Search Results (155)

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting aging dogs, characterized by impairments in learning, memory, spatial orientation, and behavior. Despite its substantial negative impact on dogs’ quality of life and owners’ emotional well-being, CCD is frequently underrecognized or diagnosed at a late stage. This study explored how challenges in CCD recognition and veterinary communication influence dog owners’ ability to identify symptoms and make informed decisions about care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 dog owners whose dogs were suspected of having CCD, based on elevated scores on the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR) and owner-reported behavioral changes. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes emerged: (1) difficulties in recognizing CCD-related symptoms, (2) communication challenges between owners and veterinarians, (3) owners’ adaptation to gradually emerging symptoms, and (4) the emotional and practical burden of caregiving. Owners frequently interpreted behavioral changes as normal aging or other health problems, which delayed the recognition of cognitive decline. Participants also described limited guidance from veterinary professionals regarding CCD, contributing to uncertainty, emotional distress, and challenges in end-of-life decision-making. Together, these findings suggest that owners’ experiences follow a progressive caregiving trajectory, from initial symptom uncertainty to increasing emotional and practical burden. Improving awareness of CCD, strengthening veterinary communication, and providing targeted support for caregivers may facilitate earlier recognition and more effective management of cognitive decline, ultimately benefiting both dogs and the people who care for them. Full article

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs that shares many pathological mechanisms with human Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although it is common in geriatric dogs, CCDS is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. Both CCDS and AD involve a gradual decline in cognitive functions such as memory, learning and executive abilities. From a pathological perspective, dogs with CCDS show brain changes similar to those seen in AD, including cerebral atrophy, loss of neurons and accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. CCDS is diagnosed by exclusion, meaning that other medical or neurological conditions that could cause similar behavioural signs must first be ruled out. Clinical evaluation mainly relies on structured questionnaires completed by owners. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm cerebral atrophy and, at the same time, to exclude other brain disorders, such as cerebrovascular accidents and neoplasia. Current research focuses on identifying fluid biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta, neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein, to support an early and objective diagnosis. The most effective management combines pharmacological therapy, targeted nutrition and non-pharmacological strategies, including environmental enrichment and behavioural support. Early intervention, ideally during mild cognitive impairment, is crucial to slow disease progression and maintain quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mandarin orange peel (MOP) is rich in bioactive polymethoxyflavones, including hesperidin and nobiletin, which have shown neuroprotective effects in rodent models. However, comprehensive safety data in dogs are required to support its development as a therapeutic intervention for canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. In this study, the safety profile of a standardized MOP formulation was evaluated in four healthy Beagle dogs. Methods: Initially, compositional analysis was performed, and 202 pesticide residues and psoralens were screened to ensure compliance with Japanese pet food safety standards. Subsequently, a dose-escalation study was conducted in which dogs received oral MOP at 2, 6, and 10 g/head/day for 3–4 weeks at each dose level. Clinical signs, hematology, and serum biochemistry were monitored throughout the study period. Results: The MOP powder composition and residue levels remained within regulatory safety limits. In the dose-escalation study, no significant dose-dependent abnormalities were observed in physical or clinicopathological parameters. One dog exhibited transient loose stools at higher doses and a temporary elevation in alkaline phosphatase levels at 2 g/head/day; however, these symptoms resolved spontaneously despite continued administration. Conclusions: MOP was safe and well tolerated in dogs even at 10 g/head/day (787–952 mg/kg/day), which is approximately five times the anticipated clinical dose. The observed fluctuations in active ingredient concentrations remained within the acceptable range for natural products and did not affect overall safety. Combined with comprehensive screening for residues, these results indicate that MOP is a high-quality and safe dietary intervention for older dogs. Full article

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disorder in dogs that shares several pathological and clinical features with human Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In both species, β-amyloid (Aβ) accumulates within the brain parenchyma and cerebral vessel walls and is associated with synaptic loss, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic neuroinflammation, ultimately leading to progressive cognitive decline. Increasing evidence indicates that impairment of brain clearance mechanisms, particularly the glymphatic system, represents a central pathogenic mechanism in both CCD and AD. The glymphatic system is a glia-dependent perivascular network involved in the clearance of Aβ and other metabolic waste products from the brain. Its function declines with aging, vascular disease, and astrocytic alterations, including changes in aquaporin-4 distribution. Reduced glymphatic and periarterial drainage promotes the retention and aggregation of Aβ and tau proteins. Compared with AD, tau pathology in CCD is generally less extensive, supporting the interpretation of CCD as an Aβ-predominant condition and a partial pathological analog of Alzheimer’s disease. Clinically, CCD is characterized by a constellation of behavioral changes including, disorientation, altered social interactions, sleep–wake cycle disturbances, a loss of housetraining, changes in activity levels, and increased anxiety, commonly summarized by the DISHAA acronym. Overall, CCD represents a valuable spontaneous large-animal model for investigating neurodegenerative mechanisms and clearance-related therapeutic targets relevant to both veterinary and human medicine. Full article

Cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disorders represent an increasing clinical challenge in aging dogs and cats, while objective and minimally invasive biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring remain limited. Tear film is a biologically active fluid reflecting both local and systemic processes and offers a practical, non-invasive source of potential biomarkers in geriatric veterinary patients. Proteomic analyses of canine and feline tear film have revealed a complex protein composition, including molecules involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, immune regulation, and cellular homeostasis—processes implicated in neurodegeneration. However, growing evidence from human and veterinary research emphasizes the importance of CNS-specific and mechanistically informative biomarkers, such as markers of axonal injury, synaptic degeneration, and glial activation, which may provide a more precise framework for interpreting peripheral proteomic alterations. This review summarizes current knowledge on tear film proteomics in dogs and cats and discusses its potential relevance to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative processes. Particular attention is given to the integration of tear-derived proteins with validated blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, as well as to methodological challenges and future research priorities. With appropriate standardization and clinical validation, tear film proteomics may contribute to the development of novel diagnostic and monitoring strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in companion animals. Full article

Despite increasing efforts by the scientific community to raise awareness of breed-related health problems through educational campaigns, public information initiatives, and veterinary outreach programmes, brachycephalic dog breeds remain highly popular. As the number of brachycephalic dogs increases, the prevalence of associated health problems rises accordingly. Ethical and animal welfare considerations appear to play a limited role in breed selection. In German-speaking regions, extensive educational efforts have been undertaken in recent years to address the issue of so-called torture breeding, defined as intentional selection for extreme phenotypic traits that impair health, reduce welfare, and cause chronic suffering, particularly in brachycephalic breeds. The aim of this study was to determine the underlying reasons for the decision to buy and keep a brachycephalic dog. Although the veterinary profession is already improving education and communication, this qualitative study intended to find new starting points for targeted education against animal suffering and to explore the sociological background of the ownership of such dogs. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews with people with brachycephalic dogs were conducted throughout Switzerland (n = 16). The focus was on the animal–human relationship. The interviews were defined by systematically applied guidelines for the design of the interview process, while still allowing maximum openness (all possibilities for expression). The transcribed interviews were coded and analysed according to the Kuckartz methodology, which allows us to set certain focal points of analysis and to structure them according to codes. The results of this study indicate that, although awareness of torture breeding is present within the broader population, owners of brachycephalic dogs frequently rely on individualised arguments and rationalisations. These typically involve emphasising the perceived health, functionality, or exceptional characteristics of their own animal (e.g., claims that their dog is “healthy” or not affected by breed-related problems), thereby distancing their personal ownership experience from the general welfare concerns associated with the breed. This psychological pattern can be interpreted as cognitive dissonance, in which contradictory beliefs are harmonised through selective perception or re-evaluation. The results also show that brachycephalic dogs offer a very strong projection surface: their owners assign them a variety of social roles that go beyond the classic animal–human relationship—for example, as a substitute for children, a romantic partner, or a best friend. This qualitative study provides differentiated insights into the attitudes and motivations of owners of brachycephalic dogs and illustrates that traditional awareness campaigns have not been sufficient to effectively change problematic breeding practices and ownership patterns. In order to develop long-term effective solutions, interdisciplinary cooperation is therefore needed—for example, between veterinary medicine, animal welfare, communication science, psychology and law. In addition to individual education, new, target-group-specific communication strategies and consistent legal regulations are needed to protect animal welfare in the long term. This study is intended to serve as a catalyst for a broader ethical and social debate on the keeping of torture breed dogs. Full article

The last few decades have provided mounting evidence that dogs are not only able to behave in intelligent ways but also that they have the capacity to make inferences by associating visible and imagined events. In particular, the kinds of inferences shown by dogs elevate them to ‘Popperian animals’, which are rational in the sense of being able to conduct trials and errors in the head. Here, I review a selection of studies with dogs that fulfil this attribution. Dogs have been found capable of (a) making inferences by exclusion, with both computer images and word-object associations, (b) drawing inferences about the efficiency of the observed methods, the situational constraints of the situation, and the goals of the model in the course of selective (‘rational’) imitation, and (c) going beyond directly observable cues when inferring the intention, the knowledge, or even the beliefs of humans in perspective-taking tasks. Despite the contamination with ambiguous data, open questions, and current debates about the possession of (non-linguistic) mechanisms for creating mental representations of the mental states of others (called mind reading), we may safely assume that domesticated dogs have become Popperian animals equipped with the cognitive tool set of inferential thinking and perspective taking. Full article

