Always monitor your pet when diffusing, for any signs of distress.
• Do not leave your pet alone in the house with a diffuser running.
• Leave doors open so your pet can retreat to another room if they do not appreciate the smell!
• Never force your pet to inhale the diffused oil.

Topical Application of Essential Oils

There are many essential oils that have beneficial properties when applied topically including; antibacterial, antifungal, soothing and healing properties.

A dog’s heightened sensitivity to essential oils means that if using topically, essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil (e.g. grapeseed, coconut, olive, avocado). A carrier oil is not biologically active and dilutes the essential oil. Essential oils will not dilute in water.

A single drop of essential oil should be diluted in 5ml or more of a carrier oil before being applied topically. This ensures a 1% or lower dilution of the essential oil.

Perform a spot test first to see how your pet responds to the essential oil. Heavily dilute it in a carrier oil and apply a couple of drops to the back of the neck. Carefully observe your pet over the next few hours. If your pet shows any signs of distress or develops a reaction at the site of application, cease using the oil and was the area with a damp cloth.

With topical use, it is possible that your dog may lick the area and ingest some of the oil. As long as the oil is used sparingly and has been heavily diluted this is unlikely to be an issue, however you should monitor your pet closely if this occurs.

Safety Tips for Using Essential Oils on Dogs

• Keep essential oils out of reach of pets, they can be toxic if ingested.
• Make sure you have 100% pure essential oil, not a fragrance oil.
• Spot test with diluted essential oil to check for any reaction. Rinse the area if a reaction occurs.
• Never use undiluted oils e.g. Raindrop Therapy, always dilute in a carrier oil.
• Do not add essential oils to drinking water as the oil does not dilute and will rest on top.
• Essential oils should be used sparingly on dogs as they are more sensitive to them than we are.
• Excessive use can lead to sensitisation and irritation of the skin.
• Always monitor your pet during/following essential oil use.
• Signs of distress to watch for include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drooling/salivation, seizures/tremors.
• Do not use in delicate areas such as around eyes, ears, nose and other mucous membranes.
• Avoid using essential oils over a long term period. Give your pet regular breaks.

Are Essential Oils Toxic to Dogs?

In general dogs tolerate essential oils well if diluted and not given orally, however, some essential oils have caused cases of toxicity in dogs.

The Pet Poison Helpline lists tea tree oil, pine oil and pennyroyal oil as poisonous. There are a number of cases of tea tree oil toxicity, but this is mainly caused by using the neat oil on the skin.

The toxicity of essential oils depends on their concentration, which is why it is important to heavily dilute them. Even tea tree has been used safely at a 1% concentration.

When buying essential oils, avoid low quality essential oils which may contain additives or impurities. Some of these can be toxic or act as allergens. Also watch out for fragrance oils, which are chemical blends that mimic odours and have no health benefits.

Always monitor for signs of toxicity, even when using diluted  ‘safe’ oils such as lavender. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, excessive drooling/salivation, seizures/tremors.

Your Pet’s Experience with Essential Oils

The field of animal aromatherapy is still new, and there are many varying opinions on the internet. These guidelines will give your pet the safest possible experience with oils, but always do your own research on individual oils first, before you use them. Best of all, speak with your vet before venturing further.

If you’ve successfully used essential oils on your dog, please share your experiences in the comments below – let us know what oils you tried, what method of application and most importantly how your pet responded to them!

If you’re looking for more information, you can use this link to get a free 30-day Audible audiobook trial where you can download and keep Essential Oils for Dogs by Kate Anderson. Or take a look at Essential Oils for Animals by Nayana Morag, which is currently the most highly rated essential oils book on Amazon.

Featured image – Blue in the Lavender, Alex Laurie

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There are lots of ways you can help your pet feel calmer during the firework season. Below are some tips on how to prepare and things you can start doing now. You’ll also find recommended products and tips to help a pet feel at ease when a firework display begins nearby. First up are the signs of stress that your pet may show, indicating fireworks are making them feel anxious.

Signs of Stress Caused by Fireworks

Symptoms of Stress in Dogs

• Trembling
• Clingy behaviour
• Barking
• Hiding or trying to escape
• Urination or defacation in the house
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms of Stress in Cats

• Hiding or trying to escape
• Urination or defacation in the house
• Loss of appetite

Preparing Your Pets for Firework Night

Making firework night as stress-free as possible requires some advanced planning. It’s a good idea to start thinking about your prep before November, especially as some displays often take place the weekend before bonfire night.

