Have you ever wondered if your dog understands what you’re thinking when you give him a specific look? According to new research published in the journal Current Biology, he actually might. In a study conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, researchers trained dogs to discern between photos of humans making two different facial expressions — one happy and one angry. The dogs studied 15 pairs of photographs. The dogs were then put through a series of tests in which they were shown images revealing either the upper, lower, or side half of the same faces. According to a press release, the dogs were able to select the angry or happy face more often than would be expected by random chance in every case. The research not only shows that dogs can distinguish between happy and angry expressions, but they can transfer what they learn to understand new clues. The study also revealed that dogs were slower to associate an angry face with a reward, suggesting that the canine participants already had prior experience learning to stay away from people when they look angry. "Our study demonstrates that dogs can distinguish angry and happy expressions in humans, they can tell that these two expressions have different meanings,” said Ludwig Huber, senior author and head of the group at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna's Messerli Research Institute , in a statement. “They can do this not only for people they know well, but even for faces they have never seen before." Researchers say that these findings mark the first solid evidence that an animal other than humans can discriminate between emotional expressions in another species. source: Messerli Research Institute A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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Nuisance jumping is a common complaint from owners. Most often, dogs are jumping for attention. Dogs who are overly anxious, such as those with separation anxiety, may also jump even when the owner is ignoring them. Don’t make jumping more than it is. It is not an effort to dominate you or lead your pack. First, domestic dogs don’t form packs, so you are not a pack member. Second, dogs generally don’t want to run the world. Nope, no visions of grandeur. They simply want attention from you. That is it, plain and simple. The dog is trying to get you to give her attention. If you are a dog, it’s natural to want to be up near the hands or face of someone who may pet you. Third, dogs don’t try to dominate each other by jumping up to lick each other’s faces. Unfortunately, owners generally do pet dogs when they jump up. This reinforces (rewards) the behavior, making it more likely to occur again. To the dog, any type of attention can be considered reinforcement. This includes pushing her away and yelling at her. Through basic positive reinforcement (there’s the science of learning again), we have trained our dogs to jump on us starting in puppyhood. Once again, it is not the dog’s fault. Take the following, common example: When first adopted, the puppy jumps on you. You bend down to pet her. While this is fine when the puppy is 10 pounds, it’s not nearly as enjoyable when she’s 100 pounds. Then, when the puppy gets a bit larger and is in adolescence, the jumping becomes annoying. You try different methods, such as ignoring her, kneeing her or yelling at her. She continues to jump. Making it even more difficult for your dog to learn what is appropriate, there are inconsistencies within the family regarding how they interact with the puppy. Some people pet her when she jumps up and some yell at her. Finally, there are invariably inconsistencies between what family members and visitors do. This is very confusing to the puppy. She can’t be sure what type of behavior is appropriate. The scientific term for these types of interactions is variable reinforcement. Variable reinforcement means sometimes the pup is rewarded and sometimes she is not. Believe it or not, this kind of reinforcement is the most powerful kind you can apply to a behavior. You read that right. You are actually making the behavior stronger by sometimes punishing and sometimes reinforcing. What results is a very persistent jumper. To understand variable reinforcement better, consider the example of a person at a casino. This person might leave the roulette table after losing 2 or 3 times, but will sit at a slot machine for eight hours. Why do they do that? Because the slot machine employs variable reinforcement. The slot machine delivers small rewards intermittently throughout the day. There are enough rewards, statistically, to keep the person playing all day. There's even the promise of a possible huge jackpot at some point during the day. Teaching pups not to jump is pretty simple — ignore the pup when she is jumping and teach her an alternate way to get attention. Follow these simple tips and your dog will be asking for attention politely in no time.