This study examined the effects of environmental conditions, behavioral history, management practices, and personality traits on the operational performance of search and rescue (SAR) dogs and dogs admitted to SAR certification testing. Thirty-two handlers completed a questionnaire collecting demographic data, as well as information on their dogs’ behavioral history, management practices, and personality descriptors. Each dog–handler unit also undertook a search trial consisting of locating a hidden person in a wooded area, which was evaluated both by professional instructors and the handlers through ratings of critical behavioral indicators. Objective measurements were obtained through a weather station and GPS devices. Handlers described their dogs mainly in terms of work-relevant traits, such as socio-cognitive engagement, assertiveness, and arousal. The performance evaluation form was practical and efficient, though the Distraction parameter may require refinement, and handler ratings suggested a self-reporting bias. Temperature and wind speed were negatively associated with performance, whereas higher humidity was positively associated with it. Performance was also associated with litter size, age at adoption, dog experience, and management-related factors. Finally, speed, ground coverage, and a canine profile characterized by high arousal and reactivity were strong determinants of good search performance (|ρ| ≥ 0.3; p < 0.05). Although these findings require confirmation in larger samples, search performance appears to be a multifactorial construct shaped by the interplay of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Defining the contribution of each factor could help optimize performance and dogs’ welfare. Full article

Herding dogs play an important role in the management of herds of sheep and cattle, and their effectiveness depends on various genetic and environmental factors, and the choice of training method. The aim of this study is to explain how these factors determine the effectiveness of herding work, the level of stress and psychological comfort experienced by the dogs, as well as their physical health. The study also examines the choice of training method, the influence of socialisation and relationship with the handler, as well as the living conditions. Information on the welfare of herding dogs and the factors that influence this welfare were obtained based on a search of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus using defined keywords. Research indicates that positive reinforcement, early socialisation and trust-building with the handler increase performance, reduce behaviour indicative of any stress the dogs may be experiencing, and improve psychological wellbeing. Selective breeding has developed herding predispositions, including herding instinct and cognitive abilities, at the expense of predatory instinct. Understanding the genetic and environmental factors associated with wellbeing, and using ethical training methods benefits both dogs and livestock by allowing herding dogs to fully realise their natural behaviours. Full article

Among domesticated animals, dogs are physically and behaviorally diverse. While centuries of breeding for specific traits accounts for many of these differences, myriad factors influence variation in cognitive and physical abilities among individual dogs. Here, we investigate whether training for nose work-type sports affects dog executive function and physical fitness in both dogs and their human companions. Given the demands of such training, we hypothesized that dogs and people who participate in nose work would have higher physical fitness, and the dogs would have advanced executive function compared to those that do not do the sport. Twenty-six dogs and seventeen human companions were recruited for this pilot study. Humans completed a questionnaire that included the Dog Executive Function Scale, information about dog training, and a 7-day physical activity recall. Humans and dogs performed a battery of fitness tests, and dogs completed two cognitive tests. We found that fitness scores did not differ between groups (nose work/non-nose work) in dogs or people, and nose work training associated with higher reported dog executive function scores. Notably, more formal nose work training was associated with less “giving up” in an unsolvable task, implying that training quality may impact task persistence in dogs. Full article

Dogs show exceptional olfactory sensitivity and are widely used in medical, rescue, military, and forensic applications, yet the determinants of individual and breed-level scent-work performance remain incompletely characterized. This review integrates evidence from the anatomy and physiology of the canine olfactory organ, neurobiological mechanisms of odor transduction and coding, and links between olfaction, memory, and emotion, alongside molecular genetics, evolution, domestication, and selective breeding. We synthesize findings indicating that complex nasal turbinates and specialized airflow patterns enhance odorant capture, while olfactory bulb circuitry and downstream connections to limbic and frontal networks support discrimination, learning, and affective modulation. Comparative and breed-focused studies suggest that skull morphology and breeding priorities can alter olfactory capacity, with shortened nasal anatomy associated with reduced functional potential in some lines. In applied contexts, detection success is strongly shaped by behavioral traits such as motivation, persistence, independence, and reward value, as well as by physical condition and environmental stressors that can impair search efficiency. Emerging literature further suggests that the gastrointestinal and upper airway microbiome, together with diet, housing, temperature, and workload, may influence sensory and cognitive readiness, although direct causal links to detection outcomes remain limited. Overall, canine olfactory performance reflects interactions among genetic–anatomical capacity, neurobehavioral factors, and environment, underscoring the value of standardized selection, training, welfare management, and future integrative research. Full article