If you are a new puppy owner or thinking about getting a puppy, their experiences when young can affect them when they grow older. When your puppy is 0-16 weeks (the socialisation phase) they are very responsive to stimuli. Exposing your puppy to unusual sounds, sights, people and other dogs during this period of their life can make a more relaxed adult dog. And for pet owners seeking relaxation after a long day, THC gummies such as Indacloud strawberry funta can provide a soothing and enjoyable way to unwind.

It’s never too late to help your pet deal with a fear of fireworks, here are some tips to help your prepare for this year’s displays:

• Microchip your pet – Microchipping your dog is now a legal requirement in the UK but not required for cats. Scared pets can try to escape, so it’s important that if they go missing a microchip is in place to help reunite pet and owner.
• Desensitise your pet to loud noises and fireworks – Habituation is a type of learning where a response to a stimulus (e.g. stress caused by the sound of fireworks) is reduced through repeated exposure. Playing firework noises on a low volume ahead of bonfire night will reduce your pet’s stress response to that sound. You can buy desensitisation CDs filled firework noises that can be played on a stereo or you can use these amazing free Soundcloud files from Dog’s Trust on your PC. Begin playing these sounds at a low volume and if your pet responds well, you can increase the volume over time.
• Build a firework den – A firework den is a place that muffles the sound of the fireworks, hides them from sight and makes your pet feel safe. This could be behind the sofa, in a wardrobe or under a table. When you’ve found the perfect spot, add blankets to muffle the sound and hide fireworks from view. Familiar toys and pillows can also make your pet feel more comfortable and safe.
• Secure the house and garden – Before bonfire night, make sure the home and garden are escape proof! Scared pets are more likely to try and flee. Close and lock windows, gates, doors and flaps. If you have to answer the door, make sure your pet is secure in another room before answering.
• Take a long walk before nightfall – Before the firework beings, around dusk, take your dog for a long walk to help tire them out. This can help them feel more restful during the evening ahead.
• Serve your pet a carbohydrate-rich meal – A large meal ahead of the fireworks can make your pet feel more relaxed during the evening. This is due to the body using energy to digest a large meal and a rise in the levels of L-tryptophan – an amino acid that is converted to serotonin, which regulates mood and relaxation.

How to Help Your Pet When the Fireworks Start

The tips above will give your pet a head start before the fireworks begin, but there are still more options if your pet shows signs of stress once the fireworks start.

• Close windows and blinds and draw the curtains – If you haven’t already, closing windows and drawing the curtains will minimise the amount of noise and light getting into your house. Don’t lock your pet away in a room however. If they are unable to retreat to somewhere they feel safe, this will make them more stressed.
• Play background noise – Having the radio or TV on can help mask the sound of the fireworks. The constant noise will also make the firework sounds seem less unexpected. Don’t turn the volume too high in an attempt to completely cover the sound though, as this could damage your pet’s delicate hearing.
• Keep calm yourself – Don’t allow yourself to become stressed and anxious over your pet’s fear. They will pick up on your mood and this can make them stressed too.
• Avoid reinforcing your pet’s fear – If your pet wants to be around you when the fireworks start going off, let them do so. Don’t excessively comfort them however, as this can reinforce their fear and justify their scared behaviour.
• Don’t punish your pet for being afraid – On the flip side, don’t punish your pet for being afraid. This can greatly increase their stress and will not eliminate their fear.
• Don’t restrain a scared pet – Cats in particular do not like to be restrained when scared. Allow your pet to hide behind the sofa if that is where they feel safer. Hopefully, your firework den will be useful here. Restraining a scared animal is dangerous and can exacerbate their fear.
• Give toys and treats as a distraction – Their favourite toy or some treats ahead of time can help distract your pet when the fireworks start going off. A filled KONG toy or food puzzle can help keep your pet distracted for longer.

Recommended Products for Pets with Firework Anxiety

• Thundershirt – The Thundershirt is a coat for dogs that fits tightly around the body. Not so tight that it is uncomfortable, but it provides a comforting pressure similar to how swaddling a baby works. Many users report having success with this product and prefer it over nutraceutical or pharmaceutical alternatives. Fit the Thundershirt before the fireworks begin as putting it on a stressed dog will make their anxiety worse. (it’s available for cats too!)
• Zylkène – Zylkène is available for dogs and cats, it contains a milk protein derivative that induces relaxation in newborns. Give Zylkène 1-2 days before the fireworks begin for the best effect.
• Calmex – Calmex is another nutraceutical option, available for dogs and cats. It creates a lasting feeling of relaxation for up to 6 hours and is useful for acute situations (like bonfire night). Not recommended for long-term use.
• Pheromones – Available for dogs (Adaptil – 30 day starter pack) and cats (Feliway – 30 day starter pack), these pheromones are detected by dogs and cats but not humans. Available in diffuser, spray, collar and tablet forms. Dogs and cats produce many pheromones, but the ones found in Adaptil/Feliway decreased stress. Switch a diffuser on a few hours before the fireworks begin for the best results.
• Other Products – Calming collars are available, although not considered as potent as tablets, sprays or diffusers. Valerian is a herb used to treat anxiety in humans and is also available for pets. Bach Pet Rescue Remedy also receives a lot of reviews although not everyone sees a noticeable difference.

