Newswise Feature Channel: Pets

"Pets Make You Spend More!" Impact of Pet Ownership on Consumer Purchase Decisions

Journal of Business Research — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 07:05:07 EST

How Beetle Juice Led to the Discovery of a Virus and Solved the Mystery of a Superworm Die-Off

Rutgers University-New Brunswick — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:05:01 EST

Rutgers University-New Brunswick scientists have discovered a virus that caused a nationwide die-off of superworms, a common food for birds, reptiles, other pets and, more and more so, even for humans as an alternative protein source. In doing so, they pioneered a different way to search for and identify emerging viruses and pathogens in humans, plants and animals.

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain

Aalto University — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 02:00:00 EST

We use the word 'love' in a bewildering range of contexts -- from sexual adoration to parental love or the love of nature. Now, more comprehensive imaging of the brain may shed light on why we use the same word for such a diverse collection of human experiences.

Grieving a Pet's Death

LifeBridge Health — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:05:11 EST

The significance of pets in human existence varies between people. However, the emotional and social support that companion animals offer is an impactful driving force behind this attachment. Those who underestimate the strength of the bond drive a wedge between themselves and the bereaved.

Clinical Trials for Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:05:36 EST

Clinical Trials for Canine Soft Tissue Sarcomas

Congenital Heart Disease in Companion Animals

College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:05:17 EST

Congenital Heart Disease in Companion Animals

Easy and Fast "Cat Urine Test Kit" for Early Detection of Kidney Disease, Gallstones, and Cystitis

Chulalongkorn University — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 08:55:51 EST

Researchers from Chula Faculty of Science invented an easy-to-use "Cat Urine Test Kit" to screen for the risk of kidney disease, gallstones, and cystitis in cats. The test kit provides fast and accurate results, so cats can be treated promptly.

Smell of human stress affects dogs' emotions leading them to make more pessimistic choices

University of Bristol — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 05:00:00 EST

Dogs experience emotional contagion from the smell of human stress, leading them to make more 'pessimistic' choices, new research finds. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Scientific Reports today [22 July], is the first to test how human stress odours affect dogs' learning and emotional state.

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Ohio State University — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 10:05:53 EST

Pet cats may be excellent animal models for the study of obesity origins and treatment in humans, a new study of feline gut microbes suggests - and both species would likely get healthier in the research process, scientists say.

Study sheds light on rising epidemic of pet theft

Middle Tennessee State University — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 12:45:26 EST

Pet theft is a type of property crime, but pet-owner relationships include emotional dimensions and life experiences that can compound their loss far beyond property value. Their bondedness with humans includes companionship as well as healthy lifestyle and mental wellness benefits, which are abruptly halted at junctures of pet loss.

Genetic patterns of world's farmed, domesticated foxes revealed via historical deep-dive

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:05:52 EST

Domesticated animals play a prominent role in our society, with two-thirds of American families enjoying the companionship of pets and many others relying on animal products for their nutritional needs. But the process of domestication remains a bit of a mystery.

Gut microbiome - the key to our pets' health and happiness?

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:05:57 EST

Fourth of July story ideas: Fireworks safety, economics and hot dog competitions, food safety and more

Virginia Tech — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:05:05 EST

Ahead of Independence Day on July 4, Virginia Tech experts can speak on a variety of topics, including fireworks safety, economic lessons from eating contests, grilling safety tips, and more. To schedule an interview, please contact the media relations office at mediarelations@vt.edu. Fireworks safety The July 4th holiday brings a dramatic increase in eye injuries each year.

SOS Signal for Canine Muscle Loss

Tufts University — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:05:02 EST

Researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine are now working with engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to determine whether a blood test, ultrasound, or a combination of both can be developed to detect cachexia sooner, more consistently, and to grade how advanced the condition is.

Using AI to decode dog vocalizations

University of Michigan — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:05:00 EST

Have you ever wished you could understand what your dog is trying to say to you? University of Michigan researchers are exploring the possibilities of AI, developing tools that can identify whether a dog's bark conveys playfulness or aggression.

Dogs of War - the ethics of using animals in conflicts

Loughborough University — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 09:05:35 EST

The Gevena Convention protects people who have fallen victim to armed conflict, but militaries around the world use thousands of animals in combat, support, and ceremonial roles. Who looks out for them?

Nanoparticle Vaccines: A Leap Forward in Veterinary Medicine

Chinese Academy of Sciences — Thu, 23 May 2024 09:05:15 EST

A recent review explores the innovative use of self-assembled protein nanoparticles (SAPNs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in veterinary vaccine development. The research highlights the superior safety and efficacy of these nanovaccines over traditional formulations, offering a promising future for animal health and disease prevention.

A New Way to Fight an Aggressive Cancer in Dogs

Tufts University — Tue, 21 May 2024 13:05:13 EST

Bolstered by years of generative cancer work, researchers at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine are taking aim at hemangiosarcoma

What Dog Owners Should Know About Leptospirosis

Tufts University — Wed, 15 May 2024 09:05:11 EST

Leptospirosis is an illness caused by a bacteria called leptospira that can be present in soil and stagnant water. Rodents and other wildlife carry the bacteria and spread it through their urine. Both humans and dogs can become sick with leptospirosis, while cats are considered disease-resistant. For both people and dogs, the result of infection can range from mild to deadly serious.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: What Dog Owners Should Know

Virginia Tech — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:05:47 EST

As Lyme disease cases rise in the U.S., humans are not the only ones at risk. Veterinarians with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine say dogs are increasingly vulnerable to this tick-borne illness. "Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, are most common carriers of Borrelia burgdorfer and can be found in the northeastern and north-central parts of the U.