Scientists may finally understand how the rabies virus can drastically change its host's behavior to help spread the disease, which kills about 59,000 people annually. A new study shows how a small piece of the rabies virus can bind to and inhibit certain receptors in the brain that play a crucial role in regulating the behavior of mammals. This interferes with communication in the brain and induces frenzied behaviors that favor the transmission of the virus. View the source article
The word "cancer" instills fear into the heart of every dog owner, but not all growths are cancerous. The most common growth found on dogs are lipomas, which are fat cells. Also commonly found on dogs are sebaceous cysts, which can become cancerous.…
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When it comes to choosing the right dog chews, the options are seemingly limitless. You’ve likely heard that rawhide chews are particularly bad for dogs, filled with awful chemicals and waiting to be lodged into your pup’s intestine. But is this really the…
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Tennis balls are the quintessential modern dog toy. My dog can sniff them out of roadside ditches, and nothing gives her as much joy as chasing after them in a wide open field. However, tennis balls are a special…
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Kale, former garnish, now superfood, is so popular these days it even has bumper stickers and T-shirts advertising its virtues. It appears in health foods, smoothies, and salads, and is believed to have numerous health benefits for people—but what about kale for dogs? … View the source article
What Is Pink Eye? Pink eye, known as conjunctivitis in the veterinary community, is quite common in dogs. Like pink eye in humans, conjunctivitis in dogs typically causes red, inflamed eyes. This gives the disease its nickname, "pink eye." The scientific name, conjunctivitis,…
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Dogs should be fed a well-balanced diet. Commercial dog foods are regulated to make certain that they are well-balanced and provide your dog the proper amount of nutrition, vitamins and supplements needed. There are many choices of well-balanced diets available commercially ranging from choices in protein, age and cognitive changes.… View the source article
So you think you want a dog? One with a wagging tail? Or perhaps, one with no tail at all? Before adding a dog to your family, you may want to ask yourself some tough questions and give careful thought to…
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Thousands of people are hospitalized every year for dog bites, and aggressive behavior is a major reason dogs end up in shelters. Biologists have studied the biology behind canine aggression, specifically the role of the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin. View the source article
We mostly take it for granted that our dogs urinate, whether it is convenient for us or not. Anyone with a dog that frequently marks may even feel a sigh of relief when her dog decides not to spray the neighbor's tires. As…
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There are many different reasons why a dog may limp. If your dog has been limping, it’s best to contact your veterinarian who can best diagnose the problem. Some causes for limping include: Trauma: Your dog may be limping because of a laceration, puncture, or a foreign object irritating…
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An aging dog suffers similar issues as a human does. This includes conditions such as arthritis, which can be painful and uncomfortable for them. In circumstances such as this, your veterinarian may recommend giving your dog glucosamine, a supplement intended to alleviate the symptoms of joint damage by boosting the… View the source article
Hip Dysplasia is a skeletal condition that tends to affect larger breeds, some smaller breeds, and is a hereditary condition. Dogs such as, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, and St. Bernard’s are more likely to suffer from this joint problem, so there is probably a genetic underlying component .… View the source article
In an ideal world, all kibble would be created equal. Instead, dog owners are presented with an overwhelming array of options, all claiming to be the best dog food on the market. Wading through these choices to find a dog food brand…
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“Eat your fish—it’s brain food.” That’s what I was taught growing up. “Because, you know, fish are so smart,” I used to scoff. But it turns out that mother knew best. That magic component is a type of polyunsaturated fat, particularly the…
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On average overweight dogs lose an average of 11 percent of their body weight when enrolled on a weight loss trial according to researchers who have conducted the largest international multi-center weight study. View the source article
In an effort to settle the debate about the origin of dog domestication, a technique that uses 3-D scans of fossils is helping researchers determine the difference between dogs and wolves. View the source article
Bringing home a new dog or puppy is an exciting adventure. It’s also important to make sure that your pup will be under the right care in their early years and as they get older. Similar to humans and doctors, dogs need a veterinarian that is qualified, reputable and with… View the source article
A parasitic worm that is becoming increasingly common in Europe poses a significant threat to UK dogs, warn experts in a new report. View the source article
Owners of seriously or terminally ill pets are more likely to suffer with stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as poorer quality of life, compared with owners of healthy animals, finds a study. View the source article
Panting is normally seen in dogs during the warmer months when they’re trying to cool down. While this is a common behavior in canines, there are also times when panting indicates something more significant that may require the attention of your veterinarian. Below are issues you should look out for… View the source article
The tendency of dogs to seek contact with their owners is associated with genetic variations in sensitivity for the hormone oxytocin, according to a new study. The results contribute to our knowledge of how dogs have changed during their development from wolf to household pet. View the source article
A rattle will only make noise if you shake it. Animals like the wolf also understand such connections and are better at this than their domesticated descendants. Researchers say that wolves have a better causal understanding than dogs and that they follow human-given communicative cues equally well. The study provides insight that the process of domestication can also affect an animal's causal understanding. View the source article