Severe Noise and Firework Phobias

In severe cases, dogs or cats with noise phobias will still show signs of stress, even after following these tips. In these cases you will need to speak with your vet about pharmaceutical options. See this in-depth look at how noise phobias can be managed for more information. Your vet may refer you to a canine behaviourist who will support your pet.

Your Tips and Recommendations

Do you have any tips not listed here for helping your pet feel safe and secure on bonfire night? Have you had success with any of the products listed above? Let us know in the comments section below.

Background Image Credit – liftmeupletmefall, Fireworks

The post A Pet Owner’s Guide to Surviving Firework Night appeared first on PetSci.

This study builds on previous work investigating pet ownership and allergic diseases. One analysis of 6-10 year olds found no link between pets and asthma, but did show both dogs and cats reduced sensitivity to aero-allergens such as pollen[ref]Lødrup Carlsen, K., Roll, S., Carlsen, K., Mowinckel, P., Wijga, A., Brunekreef, B., Torrent, M., Roberts, G., Arshad, S., Kull, I., Krämer, U., von Berg, A., Eller, E., Høst, A., Kuehni, C., Spycher, B., Sunyer, J., Chen, C., Reich, A., Asarnoj, A., Puig, C., Herbarth, O., Mahachie John, J., Van Steen, K., Willich, S., Wahn, U., Lau, S. and Keil, T. (2012). Does Pet Ownership in Infancy Lead to Asthma or Allergy at School Age? Pooled Analysis of Individual Participant Data from 11 European Birth Cohorts. PLoS ONE, 7(8), p.e43214.[/ref].

Longitudinal studies in urban populations suggest that having pets may reduce the development of allergic disease in those without a family history of allergy. The greatest effect came from dog ownership during the final stages of pregnancy.[ref]Lodge, C., Allen, K., Lowe, A., Hill, D., Hosking, C., Abramson, M. and Dharmage, S. (2012). Perinatal Cat and Dog Exposure and the Risk of Asthma and Allergy in the Urban Environment: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. Clinical and Developmental Immunology, 2012, pp.1-10.[/ref].

Building a Strong Immunity in Infants

The hygiene hypothesis suggests we can be too clean for our own good. The hypothesis states our modern hygiene standards contribute to the development of allergic diseases[ref]Okada H, Kuhn C, Feillet H, Bach J-F. The “hygiene hypothesis” for autoimmune and allergic diseases: an update. Clinical and Experimental Immunology. 2010;160(1):1-9. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04139.x.[/ref]. Of course, we should protect our children from infection, but early exposure to bacteria can help strengthen the immune system.

Dogs and cats are a source of bacteria, even in the cleanest of homes. Their coat, paws, and mouth all harbour dirt and bacteria. It might seem off-putting, but this bacterial ecosystem has been linked to the development of a healthy juvenile immune system. Exposure to pets before and up to 3 months after birth was shown to increase the amount of two types of bacteria associated with lower rates of allergic disease and obesity. These bacteria are:

• Oscillospira –  A commensal gut bacteria that helps digest resistant starches and ferment them in our large intestines. A lack of this bacteria was correlated to a higher BMI in humans[ref]Walters William A.,Xu Zech and Knight Rob(2014), Meta-analyses of human gut microbes associated with obesity and IBD, FEBS Letters, 588, doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.09.039[/ref].
• Ruminococcus – Plays a major role in helping us digest robust starches. There is a strong link between this bacteria and development of food sensitisation [ref]Azad MB, Konya T, Guttman DS, Field CJ, Sears MR, HayGlass KT, Mandhane PJ, Turvey SE, Subbarao P, Becker AB, et al. Infant gut microbiota and food sensitization: associations in the first year of life. Clin Exp Allergy. 2015;45(3):632–43.[/ref].