Source: PetMD A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Mediaplanet: What inspired you to become an advocate for pet adoption? Rachael Ray: I don’t have any kids, so John and I consider Isaboo our child just as we did with our pup Boo before her. I wanted to create a way to help find families for other animals in the shelter system. MP: If our readers are looking to get involved, how would you suggest they start? RR: I think to get started you can begin doing some research and scoping out your local animal shelters to get some more information. I think it is so important that people support their local shelters and help provide needy animals with a home. There are so many different types of adoptable animals, and we've seen firsthand through our partnership with the ASPCA and other organizations how suddenly these animals can bring joy to your life. Your local shelter should definitely be your first stop if you're thinking about bringing an animal into your family. If you are not looking to bring a pet into your home, there are other ways to help, especially through volunteering. Check with your local shelter to find ways to donate your time to help meet their needs. PAWESOME PALS: Rachael cooks a healthy meal with her trusty sous chef, Isaboo. MP: How do you know what type of nutrition plan (i.e. grain-free, high protein) is right for your pet? RR: You need to be wary of the food you are giving to your pets especially because every pet is different. The first step would really be to listen to your veterinarian about what is going on with your pet and their digestion systems. From there, you should research the food products. MP: What advice would you give a new pet owner to ensure your home is a happy and healthy environment? RR: My advice would be simply to provide the most loving home possible. Pay attention to your pet too. Make sure you realize the food and other things that your pet either enjoys or dislikes. It’s important to cater to them and provide them the things they love. MP: Do you have any advice for how a working pet owner can balance between their busy schedule and caring for their animal? RR: Before becoming a pet owner, I think it is important to evaluate your time and make sure that you are able to give this animal the love it deserves. I have a very busy schedule, but Isaboo is always part of my day and John even takes her to the office several times a week. MP: How do you know if pet adoption is right for you? RR: This is really a personal decision, but it is usually the moment you lay eyes on one of these beautiful shelter animals when something clicks inside. After you have evaluated whether you’ll have the time and resources to care for these pets and provide them with a loving home, you’ll know. MP: Are there any unforeseen challenges you think our readers should be aware of before adopting? RR: If you have determined that you can give a loving home to a shelter animal, then there shouldn’t be too many unforeseen challenges. The one surprise is the love that this animal will bring to your home and family. Isaboo is my child and has brought an immense amount of love that John and I never thought possible. When you change the lives of these beautiful animals, they change yours in return. STAFF, editorial@mediaplanet.com A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
(CNN) Deciding to move on after his beloved German shepherd was stolen from his backyard 18 months ago wasn't easy for Richard Brower. "I never gave up hope," Brower said, "I'd just come to the realization that I couldn't go on without another dog." He'd enlisted the help of his motorcycle-riding buddies and nearly everyone from the dog park in the search. Anyone seen walking a German shepherd had been, at one time, accosted by him or his friends. His searches were fruitless. "It was heartbreaking," Brower said. "Absolutely horrible." His heart-wrenching decision to search for a new dog -- made after a year-and-a-half of endless searching for Dozer -- turned out to be the best decision he could've made, as it led him back to his best friend in a miraculous way. After returning home 18 months after he was stolen, Dozer is now a celebrity at the dog park. EXPAND IMAGE "It's the closest thing to a miracle in my life," he said. Brower typed "German shepherds for sale" into an Internet browser, which led him first to Claresholm Animal Rescue Society. He clicked the link and shivers went down his spine. "My heart stopped," Brower said, "the second I opened the page." Staring back at him on the rescue's website was his dog, Dozer, the pup's head cocked to the side, just as he remembered. Brower said he never doubted that it was his dog, but he sent the picture to his mom and sister for their opinion. His sister agreed it was Dozer, but his mom was doubtful. Brower said she was likely trying to save her son from unnecessary heartbreak, in case it wasn't him. Brower called the shelter and reached Sylvia Giroux at Claresholm, Alberta. While on the phone, Brower's dad, returning home from a business trip, stopped at the shelter, unbeknownst to his son. Brower said Dozer immediately started wagging his tail when his father came into the room. Still on the phone, Brower instructed his dad to snap his fingers once and then tell him what the dog did. He snapped and Dozer, a super well-trained dog who knows how to open and close doors and turn on lights, circled Brower's dad and sat on his right hand side, waiting for his next command. "There was no boo-hooing, but it was close," Giroux said, "It was just such a wonderful thing." Giroux might've kept it together, but Brower said everyone else was a different story. "My dad was bawling, I was bawling on the phone," he said. And when Dozer got home -- there was more crying -- from Dozer. "He almost knocked me over," Brower said. "He came flying in, put his head into my arm and started doing that wailing that German shepherds do." Other than his having lived at the shelter for a month after he was picked up by a resident nearby, Brower doesn't know much about Dozer's whereabouts during the 18 months he was missing. He's just thrilled to have his pup, who he calls a "big sweet baby," back at home, back to normal. Normal, except for at the dog park, where families used to steer clear of the 125-pound pooch. "Now that he's a celebrity, everyone wants to hug him," Brower