Search Results (222)

Background/Objectives: In the present study, the changes in oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT), as hormones involved in social relationships and mood regulation, respectively, were measured in dialysis patients involved in Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) interventions. Methods: Thirty patients (15 men and 15 women) with chronic kidney disease, undergoing hemodialysis three times per week, for 4 h, were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: two experimental groups who received the AAA intervention and a control group that never received the AAA intervention. A specific dog-zootherapist vet pair was assigned for each experimental group. All sessions of the two experimental groups were performed weekly, for a total period of 3 months (12 sessions). Blood samples were collected at the beginning and end of each session (T₀ and T₁), lasting about one hour. The interaction time with the dog was approximately 40 min. The samples were then analyzed to measure the levels of oxytocin and serotonin and processed using analysis of variance with mixed effects models. Results: The results obtained showed that both dog-zootherapist vet dyads caused a statistically significant overall effect of both oxytocin and serotonin, increasing during the sessions, compared to the control group. In addition, it was observed progressively increasing effect between two consecutive weeks. Conclusions: The results from this study showed that the AAA represents a positive stimulus for patients on dialysis. Thus, our study suggests that structured AAA intervention in a hemodialysis center can improve patients’ quality of life during the dialysis cycle. Full article

Sentinel animals may play a key role in the surveillance of arbovirus circulation, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the relevance of using dogs as sentinel animals for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) surveillance in Madagascar. Serological surveys were conducted on 513 dogs and 135 cattle in the Ifanadiana district, southeastern Madagascar. In addition, 486 human dry blood samples available from the same area were used. Antibodies against RVFV were detected in 23 of 513 dogs, in 86 of 486 humans, and in 33 of 135 cattle. Serocatalytic models fitted to age-stratified serological data were developed to estimate the RVFV force of infection (FOI) under several hypotheses, ranging from no relationship to proportional RVFV FOIs between humans, cattle, and dogs. The best supported model indicated that RVFV FOI in humans and cattle was proportional to RVFV FOI in dogs. Proportionality parameters were estimated at 2.6 (95% credible interval: [1.4–5.1]) for humans and 3.5 (95% credible interval: [1.3–6.4]) for cattle. Our findings suggested that dog blood samples could be used to identify RVFV circulation in RVF endemic areas and infer the exposure of humans and cattle in these areas in Madagascar. Full article

Family dogs stand out with regard to their special (human-like) attachment behavior towards their owners. This dog–owner attachment bond, analogous to the human infant–mother relationship, has been extensively documented at the behavioral level. Capitalizing on the fully non-invasive polysomnography protocol, the current study compares family dogs’ sleep structure when sleeping in the company of their owners versus an experimenter (a friendly stranger human). Subjects (N = 9) participated in three recording sessions, each lasting 3 h. The first session served as an adaptation to the recording environment, while the second and third were the test sessions analyzed for the present paper. On these two occasions, dogs slept, in a counterbalanced order, once in the company of their owner, while on the other occasion they slept in the company of an experimenter, while the owner was outside the room. Polysomnography recordings were used to extract high-resolution information (in 20 s epochs) on the time dogs spend awake and in each of the sleep stages (drowsiness, non-REM, and REM). Our results show a robust difference between dogs’ sleep structure with and without the owner. In addition to an increased sleep latency and worsened sleep efficiency, dogs spent considerably less time in deep sleep (non-REM) when their owner was absent. These findings add to the increasing body of literature dealing with dog-to-owner attachment and provide unique physiological evidence for the phenomenon, complementing the widely reproduced behavioral data. Full article

Does the head tilt observed in many domesticated dogs index lateralized language processing? To answer this question, the present study evaluated household dogs responding to four conditions in which owners provided an increasing number of communicative cues. These cues ranged from no communicative/affective cues to rich affective cues coupled with dog-directed speech. Dogs’ facial responses were first coded manually using the Dog Facial Action Coding System (DogFACS), followed by an in-depth investigation of head tilt behavior, in which AI-based automated analysis of head tilt and audio analysis of acoustic features extracted from communicative cues were implemented. In a sample of 103 dogs representing seven breed groups and mixed-breed dogs, we found significant differences in the number of head tilts occurring between conditions, with the most communicative (last) condition eliciting the most head tilts. There were also significant differences in the direction of the head tilts and between sex groups. Dogs were more likely to tilt their heads to the right, and neutered male dogs were more likely to tilt their heads than spayed female dogs. The right-tilt bias is consistent with left-hemisphere language processing in humans, with males processing language in a more lateralized manner, and females processing language more bilaterally—a pattern also observed in humans. Understanding the canine brain is important to both evolutionary research through a comparative lens, and in understanding our interspecies relationship. Full article

Heartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis and transmitted by mosquitoes, represents a major veterinary and zoonotic concern. Beyond its recognized cardiopulmonary effects in dogs, increasing evidence suggests that parasite-derived antigens may contribute to allergic disease in humans. Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) is a hyperendemic region for heartworm disease, offering a unique setting to explore this potential relationship. Therefore, the aim was to analyze the association between canine infection with D. immitis and the occurrence of allergic conditions in their owners on Gran Canaria. This cross-sectional study included 644 dogs and their respective owners. Dogs were tested for circulating D. immitis antigens using a commercial rapid test. Owners provided information on allergy through medical anamnesis. Associations between canine infection status, animal-related variables (age, sex, breed, habitat), and owner-reported allergies (age, sex) were analyzed using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests with Bonferroni correction. The results showed that 46.4% of dogs tested positive for D. immitis and 43.8% of owners reported allergic diseases. However, 24.64% of dog owners who tested negative for heartworm disease and 65.89% of owners with positive pets reported allergic diseases. In fact, owners of infected dogs exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of allergies compared to those of uninfected dogs. Canine age, sex, breed, and owner demographics were not associated with infection or allergies. However, dog habitat was significantly associated with both outcomes: dogs living indoors had lower infection rates, while owners of infected dogs in mixed indoor–outdoor environments reported the highest rates of allergy. This study provides the first epidemiological evidence of an association between canine heartworm infection and allergies in owners within a hyperendemic European region. The findings suggest that cohabitation with infected dogs may represent a novel risk factor for atopy, reinforcing the importance of integrated preventive measures and highlighting the relevance of a One Health approach. Full article

Dyadic co-construction, the mutual adaptation that occurs between dogs and their owners, is often discussed in terms of cooperation and participation, yet it remains poorly defined and under-conceptualized in the literature. This review proposed that self-determination theory (SDT), with its three core psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness (attachment)—offers a valuable framework for understanding this phenomenon within a dyadic context. The objectives of this review were twofold: (1) to conceptualize co-construction in owner–dog interactions through the lens of SDT, and (2) to propose methodological approaches for studying this process, while acknowledging their current limitations. Dyadic co-construction emerges as a dynamic, evolving process of mutual influence, shaped by biopsychosocial factors, individual and shared experiences, and the physical and social environments of both human and dog, as well as the dyad as a unit. Depending on the nature of the interaction, co-construction can be beneficial or detrimental. Positive training practices and secure attachment patterns in both humans and dogs tend to foster more harmonious co-construction, whereas aversive methods and insecure attachment may hinder it. Although existing methodologies offer promising insights into this process, they often lack standardization, statistical robustness, and true bidirectionality. This review underscores the need for more integrative, longitudinal, and empirically grounded approaches to fully capture the complexity and clinical relevance of owner–dog dyadic co-construction. Full article

Truffle hunting in the Piedmontese landscapes of Northern Italy is not merely a foraging practice but a deeply embodied and multispecies relationship grounded in intergenerational knowledge, sensory attunement, and emotional connection to forest ecologies. This study draws on qualitative interviews with local truffle hunters (Trifulau) to examine how socio-ecological transformations driven by land privatization, vineyard expansion, monocultural hazelnut plantations, and tourism disrupt these traditional practices. Thematic analysis reveals five dimensions of transformation: ecological estrangement, dispossession and exclusion, erosion of knowledge transmission, commodification and spectacularizing, emotional and ontological loss. Hunters describe a loss of sensory orientation, access to ancestral commons, and a breakdown of the human–dog forest relational web, accompanied by feelings of grief, alienation, and identity erosion. We argue that these changes undermine ecological sustainability and threaten emotional, cultural, and epistemological sustainability. The findings call for a broadened understanding of sustainability, one that recognizes affective, multispecies, and place-based knowledge systems as vital to sustaining cultural landscapes. This study contributes to debates on rural transformation, non-material heritage, and the invisible costs of commodifying traditional ecological practices in globalizing economies. Full article