The abundance of these bacteria [Ruminococcus and Oscillospira] were increased twofold when there was a pet in the house.
Anita Kozyrskyj, University of Alberta

Bacteria Transfer Begins at an Early Age

The gut microbiome is a complex web of symbiotic bacteria. The many different strains of bacteria in our gut don’t just appear however, they develop over time and are influenced by our lifestyles. The development of the gut microbiome begins even before birth, with evidence to suggest that the mother has an influence on this[ref]N. T. Mueller, E. Bakacs, J. Combellick, Z. Grigoryan, and M. G. Dominguez-Bello, “The infant microbiome development: mom matters,” Trends Mol. Med., vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 109–117, Feb. 2015.[/ref].

Throughout an infant’s first year of life, their gut microflora is constantly developing. The types of bacteria found in their gut can be affected by many factors such as birthing method, diet and exposure to antibiotics. Pets influence the gut microbiome too.

The bacteria linked to reduced obesity and allergic disorders (Oscillospira and Ruminococcus) can be transferred from pets to infants in a number of ways. For example, if a pet licks a child’s hand, bacteria contained in the saliva can be passed on through hand to mouth contact. Transfer of these bacteria can even occur before birth.

The presence of pets, specifically dogs, has been shown to have an indirect effect on the gut microbiome. Pets can even affect the the microbial composition of household dust, creating another route of entry for bacteria[ref]Konya T, Koster B, Maughan H, Escobar M, Azad MB, Guttman DS, Sears MR, Becker AB, Brook JR, Takaro TK, et al. Associations between bacterial communities of house dust and infant gut. Environ Res. 2014;131:25–30.[/ref].

Owning a pet is linked to reduced obesity and allergic disease in children
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Positive Benefits for Children Through Pet Ownership

This study is just one of many that highlight the positive effect pets can have on a child’s physical health. Pets can also have positive effects on development and mental health.

Research like this highlights that parents should not avoid pets for fear of their children developing allergic diseases.

“If a family with a pregnant mother or an infant wants to have a pet, the family can be encouraged to have one, because the development of allergic disease cannot be prevented by avoiding pets”
Dr. Merja Nermes of the University of Turku

As we further our understanding of the gut microbiome, there could be a future where supplements similar to probiotics are available with these health boosting bacteria. Companies like Thryve are already trying to achieve this by creating targeted probiotics. They are confident that correlations between bacteria and health will be identified that can improve our health in the future.

Featured Image – Sébastien Garnier; Vector Credit: Vecteezy.com     

The post Pet Ownership Reduces Allergies and Obesity in Children appeared first on PetSci.

Smaller dog breeds outliving larger breeds seems to go against the rest of the mammalian kingdom. For example, mice live for only a few years whereas elephants can live for up to 70 years! Comparing this to dog breeds, a jack russell will live for around 15 years, whereas the great dane has a life expectancy of 6-7 years. To make sure that your dog lives itch-free during those years, you can give him one of those anti itch cream for dogs.

Undergraduates Josh Winward and Alex Ionescu from Colgate University, New York investigated the possible reasons why this rule is reversed in dogs.

A Link Between Free Radicals and Life Expectancy?

When mammals produce energy from food, free radicals are produced as a by-product. Also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), these molecules are destructive and cause damage to cells. ROS have an unpaired electron and will strip electrons from other molecules in the body to stabilise themselves. This process causes damage to cell membranes and can contribute to diseases and cancers.

Fortunately, the body has a defence mechanism- antioxidants. Antioxidants roam the body, stopping free radicals from damaging cells. Vitamin E and vitamin C are good examples of antioxidants.

Large breed puppies grow much faster than their small breed counterparts. As a result, they have a faster metabolism and need more energy to reach their adult size. This increased energy demand also produces more free radicals.

In human medicine, free radicals have been linked to ageing. The free-radical theory of ageing suggests organisms age because of damage done to cells by ROS over time. The study authors investigated whether this could be why small dogs live longer.

Investigating Why Small Dogs Live Longer

Winward and Ionescu took tissue samples from various puppy breeds such as Mini Bernedoodle Puppies,  as well as older dogs that had recently passed. With these samples, they were able to determine the free radical and antioxidant content of cells.

In the cells of adult dogs, free radical production was proportional between small and large breeds. When looking at the samples from puppies, free radical production in larger breeds was not balanced by antioxidants[ref]Why large dogs live fast—and die young | Science | AAAS, doi: 10.1126/science.aal0608[/ref].

A large influx of free radicals can damage DNA through cross-linking. In turn, DNA cross-linking can cause various effects of ageing including disease and cancer[ref]Dizdaroglu, M. and Jaruga, P. (2012). Mechanisms of free radical-induced damage to DNA. Free Radical Research, 46(4), pp.382-419.[/ref].

