Pets, Volume 1, Issue 3 (December 2024) – 13 articles

Many LGBTQ+ emerging adults experience rejection from their family of origin. Family rejection is a stressor that contributes to worsened mental health for LGBTQ+ emerging adults. Supportive relationships with others can be an important protective factor for LGBTQ+ emerging adults as they cope with family rejection. The bond and interactions LGBTQ+ pet owners have with their pets may provide love, comfort, and support, similar to the relationship they may have with a human attachment figure. This quantitative study aimed to test pet attachment as a moderator of the association between family rejection and mental health in a sample of LGBTQ+ emerging adults. We collected survey data from 201 18–25-year-old LGBTQ+ pet owners living in the state of Virginia. After testing several moderation models using the PROCESS macro in SPSS, we found that pet attachment was not a significant moderator of the relation between family rejection and mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, psychological distress). The findings suggest that pet attachment may not be a protective factor for LGBTQ+ emerging adults who experience family rejection, although these findings should be interpreted in light of the characteristics of our sample and limitations of the study. We recommend that future researchers explore alternative moderators or test these associations among LGBTQ+ individuals in other developmental periods. Full article

This study evaluated the potential of using dogs’ apparent age, judged from photographs, as a non-invasive tool for assessing their welfare. Traditional welfare assessment methods often rely on behavioral and physiological indicators, which can be resource-intensive and invasive. This research explored whether apparent age, a measure used in humans to predict health and longevity, can also serve as an indicator of welfare in dogs by investigating its association with relative telomere length (RTL), a biomarker of biological aging. Photographs of 60 domestic dogs were evaluated by canine specialists and general volunteers via the citizen science platform Zooniverse. Participants estimated the age of 20 dogs from three different age categories: young (0–2 years), adult (2–5 years), and senior (6+ years). The accuracy of these predictions was compared to the dogs’ chronological ages and RTLs. Generalized linear models were used to assess factors influencing prediction accuracy, including the dogs’ age, sex, and origin. Results indicated that both specialists and volunteers reliably estimated the age of senior dogs, with no significant differences in accuracy between groups. Dogs with accurate apparent age estimates had RTLs matching their chronological age, while those with premature aging signs had shorter RTLs. This suggests apparent age could be a practical, non-invasive welfare assessment tool, offering a potentially accessible method for new welfare assessment protocols. Full article

Postbiotics are emerging as potential functional ingredients for companion animal diets. This study aimed to determine if a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based postbiotic can alter cytokine and stress responses to exercise and transport stress in adult Labrador Retrievers. Dogs received 15 g ground corn germ (Control, n = 12), 7.5 g postbiotic (Low, n = 12), or 15 g postbiotic (High, n = 12), daily for 63 days. Exercise was twice weekly for 7 weeks, and a single transport per dog occurred in week 8. Fecal inflammatory biomarkers, serum chemistries, and complete blood counts were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. Serum cytokines were quantified before and 18–20 h after the first and last exercise runs. Gait analysis was assessed before and 24 h after the first and final runs. Saliva cortisol was measured before and after transportation. Treatment did not affect blood chemistries, gait, fecal biomarkers, or saliva cortisol (p ≥ 0.19). Eosinophils increased slightly in Controls (p = 0.01), though remained below 0.80 × 10⁹ cells/L. Most cytokines were unaffected by treatment (p ≥ 0.15), but there were minor changes in circulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p = 0.01) and IL-8 over time at the initial run (p = 0.03) and IL-10 in males (p = 0.02) in the Low dose dogs. The High dose decreased Blautia (p = 0.04) slightly and tended to decrease Fusobacterium abundances (p = 0.07). The Low dose tended to increase Clostridium hiranonis (p = 0.07) slightly. The tested S. cerevisiae postbiotic produced small changes in immune function and gut microbial species in dogs. Full article

The administration of modified cyclosporine with food has been reported to decrease oral bioavailability. The objective of this study was to compare the pharmacodynamic effects of oral modified cyclosporine in healthy dogs when administered with and without food. In this randomized, crossover study, eight client-owned dogs received a commercial formulation of modified cyclosporine (median dose, 3.5 mg/kg PO q12h) with food (fed phase) or one hour before food (fasted phase) for 7 days. Two hour post capsule administration was used as the expected time of peak cyclosporine concentration. Peak cyclosporine blood concentration measured by antibody-conjugated magnetic immunoassay and interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) were measured at baseline, seventh day of each phase, and after a 21-day washout. Three dogs were withdrawn due to refractory anorexia. For the five dogs that completed this study, no difference in cytokine expression (p = 0.9) was found when comparing qRT-PCR values between the fed and fasted phase. All dogs achieved post-treatment IL-2 expression corresponding with “moderate” levels of immunosuppression or higher after both phases. No difference in peak blood cyclosporine concentration was found between the 7th day of the fed phase (median, 2042; range, 1484–2100 ng/mL) and fasted phase (median, 1990; range 1137–2100 ng/mL; p = 0.8). Feeding dogs at the time of the administration of oral modified cyclosporine can achieve similar suppression of IL-2 expression and blood concentrations two hours post drug administration as compared to when the drug is administered without food. Full article

