Pets, Volume 1, Issue 3 (December 2024) – 4 articles

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