Attending puppy training classes may help to improve the human–dog relationship and the overall behaviour and trainability of the dog, yet class attendance and the structure and content of classes are not well known. This study aimed to describe the size and structure of classes attended and reasons for non-attendance, and to identify factors associated with training class attendance, by owners of puppies under 19-weeks-old. In a sample of 2187 owners participating in the ‘Generation Pup’ study, 67% reported attending at least one training class. Factors associated with increased odds of class attendance were higher household income, previous intention to attend, first-time ownership, and/or those who received a puppy information pack at acquisition. The likelihood of attending decreased as the acquisition age of the puppy increased. Classes were reported to vary in relation to the number, age, and size of puppies. Class content also varied, for example, in relation to opportunities for puppies to play with each other and training advice given. Common reasons for non-attendance included owners wanting to work with the puppy themselves and/or no suitable classes being available. These data may help to better understand training class attendance for young dogs and could inform strategies to encourage attendance amongst the dog-owning population. Full article

Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a highly aggressive malignancy in dogs. The development of effective systemic therapies is urgently required to improve the treatment of canine OMM. Immunotherapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been investigated in canines following their dramatic success in human cancer treatment; however, there is still a need for extensive veterinary clinical studies to clarify and optimize their clinical benefits. Among the ICIs under development for canine cancer immunotherapy, c4G12 (HFC-L1), a canine chimeric anti-PD-L1 antibody, has shown promising efficacy in dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM in previous clinical studies. However, the optimal dose of HFC-L1/c4G12 has not yet been determined. To explore the dose–response relationship of HFC-L1, a multicenter, randomized clinical study was conducted using three different doses (2, 5, or 10 mg/kg via intravenous infusion every 2 weeks) to treat dogs with pulmonary metastatic OMM (n = 8–9 per group). The safety profiles were similar among the dose groups, and numerically longer median overall survival was achieved in the higher dose groups (5 and 10 mg/kg) than in the 2 mg/kg group. Although the study was exploratory in nature with a small sample size, 5–10 mg/kg should be considered the preferred dose in future clinical studies using HFC-L1. Full article

Dog parents have a strong attachment to their pets and treat them as children. Similarly to the guilt experienced by the parents of human children, dog parents feel guilty when they have to travel or work long hours and leave their dogs at home alone. This study examined the empathic tendencies among dog parents and how they are related to dog parent guilt and other mental health symptoms. A sample of 332 dog owners from the United States, stratified by age and sex, was recruited for this study. The sample comprised 168 female and 164 male participants. The Guilt About Dog Parenting Scale (GAPS-D), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, and Dog Anthropomorphism Scale were administered via an online survey. Demographic variables, such as age, sex, race, education level, household income, relationship, and parental status, were also collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression. As predicted, this study found that empathic tendencies in dog parents are related to guilt, anthropomorphizing, and mental health symptoms. This is the first study to examine empathetic tendencies among dog parents in relation to dog parent guilt. Researchers, educators, social workers, mental health professionals, and veterinarians should inform and educate pet owners about dog parent guilt. This will increase the knowledge of professionals, organizations, and pet owners suffering from such guilt. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) may offer a promising approach for helping pet parents identify, normalize, and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to empathic and anthropomorphic tendencies. By addressing these cognitive patterns, CBT could potentially help reduce associated feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, and stress. Full article

Background: Assistance dogs can support children with autism by improving emotional regulation and social functioning, but access is limited. The Family Dog Service was developed to help families of autistic children gain similar benefits through companion dogs. It offers tailored support for selecting, training, and integrating a dog into the home. This study explored parent perspectives on the service and perceived impacts of companion dogs. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among UK residents who attended Family Dog Service workshops. The survey included demographic data, mental health and wellbeing measures, and questions about human–animal interactions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Of 118 participants, 101 (85.6%) owned a dog, while 17 (14.4%) were considering acquisition. Most owners reported improvements in their child’s mood (75.2%; n = 76) and reduced anxiety-related behaviours (70.3%, n = 71) following dog acquisition. Nearly half (49.5%, n = 50) rated the child–dog relationship as ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ positive within the first month, increasing to 86.1% (n = 87) by the time of data collection. Families also reported enhanced dynamics and reduced caregiver stress. Despite some challenges, the service was valued for its autism-specific guidance and ongoing support. Conclusions: The Family Dog Service may offer a practical, accessible alternative to assistance dogs, supporting autistic children’s wellbeing and strengthening family relationships through positive interactions between children and their dogs. Full article