At adulthood, the free radical levels are balanced in both small and large breed dogs. However, it seems that damage done by excessive free radical production at a young age can have long lasting effects. By this theory, small dogs live longer because less damage is caused by free radicals during their development as a puppy. 

Small dogs live longer because less damage is done by free radicals during puppy development
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Could Antioxidants Slow Down Ageing?

This claim is one often seen in human medicine and we are regularly reminded of the benefits of antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries. But are antioxidants going to help your Irish wolfhound live till 14? Colgate animal physiologist Ana Jimenez and her students intend to carry on the work in this study to find out what level of antioxidants are beneficial.

Numerous studies ‘tentatively’ support the current free radical theory of ageing, but it is still evolving and not conclusive.

One series of study found that senior dogs fed an antioxidant rich diet performed better at complex tasks than dogs fed a control diet[ref]COTMAN, C., HEAD, E., MUGGENBURG, B., ZICKER, S. and MILGRAM, N. (2002). Brain aging in the canine: a diet enriched in antioxidants reduces cognitive dysfunction. Neurobiology of Aging, 23(5), pp.809-818.[/ref]. This correlates with the free radical theory of ageing that ROS damage contributes to brain ageing. In dogs this condition is known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Try our calculator to see if your dog may have CCD symptoms.

Given the number of studies that provide even tentative support for antioxidant use, adding them to your pet’s diet is worth the investment. Key life stages such as during puppy development and senior years would be the best time for antioxidant intervention.

If you’re looking to boost your dog’s antioxidant intake, you can use antioxidant supplements, or look for dog foods rich in antioxidant ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and beta-carotene.

Featured Image – Boxer mix puppies, bullcitydogs

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Minitablets are much smaller, compressed pills only a few millimetres in size and research shows they have the potential to make medication time easier. Jaana Hautala, University of Helsinki, MSc (Pharmacy) investigated the use of minitablets in her dissertation ‘Improving the Palatability of Minitablets for Feline Medication'[ref]Saila Savolainen, Helena Telkänranta, Jouni Junnila, Jaana Hautala, Sari Airaksinen, Anne Juppo, Marja Raekallio, Outi Vainio. A novel set of behavioural indicators for measuring perception of food by cats. The Veterinary Journal, 2016; 216: 53 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.06.012[/ref].

Through future research, Jaana suggests that it is possible to create commercially manufactured, palatable minitablets for cats.

The Problem With Oral Medications

The current veterinary medicines market is surprisingly lacking in registered drugs made with feline palatability in mind. In fact, vets are known to prescribe flavoured dog medicines for feline patients. The problem with prescribing canine medications is getting the correct dosage at home can be tricky.

For a cat to take medication easily, the taste must be appealing. Cats are easily put off taking medication if it has an unpleasant taste, smell, shape or even texture.

To make matters more difficult, the active ingredients in a lot of medications is bitter tasting, which instantly deters the cat. Bitter medications are also more difficult to hide in food, as cats will simply eat around the hidden pill.

Cats are impartial to sugar, so the sugar coatings used to coat some medications and mask their taste are also ineffective.

Most importantly, it is very difficult to medicate an unwilling cat! Although, a cat can be restrained to administer a tablet, there is no guarantee they will swallow it. Look out for some tips on giving medication to cats below.

Developing Palatable Minitablets for Cats

In her dissertation, Jaana looked at various types of placebo tablets to establish a baseline of palatability. Through home trials with volunteers, she found that minitablets would be taken with food. Owners involved in the study also commented that the minitablets were easier to handle.

The next step in the study was to investigate methods of improving the palatability of the minitablets. The goal being to create a medication that would be readily taken by the cat. A selection of flavourings were chosen that would create an appealing smell and taste.

Amino acids (known as meat precursors) including L-methionine and L-leucine and vitamin B1 (found in yeast extract) were promising candidates.

Using current polymer film coating techniques, it was possible to incorporate these flavourings into the coating of the minitablets. However, the flavourings could only be added in small quantities (around 2%) before the minitablets became brittle. Such a low flavouring percentage would not be enough to mask even mildly bitter medications.

A new area of pharmaceutical research called atomic layer deposition (ALD) looked promising. Originally a technique used to create protective layers in electronics, ALD is used to create extremely thin surface films.

A thin, flavoured, ALD layer could mask the taste of the tablet and incorporate palatable flavours. The future of ALD for coating tablets and creating palatable medicines was highlighted for future research.

Palatable minitablets for cats are not here yet, but they will come. The commercial potential for is too large for veterinary pharmaceutical companies to ignore.