said. A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Pet therapy may help cancer patients persevere through challenging treatments, according to new findings published Tuesday in Journal of Community and Supportive Oncology. The results show a significant improvement in quality of life for more than 40 patients who took part in a trial at Mount Sinai Beth Israel in New York City, where they interacted with therapy dogs following chemotherapy and radiation treatments. “They really did look forward to seeing the dogs. It lightened the experience for them,” Stewart B. Fleishman, founding director of Cancer Supportive Services at Mount Sinai Beth Israel and principal investigator for the study, said. “There isn’t much joy in these months, and we were able to bring some relief in this terrible time.” The trial, supported by The Good Dog Foundation, Zoetis, and Pfizer Foundation, found that visits from a certified therapy dog significantly increased the emotional well-being of patients over several weeks. Gabriel A. Sara, medical director at Mount Sinai Roosevelt, said the study provides strong evidence that pet therapy can be used as an effective tool for patients. Even as patients’ physical and functional well-being declined, the study said their well-being improved emotionally and socially. “There is mounting evidence in human and veterinary medicine that the emotional bond between people and companion animals can have a positive impact of emotional and physical health,” said J. Michael McFarland, Zoetis group director of Companion Animal Veterinary Operations. “These new results help advance our understanding of the value of animal-assisted therapy in cancer treatment and point to the ways the oncology and animal health communities can work together in supporting cancer patients achieve the best possible treatment outcomes.” Executive Director and Founder of The Good Dog Foundation Rachel McPherson said the results scientifically back what she has seen for 16 years at the foundation, that therapy dogs can help better the experience of cancer patients as they undergo treatment. The study assessed the impact of certified therapy animal-assisted visits on quality of life during treatment for head, neck and gastrointestinal cancers. Forty-two adult patients were enrolled and 37 patients completed the six-week study, receiving daily 15-to-20-minute animal-assisted visits. The patients chosen for the study had good prognoses but were preparing to go through chemotherapy and radiation that would make them very sick. “These patients were very sick. By week four they’ve lost a lot of weight, are dealing with inflammation in their throat, and have lost a lot of sleep,” Fleishman said. “This pet therapy made people feel better, even as they were getting sicker.” The patients had aggressive cancers in the head and neck and chose rigorous combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy in advance of a smaller than otherwise planned surgery. The dogs were cleaned prior to meeting with the patients, who interacted with the dogs prior to treatment either in waiting rooms or hospital rooms depending on the patient. Patients were assessed at the beginning, middle, and end of treatment and results showed that even if physical well-being in patients declined, emotional well-being increased when exposed to animal assisted visits. Fleishman said the key was using the same quality of life scale used to measure the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation to measure the effects of the study. Fleishman said patients told him they would have stopped treatments before completion had it not been for the therapy dogs. “This study is the first such definitive study in cancer, and it highlights the merits of animal-assisted visits using the same scientific standards as we hold for the cancer treatment itself. It shows the importance of an innovative environmental intervention during cancer treatment,” Fleishman said. “Having an animal-assisted visit significantly improved their quality of life and ‘humanized’ a high-tech treatment.” Source: Michael Izzo, Daily Record // Photo: Photo courtesy of The Good Dog Foundation, Kathy Landman) A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
Drool, hair, urine, feces, and blood that pets leave behind often contains a bit of their DNA. If a criminal happens to come in contact with an animal’s “leavings” and carries a bit away with them, that evidence can be used to tie them to the crime scene. The opposite scenario is also possible. Criminals may inadvertently leave some of their own pet’s “evidence” at the crime scene. The lab work comes in two stages: First, the crime scene DNA is profiled employing a few marker regions from the genome, and next, the lab [Veterinary Genetics Laboratory at the University of California Davis (VGL)] uses its own pet genetic database to calculate probability — how common is this particular pattern in the wider population? In other words, how likely is it that this hair could have come from any other dog or cat than the one linking the criminal to the crime? In the case of [a] triple homicide in Indiana, a representative of VGL testified that the statistical chance that the feces sample on the shooter’s sneaker and the feces in the yard of the scene of the crime came from two different dogs was staggeringly low. In fact, it was one in 10 billion. And since there aren’t even close to 10 billion dogs in the entire country that meant the feces on the sneaker and the feces in the yard came from the same dog. The first time pet DNA was ever used as evidence in court involved hair shed from a white cat named Snowball. (Owners of white cats are thinking “of course!”) Sometimes pets even take an active role in helping nab the perpetrators of crimes against their loved ones. An attempted sexual assault case in Iowa in 1999 was solved largely because of dog urine. Though the victim could not positively identify her assailant, her dog could — by having lifted his leg on the tire of the man’s truck. DNA matching of dog and tire urine placed the man at the scene of the crime. Good dog! A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellowpeop pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. PARIS, France - Owning exotic reptiles such as snakes, chameleons, iguanas, and geckos could place infants at risk of salmonella infection, according to a British study.