Interspecies communication is increasingly recognized as an affective–cognitive process co-created between humans and animals rather than a one-directional transmission of signals. This review integrates findings from ethology, neuroscience, welfare science, behavioral studies, and posthumanist ethics to examine how emotional expression, communicative intentionality, and relational engagement shape understanding across species. Research on primates, dogs, elephants, and marine mammals demonstrates that empathy, consolation, cooperative signaling, and multimodal perception rely on evolutionarily conserved mechanisms, including mirror systems, affective contagion, and oxytocin-mediated bonding. These biological insights intersect with ethical considerations concerning animal agency, methodological responsibility, and the interpretation of non-human communication. Emerging technological tools—bioacoustics, machine vision, and AI-assisted modeling—offer new opportunities to analyze complex vocal and behavioral patterns, yet they require careful contextualization to avoid anthropocentric misclassification. Synthesizing these perspectives, the review proposes a relational framework in which meaning arises through shared emotional engagement, embodied interaction, and ethically grounded interpretation. This approach highlights the importance of welfare-oriented, minimally invasive methodologies and supports a broader shift toward recognizing animals as communicative partners whose emotional lives contribute to scientific knowledge. This review primarily synthesizes empirical and theoretical research on primates and dogs, complemented by selected examples from elephants and marine mammals, which provide the most developed evidence base for the affective–cognitive and relational mechanisms discussed. Full article

Dogs increasingly function as relational beings, shaping their guardians’ emotional well-being and daily routines. Consequently, dog owner education has expanded beyond behaviour-focused training toward integrative approaches that address the emotional, relational, and cognitive dimensions of the human–dog relationship. Despite this shift, international comparative research on the organisation and institutionalisation of dog owner education remains limited. The study applies a qualitative exploratory comparative case study to examine systems in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia, identifying national patterns and shared components to inform context-appropriate frameworks, particularly in South Korea. The study examines legal and policy documents, institutional guidelines, and standardised education programmes that function as national or de facto standards using document and content analysis. It integrates within- and cross-case comparisons and interprets findings through a framework drawing on human–animal interaction, attachment, canine behaviour, and cognitive–behavioural coaching theories. The analysis reveals five shared components of behaviour change: guardian responsibility and animal welfare, science-based positive reinforcement, early socialisation and prevention, a balance between standardisation and individualisation, and guardians’ emotional and relational engagement. These findings suggest that dog owner education functions as an integrated system that supports responsible guardianship and stable human–dog relationships across sociocultural contexts. Full article

Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) into early childhood education has been associated with children’s holistic development. STEM education not only enhances critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and other 21st-century skills but also contributes significantly to cognitive growth, emotional regulation, and social abilities. Within the early childhood context, the use of play and toys emerges as a natural and powerful medium for introducing STEM concepts in developmentally appropriate and engaging ways. Play and toys have a prominent role, and previous studies have provided strong evidence on their educational benefits. Toys enhanced with technological characteristics (Technology-Enhanced Toys—TETs), such as coding and interactive toys, are increasingly being viewed as cultural tools that mediate learning and nurture cognitive and collaborative skills among young learners. However, the impact TETs have on young children’s STEM learning remains largely unexplored. This qualitative observational study, grounded in a socio-cultural perspective, explored how 37 children aged 3 to 4 years in four early childhood settings in Greece exhibited STEM-related behaviours during free play with technology-enhanced toys. Data were collected through systematic video recordings and written observations over a three-month period that involved interacting with various TETs, such as Bee-Bot, Coko Robot, a remote-controlled dog, and others. Results indicate that playing with TETs enhanced problem-solving, computational thinking, and collaboration, thus affirming the positive influence of digital technology and the potential of TETs to enrich early STEM education. Implications for equity, the importance of teachers’ professional development in effectively integrating TETs into early childhood curricula and the need for further research will also be discussed. Full article

The shift from syntagmatic to paradigmatic associations is a developmental process occurring from approximately the ages of six to nine years and plays an important role in language development. Syntagmatic relationships refer to words that co-occur due to their mutual dependency connection (e.g., “The dog barks”). Paradigmatic relationships are words within the same category (e.g., cat, kitten). In Study 1, we tested 244 Spanish-English bilingual children in grades 1 to 3 (M age = 7.87 years, 54.5% female) enrolled in dual language programs in California, USA. Children completed a matching task in both English and Spanish featuring both syntagmatic and paradigmatic lexical associations. Results showed significantly higher accuracy for older students than for younger students, higher accuracy in English than in Spanish for both paradigmatic and syntagmatic associations, and higher accuracy in paradigmatic associations in English and syntagmatic associations in Spanish. In Study 2, we conducted cognitive interviews with a separate sample of 13 Spanish-English bilingual children (M age = 8.96 years, 46.15% female) to explore how they reasoned through their word pair choices when completing the task. Children primarily relied on paradigmatic associations, using strategies like synonymy, antonymy, and category overlap, while also employing syntagmatic associations and thematic relatedness as less frequent but important reasoning strategies. Implications for early language development are discussed. Full article