Study shows minitablets are a possible solution to the tricky task of giving pills to cats.
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Tips for Medicating a Cat

If the Medication is Safe to Give with Food:

• Wait until your cat is hungry!
• Hide the tablet in a small amount of food and offer this to your cat.
• If adding the pill to a whole meal, check the tablet is well hidden and not left behind after the cat has finished eating.
• If allowed, try crushing the tablet and mix with food. Ensure your cat eats the whole meal so they get the full dose (and keep other cats away if necessary).

Restraint Techniques for Manual Administration: 

• Restrain cat on a non-slip surface or swaddle in a towel.
• Gently open their jaw and tilt the head back.
• Place the pill as far back as possible on the tongue, close the jaw and wait for the cat to swallow.
• Gentle rubbing of the throat may help your cat swallow.
• If your cat licks their lips or nose, this indicates the tablet has been swallowed.

Handy Tools to Help:

A pill giver like this one, can make giving your cat their medication easier. By helping you get the pill at the back of the mouth easier, your cat is more likely to swallow. The further back the pill is, the more difficult it is for your cat to do anything other than swallow their medication.

Touted as the original smart treat, Pill-Pockets are a way of disguising your cat’s medication in food. They are simply treats, with a small insert in the centre to allow you to place a pill. You can try this at home without the need for these treats by placing the pill inside a chunk of soft cat food meat or jelly.

See icatcare for more tips on giving medication to your cat.

Featured Image – Pills, Grumpy-Puddin; Vector Credit: Vecteezy.com      

The post Minitablets for Cats Set to Make Medicating Easier appeared first on PetSci.

DNA testing is already able to identify the candidate gene, making it possible for breeders to begin breeding out the disease in rhodesian ridgebacks. The discovery is also beneficial for human medicine as myoclonic epilepsy in dogs shares similarities with the human JME equivalent.

Myoclonic Epilepsy in Dogs

Myoclonic epilepsy in dogs is a seizure disorder characterised by myoclonus. Myoclonus describes the brief jerking movements of muscles or muscle groups associated with this type of epilepsy.

Symptoms

• Involuntary, rhythmic contractions of a muscle or muscle group
• Sudden jerking movements
• Head nodding
• Photosensitivity leading to contractions

Causes

Myoclonic epilepsy can be brought around by other diseases, most notably canine distemper. Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease found worldwide that can cause neurological issues such as myoclonic epilepsy. Myoclonus was observed in 40% of canine distemper cases[ref]Tipold, A., Vandevelde, M. and Jaggy, A. (1992). Neurological manifestations of canine distemper virus infection. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 33(10), pp.466-470.[/ref].

Lafora’s Disease is characterised by a genetic mutation that interferes with carbohydrate metabolism. This leads to a build up of a starch-like compound in nerve cells, which can cause myoclonus.

Medicines, toxins, infections and brain trauma can also cause myoclonus. Chemical or physical damage to the brain can lead to dysfunction in the nervous system, potentially leading to myoclonic seizures.

Treatment

Anti-inflammatories are sometimes used to help reduce swelling on the brain and spinal cord. Anti-epileptics such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide are used to reduce the instance of the seizures. If an underlying disease is the cause of the seizures, this will also need to be treated through medication.

How Genetics Influences Inheritance of Myoclonic Epilepsy

Through pedigree observation of healthy and affected animals, a genetic cause of myoclonic epilepsy was suggested. The mentioned study identified a small deletion mutation in the DIRAS1 gene as the cause.

Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in rhodesian ridgebacks is considered autosomal recessive. Autosomal meaning not sex-linked and recessive meaning two faulty copies (alleles) of the gene are needed to cause disease (one from each parent).

So far, the DIRAS1 gene is specific to myoclonic epilepsy in rhodesian ridgebacks. Around 15% of the dogs carry the DIRAS1 mutation that causes the disease. The image below illustrates how the genetic defect is carried through generations. Only dogs homozygous for the DIRAS1 allele (DIRAS1/DIRAS1) show signs of disease (shown in red below).

The diagram shows the percentage of healthy, carrier and affected animals expected depending on the genetics of the parents. The mother along the left, and the father along the top. For example, the offspring of a healthy dam (green) crossed with an affected sire (red) would produce 100% carriers (orange).

What DIRAS1’s Discovery Means for the Future

Myoclonic epilepsy in dogs has similarities to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in humans. This discovery will help research into the disease within the scope of human medicine.

The discovery also has benefits for dog owners too. With DIRAS1 identified, genetic testing can now pinpoint dogs carrying the gene who appear healthy (DIRAS1/+). Identifying and excluding these dogs from breeding programmes is the first step in creating a healthier future for the rhodesian ridgeback breed.