The adoption of exotic animals as pets is increasing across Europe. This study explores the human–chelonian relationship in the Italian population, specifically the motivations for acquiring reptiles as pets and the nature of the emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians. A total of 91 chelonian guardians replied to an online survey. Data was analyzed through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Most participants (85.7%) owned Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni), having received them as gifts (50.5%) or purchased them (31.9%). Pet chelonians living outdoors had an almost five times higher odds of being reported as non-family members compared to those with indoor access (OR = 4.90, 95% CI = 1.34–23.41, p = 0.02). No significant relationship was detected between other demographic factors and bond type. When asked whether they consider their pet a family member, 70 out of 91 participants reported information for both their reptile and dog/cat. Among these, pets were seen as family members for 44.3% of chelonians and 92.4% of dogs/cats. In turn, qualitative responses from 85 participants showed that 45% expressed a strong emotional connection to their pet chelonians, using language denoting affection, love, and fascination. These findings suggest that, while emotional bonds between guardians and chelonians may be less interactive and intimate than those with conventional pets, they nonetheless reflect a meaningful bond rooted in personal values of entertainment, convenience, and duty of care. Full article

This study analyzes 209 dog skeletons from two sites in Wolin (9th–mid-13th century AD) using 100 standard metric variables covering cranial, mandibular, and postcranial elements. Estimated withers height, body mass, age at death, and sex were derived using established methods. The results indicate the presence of at least two to three morphotypes: small spitz-like dogs (40–50 cm, 4–6 kg), medium brachycephalic forms (50–60 cm, 10–15 kg), and larger mesocephalic individuals (up to 65 cm, 20–40 kg). Dogs lived 3–10 years, with both sexes represented. Signs of cranial trauma and dental wear suggest utilitarian roles such as guarding. The size range and morphological diversity point to intentional breeding and trade-based importation. Small dogs likely served as companions or city guards, while medium and large types were used for herding, hunting, or transport. These findings highlight Wolin’s role as a dynamic cultural and trade center, where human–dog relationships were shaped by anthropogenic selection and regional exchange. Full article

Animal-assisted services (AAS) have been shown in multiple studies to improve a range of human psychological and physical health benefits. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate simultaneously two psycho-physiological indicators of the valence of interactions in the context of dog-assisted activities in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Ten children and four dogs experienced in AAS were involved, lasting 90 days, in weekly one-hour sessions. Before and after each session, saliva was taken in both dogs and children for determination of salivary oxytocin and cortisol levels. In addition, at the end of the program, a questionnaire was administered to both parents and dog handlers to assess the impact of AAS in children and dogs. Our results revealed no statistically significant change in cortisol and oxytocin levels in dogs enrolled throughout the sessions, while an increasing trend was noted for salivary oxytocin in 50% of the dogs and for salivary cortisol in all dogs at the end of the AAS, when compared to the pre-AAS. Salivary cortisol measurement in children with an autistic neurotype highlighted a statistically significant increase at the end of the AAS when compared to the pre-AAS, but this was not observed for oxytocin level evaluations. Regarding the perception of the children’s parents about the effects of the program, our data reported an improvement in sociability of the children in 100 percent of the cases. Furthermore, dog handlers reported an absence of signs of stress in their dogs during the sessions. Although the perceived effectiveness and quality of AAS has been demonstrated in the literature, the need to carefully select the dogs involved, considering their skills and needs, is critical to ensure their well-being in various therapeutic settings. Full article

The cases that dog trainers and behavior consultants face are often traumatic and emotionally challenging, especially under pressure from distressed clients. This study investigated whether more years of professional experience and higher levels of dog aggression contribute to burnout and whether the overall emotional toll of caring moderates these relationships. Eighty-six professionals completed the Professional Quality of Life Measure, which evaluates the positive aspects of caregiving and negative outcomes such as burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The analysis revealed that neither extended work experience nor increased dog aggression significantly predicted higher burnout levels, and the anticipated moderating effect of emotional strain was not observed. The levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress in this sample were similar to those reported in other animal-care and human healthcare settings, while the satisfaction derived from caregiving remained relatively high. These results suggest that factors beyond years of experience and dog aggression—such as workplace support and individual coping mechanisms—may be more crucial in influencing burnout among these professionals. This study highlights the need for an expanded investigation of other possible influences, such as workplace support and personal coping mechanisms. Identifying specific challenges that dog trainers face and implementing strategies to offset burnout will create a healthier and more sustainable work environment and improve the quality of life for humans and their canine companions. Full article