Although many people strongly believe in wellbeing benefits of having pets (the ‘pet effect’), research on the ‘pet effect’ in actuality is highly mixed. Surprisingly, little research has explored the nature of (i.e., specific components of) the human–pet relationship, as a way to explain the contradictory findings. One such component is human–pet play, with play outside of the human–pet relationship being important for wellbeing and social buffering. Thus, the current quantitative study explores whether greater perceived play with pets contributes to greater wellbeing (‘pet effect’) and reduces anxiety during a time of acute stress (social buffering). The study employs a regression design recruiting men and women residing in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic who own a dog and/or cat, with perceived pet play as the key predictor variable, and outcome variables of wellbeing and COVID-19 anxiety. Data were gathered and analysed cross-sectionally on day one (N = 189), and longitudinally over five days (N = 105), using multiple regressions. Overall, perceived pet play did not predict wellbeing nor COVID-19 anxiety. As such, the current study indicates human–pet play does not contribute to the ‘pet effect’ nor social buffering, thus raising questions for future research regarding the exact purpose of play within the human–pet relationship. Full article

Interacting with animals often provides numerous benefits for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). One potential explanation for this is that children with ASD exhibit particular visual attention to animals. This study aimed to characterize the visual attention patterns towards humans and animals in children with ASD compared to neurotypical (NT) children during one-time first exposure to an assistance dog. Forty children participated (18 ASD, 22 NT). The interventions were videorecorded. Three categories of visual attention (gaze, glance, and mutual gaze) directed towards assistance dogs and human professionals were coded using ethological methods. Both the children with ASD and the NT children gazed more frequently at the assistance dog than at the professional. However, although infrequently, both groups shared more mutual gazes with the professional than with the assistance dog. Both the NT children and the children with ASD preferred to gaze rather than to glance at, or share mutual gazes with, the assistance dogs. The attention patterns of the NT children towards the professionals were consistent, whereas those of the children with ASD were not. Statistical linear models revealed that a child’s status (ASD/NT) was the only factor influencing the frequency and duration of the visual behaviors observed. These results confirm that individuals with ASD exhibit particularly focused attention towards animals. Full article

The existing domestic cat literature predominantly contains lists detailing its behaviour. However, these lists are neither specific enough for domestic cats nor general enough for all behaviours on a macro level of the domestic cat. Furthermore, the majority of studies lack illustrations. Therefore, we have developed a comprehensive ethogram of the domestic cat and scalable schematic representations of the behaviour units. We evaluated observational data from free-roaming cats and cats from private households using ad libitum and focal animal sampling (video material 55.31 h, n = 170 animals). In addition, we used the leading literature and detailed anatomical studies to create systematic categories and morphologically correct drawings. A total of 117 discrete behaviours were recorded and divided into 12 categories. The description of each behaviour includes a name, a word definition, an ethological classification and a schematic illustration (excluding the category devoted to vocalisations). An ethogram is needed to better understand the behavioural repertoire of healthy domestic cats and to facilitate the design phase of further investigations. This document can help to better distinguish species-appropriate behaviours and body postures from those behaviours and poses that indicate chronic pain, stress or discomfort. Full article

Aims: To investigate the road safety concerns associated with pet dogs in New Zealand. Methods: An online survey was developed and offered to New Zealanders via SurveyMonkey© from 8 January 2019 to 31 March 2019) using New Zealand residents aged ≥ 18 years. Questions about the demographics of respondents and their number of pet dogs along with those about dog transportation and dog roaming were asked. Results: Of 2744 respondents who completed the online survey, 1494 (65%) owned a dog. Of the total respondents, 1511 completed the question about how their dog or dogs travel in vehicles. Of these, 2% (n = 29) let their dog sit on the driver’s knee, and 12% (n = 179) allowed their dog to sit on the passenger’s knee. Only 7% (n = 105) allowed the dog to roam free throughout the vehicle, while 44% (n = 663) allowed their dogs to roam free in the backseat area only and 19% (n = 280) put their dog in the boot/hatchback area. A minority of respondents (2%, n = 22) indicated they let their dog travel unrestrained on the deck of a ute or truck. Approximately half, 51% (n = 767), of the respondents indicated that they restrained or crated their dogs in or on the vehicle. Respondents also expressed concerns about roaming dogs being a road safety hazard with the themes of responsible ownership, physical and psychological harm, and the dangers of rescue altruism emerging. Conclusions: Increased awareness about proper pet restraints during transportation and preventing dogs from roaming, especially near and on roads, is crucial to ensure traffic safety for humans and dogs. Full article