Rhodesian ridgeback owners are also able to get peace of mind, or an early diagnosis of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Advances in genetic testing technology means it is now more affordable and widely available.

If you are the owner of a rhodesian ridgeback who suffers from myoclonic epilepsy, you can find support over at the myoclonic epilepsy in rhodesian ridgebacks facebook group.

For more information about the type, causes and symptoms of canine epilepsy, see our earlier article. You’ll also find lots of support from other owners in the comments section of this page.

Featured Image – Harold Meerveld, Rhodesian Ridgeback

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The study follows on from previous research that investigated the impact of classical music on canine behaviour, which has been shown to help dogs relax.

Each day, the dogs enjoyed a 6 hour Spotify playlist of different music genres including; soft rock, motown, pop, reggae and classical. Behavioural data and urine samples were taken throughout the study.

“Overall, the response to different genres was mixed highlighting the possibility that like humans, our canine friends have their own individual music preferences. That being said, reggae music and soft rock showed the highest positive changes in behavior.”
Professor Neil Evans, University of Glasgow

How Music Affects a Dog’s Mood

Regardless of genre, dogs listening to music spent more time sitting or lying than standing. The music also had a positive effect on heart rate variability (HRV) and behaviour. Cortisol levels were also used as an indicator of stress and found to be lower in some dogs.

In previous studies, dogs became habituated to the music they were played and the positive effects from the music were no longer seen. This could be due to the dogs getting bored with one style of music. The benefit of this study was the variety of the genres, suggesting dogs enjoy variety more than anything.

Other methods of auditory stimulation such as audiobooks or white noise have also been found to be effective at reducing stress.

Not all music is created equal however. Another study found heavy metal to increase body shaking in dogs, a fear-related behaviour[ref]Graham, L., Wells, D. and Hepper, P. (2005). The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 91(1-2), pp.143-153.[/ref].

Better Welfare for Kennel Dogs

But the results make a strong case for the use of music as a calming technique in shelter settings, he said. That’s important because animal shelters, with all their noise and unfamiliarity, can be scary for dogs. And stress can cause dogs to cower, bark loudly, shake or otherwise behave in ways that make them less likely to be adopted.

Founded in 1839, the Scottish SPCA has been helping animals in Scotland for over 175 years. Given the positive outcome of the study The SPCA said it would be investing in sound systems for all its kennels.

Tips for Soothing Dogs with Sound

If you’re planning on using music to help calm your dog, remember that they are much more sensitive to sound than humans. Not only are their ears more sensitive, they are able to detect a larger range of tones than we are. If leaving music on for your dog, make sure it isn’t too loud!

Music could be used to help calm an anxious dog, provide comfort, soothe separation anxiety and even help with noise phobias. If you’re unsure where to get started, there are plenty of dog radio stations, Spotify playlists and YouTube videos available on the internet.

Featured Image – DJ’s 4th Birthday strakt7

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It’s no surprise that pets are considered a fully-fledged addition to the family. We form strong bonds with our pets and it is proposed that our pets can fill the four roles of an attachment figure. ”Anyone who has loved a childhood pet knows that we turn to them for companionship and disclosure, just like relationships between people,” says Matt Cassells a Gates Cambridge Scholar at the Department of Psychiatry, who led the study.

It seems the development of social relationships between children and pets is an extremely important one. Children and young adults have all reported being more likely to turn to their dogs in particular for support during times of emotional distress than human relationships.

Investigating Family and Pet Relationships

The study, published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, surveyed 77 families with more than one child and at least one pet at home. Participants filled out a modified ‘Network of Relationships Inventory’ questionnaire to provide an overall relationship score. Questions such as ‘How much do you talk about everything with your pet?’ were included in the survey. A similar questionnaire was given to assess sibling relationships.

One theory why pet relationships scored higher than sibling relationships is given by Matt Cassels, the study’s lead researcher.

“They may feel that their pets are not judging them and since pets don’t appear to have their own problems they just listen. Even confiding in a journal can be therapeutic, but pets may be even better since they can be empathetic,”
– Matt Cassels, Lead Researcher

Our pets don’t talk back to us or get upset when we unload our feelings on them. This makes them great listeners! Whereas those of you with siblings will be well aware of the many squabbles that break out over the years. The fact that pets cannot understand or talk back means they are completely non-judgmental. With this in mind we can begin to see why our pets score so well in terms of social relationships!

Looking at some more of the questions, we can see why pets would score higher than siblings:

• How much do you and your pet disagree and quarrel?
• How much do you and your pet get upset with or mad at each other?
• How much do you and your pet argue with each other?