Researchers in the southwestern English county of Cornwall found that out of 175 cases of salmonella in children under five over a three-year period, 27 percent occurred in homes which had reptile pets. Salmonella is a germ that, in humans, can cause gastroenteritis, colitis, blood infections, and meningitis. Reptiles, however, are unaffected by the bug, which colonizes their gut and is passed on in their stools. If the pet is allowed to run free in the home, this poses a risk, especially if the child is at an exploratory stage of crawling or licking surfaces. The average age of children who fell ill with "reptile-associated salmonellosis" (RAS) was just six months, said the study, led by Dan Murphy of the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. "RAS is associated with a severe outcome — hospitalisation and disease," it said. "Coupled with evidence of increasing ownership of indoor reptile pets, the incidence of RAS hospitalization is likely to increase. Health professionals such as general practitioners and pediatricians need to be aware of this risk." The investigation is published in a specialized British journal, Archives of Disease in Childhood. A U.S. study in 2004 estimated that RAS was behind 21 percent of all of laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella among people aged under 21. My 2 cents...proper handling, husbandry, and WASHING YOUR HANDS after handling a pet reptile will prevent this disease. MONDAY, Jan. 5, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Owning a pet may play a role in social skills development for some children with autism, a new study suggests. The findings are among the first to investigate possible links between pets and social skills in kids with an autism spectrum disorder -- a group of developmental disorders that affect a child's ability to communicate and socialize. "Research in the area of pets for children with autism is very new and limited. But it may be that the animals helped to act as a type of communication bridge, giving children with autism something to talk about with others," said study author Gretchen Carlisle, a researcher at the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine and Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. "We know this happens with adults and typically developing children." She said the study showed a difference in social skills that was significantly greater for children with autism living with any pet. But, the associations are weak, according to autism expert Dr. Glen Elliott, chief psychiatrist and medical director of Children's Health Council in Palo Alto, Calif. "One absolutely cannot assume that dog ownership is going to improve an autistic child's social skills, certainly not from this study," he said. It's also important to note that while this study found a difference in social skills in children with autism who had pets at home, the study wasn't designed to prove whether or not pet ownership was the actual cause of those differences. A large body of research, described in the study's background, has found dog owners share close bonds with their pets. Past research also shows that pets can provide typically developing children with emotional support. Pets have also been shown to help facilitate social interaction. And, pets have been linked to greater empathy and social confidence in typically developing children. Past research in children with autism has focused only on service dogs, therapy dogs, equine-assisted therapy and dolphins, Carlisle said. Carlisle wanted to see if having a family pet might make a difference in children with autism. To do so, she conducted a telephone survey with 70 parents of children diagnosed with any autism spectrum disorder. The parents answered questions about their child's attachment to their dog and their child's social skills, such as communication, responsibility, assertiveness, empathy, engagement and self-control. Carlisle also interviewed the children about their attachment to their pets. The children were between the ages of 8 and 18. Each child had an IQ of at least 70, according to the study. The study found that 57 households owned any pets at all. Among those families, 47 owned dogs and 36 had cats. Other pets included fish, farm animals, rodents, rabbits, reptiles, a bird and a spider. The study results showed no significant differences in overall or individual social skills between children who owned dogs and those who didn't. But, owning a dog for longer periods of time was weakly linked to stronger social skills and fewer problem behaviors after accounting for a child's age, the researcher found. The study could not show whether having a dog influenced children's social skills or whether more socially capable children were more likely to own a dog. Compared to the 13 children without pets, those who owned any pet -- whether a dog or not -- showed slightly more assertiveness, such as willingness to approach others or respond to others. However, the study only included children whose parents said their children would answer questions on the telephone. No other differences in social skills or problem behaviors existed between the pet-owning and non-pet-owning children, according to the study. The findings were published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. "Although the author makes a case for possible advantages of having a pet, specifically a dog, for higher functioning children with autism spectrum disorders, parents should look carefully at these results and their own circumstances," Elliott said. He noted there were no