Background: Chiari-like malformation (CM), Syringomyelia (SM) and middle ear effusion (MEE) are frequently observed disorders in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs), Pomeranians, and less frequently the Griffon. There are a few reports in which small dogs have been identified as suffering from CM/SM. Methods: From all MRI centers based in the Netherlands, MRI scans for small dog breeds performed for various reasons over a period of 8 years were collected. Scans that enabled a CM and/or SM evaluation were included and evaluated. Results: In total, 177 MRI scans were included. CM could be evaluated in 163 out of 177 dogs. In 63 dogs, no CM was observed, while 100 dogs had CM. SM could be evaluated in 144 out of 177 dogs. No SM was seen in 56 dogs and SM was seen in 88 dogs. Both CM and SM were seen in high frequency in the Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Griffon, and Pug but did also occur in lower frequencies in various other small breed dogs and crosses. CM and/or SM does occur in various other small dog breeds and crosses suggesting that it is indeed a type-related disorders. As it can cause serious clinical signs breeders should be aware of the risk of CM/SM when breeding with these small dog breeds. Full article

The AKC functions as the largest and most influential dog breed registry and breed standard information source in the United States. AKC breed standards describe the breed’s overall appearance and behavior. Despite their popularity, the AKC behavioral descriptions and the traits used to quantify them have largely remained unexplored. In this study, we used eleven behavioral breed standard traits for 286 breeds collected for the official AKC source. Dog size and appearance were also evaluated. We employed pairwise correlation and factor analysis to define behavioral trait constructs and hierarchical clustering methods to evaluate the similarity of breed profiles. These methods revealed that although AKC data exhibit various individual correlations concurrent with known canine behavior, many breeds present behavioral trait constructs that do not align with the narratives presented in their standard and may be lacking crucial factors in dog behavior, as suggested by breed group clustering. Our dimensional analysis revealed three constructs, which we labeled as “Social Engagement”, “Pet Demands”, and “Vigilance”, that are very important and relevant to pet ownership. These results emphasize the importance of standardized observations when quantifying behavior and provide an overarching context regarding the strengths and weaknesses of these descriptions, allowing readers to better understand and predict their pet’s behavior. Full article

The use of nutraceuticals, mainly phytogenics, is increasingly widespread in animal nutrition, especially in dogs. The materials typically used to provide these very diverse natural compounds come from plants, but lately algae and fungi have also been used. In animal nutrition, these compounds are applied to obtain better results in the production and stability of feed and also as biofunctional substances with benefits for animal health. Polyphenols are natural compounds from the secondary metabolism of plant matter present in animal food (e.g., seeds and nuts, fruits, vegetables, herbs/aromatic plants, spices, cereals, and vegetable oils, among others). Most of the biological effects of these compounds associated with health benefits have been attributed to their antioxidant potential because they can protect cellular elements against oxidative injury, reducing the risk of dysfunctions and diseases associated with oxidative processes. Polyphenols are constituted by multiple families of substances with wide applications in pet therapy and nutrition. In this work, we review the most relevant phytogenic polyphenols, exploring their characteristics, sources, and implications for canine health. Our focus includes the effects on gastrointestinal functions and its microbiota, as well as aspects such as obesity, diabetes, and fat metabolism. Additionally, we examine their impact on cardiovascular, neurological, and immunological systems, along with their potential anti-oncogenic role. Finally, we discuss the overall role of polyphenols in dog diets and their future implications. Full article

Aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES) is a rare syndrome affecting dogs. Nutritional management is a pillar of optimal treatment. Currently, there are no specific published data to inform dietary nutrient composition selections for treating affected dogs. Thus, our goal was to establish nutrient targets for the dietary management of ACHES by comparing nutrient profiles of commercial and home-cooked diets fed to dogs after diagnosis and determine if different nutrient inclusions were associated with survival. This retrospective cohort study evaluated nutrient profiles of commercial diets (n = 10) and home-cooked diets (n = 8) fed to dogs with ACHES. Associations between dietary nutrient inclusions and survival duration were determined using Cox proportional hazard analysis. Home-cooked diets were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in dietary protein and several amino acids than commercial diets. Risks of death were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with increasing dietary protein (hazard ratio 0.92 [CI 0.82–1.0]) and sodium (hazard ratio 0.02 [CI < 0.01–0.38]) and higher for dietary fat (hazard ratios 1.15 [CI 1.02–1.37]). An increased risk of death with increasing dietary calcium did not achieve significance (p = 0.067, hazard ratio 9.92 [CI 1.02–201.0]). These results were used to recommend target dietary nutrient ranges, in g/1000 kcal, of 90–130 for protein, 20–40 for fat, 0.7–1.8 for sodium, and 1.0–2.8 for calcium for dietary ACHES management. Full article

Microbiome research has become significantly advanced in recent years, both in human and veterinary medicine. The development of DNA sequencing technology has enabled a deeper understanding of the diversity of microorganisms inhabiting animal bodies. It has given clinicians, scientists, and behaviorists a chance of better understanding the impact that a proper microbial population has on the individual, enabling a much more holistic view of the animals’ health and welfare. Current knowledge is increasingly based on analyses of the impact of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract on the neurobiology and behavior of the host. This review presents research results, indicating potential implications for fields such as ethology and veterinary medicine. Understanding the role of the microbiome in shaping animal behavior could open up new therapeutic opportunities and lead to more sustainable animal husbandry practices. Full article