The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Social Development

Not only do pets provide social support in times of emotional distress, they also dramatically improve social development in young adolescents. In fact, pet ownership is associated with higher self-esteem among young adolescents. Social support in early adolescence, be it pets or otherwise, supports psychological wellbeing in later life.

Pets can provide social support in other ways too. During times of physical distress, we turn to our family and peers for support. Another study showed that the presence of a dog during physical examinations reduced markers of stress in adolescents[ref]Nagengast, S., Baun, M., Megel, M. and Michael Leibowitz, J. (1997). The effects of the presence of a companion animal on physiological arousal and behavioral distress in children during a physical examination. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 12(6), pp.323-330.[/ref]. Reinforcing that pets, much like humans, can give us support during stressful experiences.

Pet ownership has been shown to support us physically and emotionally, but the Cambridge Study showed those who lived with dogs were shown had a higher sense of life satisfaction than others.

Featured Image – Donnie Ray Jones

The post Children Have Closer Relationships to Their Pets than Siblings appeared first on PetSci.

A study looking at the flavour, aroma and nutrition of cat foods found that even unappealing flavours can be a cat’s preferred choice if the nutritional content is right.

The study by Mars Petcare showed that cats are able to learn about the nutritional content of their food. Although initially cats are drawn to appealing flavours and smells of food such as fish, if given a choice they favour more nutritional options, even if it doesn’t taste as great.

In the tests conducted at Waltham, cats were offered food flavoured with fish, rabbit and orange. Fish was the initial favourite, but this changed to orange when it was offered with an optimal nutritional profile.

What Made Orange Flavoured Food a Cat’s Favourite?

Energy in our diet primarily comes from fats, proteins and carbohydrates.  In an ideal environment, a cat will get roughly 50% of its energy from fats, and 50% from proteins. This is based on results from feral cats, whose daily energy intake consisted of 52% from crude protein, 46% from crude fat and 2% from N-free extract[ref]Plantinga, E., Bosch, G. and Hendriks, W. (2011). Estimation of the dietary nutrient profile of free-roaming feral cats: possible implications for nutrition of domestic cats. British Journal of Nutrition, 106(S1), pp.S35-S48. doi:10.1017/s0007114511002285[/ref].

In the Waltham experiments, cats were offered 3 foods at a time. Each food choice varied in the amount of energy which came from proteins and fats. For example, one diet had a protein energy % (PE) to fat energy % of 10:90. This meant 10% of the energy came from protein and 90% from fat. The ideal ratio would be roughly 50:50.

The 3 choices also differed in flavours (fish, rabbit, orange). The experiment had 3 groups with different flavour/ratios to give a total of 9 different combinations illustrated below.

The experiment consisted of two parts:

1. Cats in study had no experience of food flavours used in study (learning period)
2. Cats in study with experience of food flavours offered choice of 3 foods depending on group (shown above)

During the first part of the study, cats initially preferred the fish flavoured food across all groups. However, in the second part of the study flavour was no longer the main driving factor of choice. Orange was the preferred choice for cats in group 1 due to its nutritional composition.

Similar results were found in the other groups. Despite fish being the favourite flavour (as shown in the previous experiments) the most nutritional food was consumed more regardless of flavour.

When cats were offered a choice of three foods, they were also able to balance out the amount of each food eaten to achieve the ideal 50:50 PE:FE ratio[ref]Hewson-Hughes, A., Colyer, A., Simpson, S. and Raubenheimer, D. (2016). Balancing macronutrient intake in a mammalian carnivore: disentangling the influences of flavour and nutrition. R. Soc. open sci., 3(6), p.160081. doi:[/ref].

Does This Change How You Should Feed Your Cat?

It most cases, this isn’t going to affect how you feed your cat. This is mainly data to help pet food manufacturers.

If your cat is healthy and a consistent good weight, you already doing a good job with their nutrition requirements. 

If you’d like some advice and things to consider when buying pet food for your cat, see below:

• Buy foods for the appropriate life stage (e.g. kitten, adult, senior).
• If your cat has a health condition there are specific foods available designed for their needs (e.g. oral health).
• Ideally 50% of energy should come from protein, this means animal-derived (meat, eggs, poultry, fish) products should be at the top of the ingredients list.
• Don’t spend the bare minimum on cat foods as these products are of low nutritional value.
• Avoid foods that are bulked out with carbohydrates. Cats don’t utilise carbohydrates for energy like humans.

If you want to know how many calories your cat needs, you can use our calculator here. Then use our calorie content calculator to work out the amount of calories in specific foods and treats per portion.

Featured Image – Kevin N. Murphy

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