statistically significant findings shown in the study data. The study also didn't consider whether pet ownership could have negative effects, according to Elliott. "The effects are not especially robust and could just as easily be a result of more socially competent children with autism spectrum disorders being attracted to dogs as a relatively safe, low-demand but high-yield form of social contact," Elliot noted. Pets are less complex and demanding than people, Elliott added. Some children with autism may be able to better exercise social skills with the right kind of pet, but the evidence does not yet show that this behavior extends to interactions with people. Both Elliott and Carlisle said it's essential for parents to consider their ability to care for any pet before getting one. "Thinking about the time demands of the pet, the child's sensory issues and family lifestyle when choosing a pet are important to increasing the likelihood for the successful integration of that new pet into the family," Carlisle said. "For example, a child sensitive to loud noises may respond better to a quiet pet." But Elliott said parents should not mistakenly believe that the potentially positive addition of a pet to a household will be the answer to a child's social difficulties. "The idea that animals -- dogs, horses, dolphins, to name a few -- can uniquely 'get through' to children with autism is not new," Elliott said. "It certainly seems to be a source of pleasure for some children with autism -- and for many without autism also -- but it is not a cure for an underlying disorder." More information Learn more about how autism is treated from The Autism Society. A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. A Life of Furry Luxury
Have you always dreamed of vacationing with your pet? You're not alone. More than three-quarters of traveling pet owners would take Fido or Fifi on every vacation if they could, according to an AAA press release. Unfortunately, more than half of those survey takers reported difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations. Don't despair, though. They are out there. From luxurious to economic, here are the best pet-friendly hotel chains in America. 1. Kimpton Hotels The first full-service hotel company to welcome pets, Kimpton Hotels has over 50 one-of-a-kind properties in major urban and resort destinations across the United States. Not only is each and every location pet-friendly with amenities like pet beds and complimentary nightly wine receptions where pets are welcome, but families with pets are never charged an extra fee or deposit. Additionally, any size, weight, shape, or breed of pet is accepted — feathery and scaly ones, too! 2. Loews Hotel The "Loews Loves Pets" program is an amenities smorgasbord for pet-loving vacationers, including a welcomes package with a pet bowl, dog tag, and treats as well as special services like dog walking, pet sitting, and doggie spa treatments. Loews has even partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital to offer furry guests a complimentary examination and a 15% discount on services during their stay. Hotel guests pay a daily $25/pet fee. 3. Hilton Even though Hilton hotels are known the world over, you may be unaware of their pet-friendly policies. Over 300 properties are "pet ready" with bowls, placemats, and travel totes filled with organic treats, bio-degradable waste bags, and a travel-sized bottle of deodorizing disinfectant. Fees and policies may vary, so call ahead before booking a room. 4. La Quinta Inns & Suites La Quinta has over 700 pet-friendly locations from coast to coast. Cats and dogs up to 50 pounds are allowed in guest rooms with no fees or deposits required. However, you must be present or your pet must be crated when rooms are freshened up by the housekeepers. 5. Extended Stay America With over 680 pet-friendly properties and 5 brands to choose from, ExtendedStay Hotels offers plenty of options for you and your pet to find the perfect hotel. There is a limit of up to two pets per room as well as a $25/day pet fee and a non-refundable cleaning fee (not to exceed $150/pet). Contact the hotel directly to ask more about specific weight, size and breed restrictions. It's no secret that people are crazy about their pets, but how much would you pay to save a goldfish? A man spent 300 pounds or $460 in U.S. dollars on a procedure to save his 3-inch goldfish's life. The pet owner brought the sick fish to Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham, U.K. for a consultation and was told the fish had two small tumors that would require surgery. In an e-mail to USA TODAY Network, Faye Bethell, a veterinarian at the clinic, said one of tumors was preventing the fish from passing feces. After initially refusing treatment because of the hefty price tag, the owner changed his mind. Bethell said they began the procedure by introducing a small amount of anesthetizing agent into the goldfish's water. After the anesthesia took effect, the fish was placed on a waterproof drape and anesthetic water was inserted into the fish's mouth through a tube and bubbled over the gills, Bethell said. During the nearly hour-long procedure, Bethell used a miniature heart-rate monitor to ensure the fish was "under" and removed two lumps with a mini scalpel. Finally, Bethell stitched closed the tiny incisions and covered them with a special "glue" to waterproof the scales before the fish was slowly awakened. Mary Bowerman, USA TODAY A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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