tag:theconversation.com,2011:/us/topics/pet-dog-59927/articlesPet dog – The Conversation2024-02-20T05:05:54Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2238622024-02-20T05:05:54Z2024-02-20T05:05:54ZDid your dog dig in asbestos-laden mulch? Here are the risks – and what to do next<p>This week, disturbing news emerged about <a href="https://theconversation.com/asbestos-in-mulch-heres-the-risk-if-youve-been-exposed-223729">mulch containing asbestos</a> in parks, schools and homes across New South Wales (<a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8527611/test-samples-collected-to-check-act-mulch-asbestos-contamination/">and possibly Canberra</a>). So far, the discussion has focused on the risks to human health. </p>
<p>But the incidents have prompted me to worry about the effects on dogs. Dogs love to sniff, dig, lick and roll on the ground. That means dogs in the vicinity of the mulch may have been exposed to asbestos.</p>
<p>I research the environmental causes of cancer in animals. Animal exposure to asbestos is deeply worrying. Long-term exposure, even to low doses, can cause a type of cancer called mesothelioma. The disease also affects humans.</p>
<p>Here, I outline the risks of asbestos exposure in dogs, and what to do if you’re concerned.</p>
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<figcaption><span class="caption">The experts trained to identify asbestos in mulch | 7.30, ABC, 19 February 2024.</span></figcaption>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/asbestos-in-mulch-heres-the-risk-if-youve-been-exposed-223729">Asbestos in mulch? Here's the risk if you've been exposed</a>
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<h2>What do we know about mesothelioma in dogs?</h2>
<p>Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects both animals and humans. It’s typically concentrated in the respiratory tract, but can affect all cells lining body cavities. </p>
<p>The illness is <a href="https://vsso.org/mesothelioma">rare in dogs</a>, causing less than 1% of all canine tumours. But it takes years to develop, by which time successful treatment is difficult. </p>
<p>Symptoms in dogs include difficulty breathing, enlarged abdomen and muffled heartbeat. A dog may cough, become lethargic, lose its appetite and become depressed. </p>
<p>In dogs, the incubation time – the period when the cancer is developing, is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234946/">less than eight years</a>, compared with more than 20 years in humans. So studying cancer in pet dogs can provide important <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6641667/">information about similar cancers</a> that might also affect humans. </p>
<p>Dogs can be exposed to asbestos in the same way as humans – for example, during home renovation projects. People can wear protective gear, but animals cannot. Dogs also tend to lick things, which means they may ingest asbestos fibres as well as breathe them in. </p>
<p>Asbestos is more dangerous when it is “friable” or easily crumbled and broken up into smaller pieces, releasing fibres into the air. </p>
<p>One study from the 1980s showed <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6641667/">dogs could be exposed to asbestos</a>, through “secondary contact” or the actions of someone else. This may occur, for example, if a dog inhaled asbestos fibres from the clothes of its owner.</p>
<p>So during house renovations, pets may need to stay mostly outside, or at someone else’s house or a boarding kennel.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A small dog looking up from digging a hole in the garden" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/576701/original/file-20240220-24-k79how.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Dogs love to dig but this may can expose them to contaminants.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/dog-garden-digging-hole-2167039171">jarizPJ, Shutterstock</a></span>
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<h2>What about the mulch issue?</h2>
<p>At latest count, <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia240220-asbestos-investigation-updates-20-february">47 sites in NSW</a> have tested positive for asbestos in mulch. In the Australian Capital Territory, environment officials are investigating <a href="https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/city-services/potential-mulch-asbestos-contamination">potentially contaminated “cottage mulch”</a> sold to 24 companies and 27 addresses in and around Canberra.</p>
<p>In <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia240220-asbestos-investigation-updates-20-february">all but one Sydney case</a>, the asbestos was considered lower-risk as it was mixed with cement or other hard bonding materials. However, “non-friable” or “bonded” asbestos <a href="https://www.asbestos.nsw.gov.au/identify-asbestos/what-is-asbestos/friable-and-non-friable-asbestos">can become friable if damaged or old</a>. Then, asbestos can be released into the air. </p>
<p>The more dangerous friable asbestos was found at a popular <a href="https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news/media-releases/2024/epamedia240220-asbestos-investigation-updates-20-february">public park in Glebe</a>. This is concerning.</p>
<p>The risk of an animal developing cancer is influenced by duration of exposure and the extent of contamination. We don’t know what level of exposure is required to develop mesothelioma in dogs. But in humans, there is <a href="https://www.health.wa.gov.au/%7E/media/Files/Corporate/general-documents/Asbestos/PDF/AsbestosinandaroundyourhomeOctober2014.pdf">no known safe asbestos exposure level</a>. </p>
<h2>What to do if you’re concerned</h2>
<p>Mesothelioma can progress rapidly in both dogs and humans. Early diagnosis increases the chance of survival. </p>
<p>If you think your dog has been exposed to asbestos, take it to see a vet. The vet may perform an x-ray to check the dog’s lungs and/or abdomen and windpipe. If damage is present, a vet would take samples of tissue and fluids from the thorax or abdomen, for further examination.</p>
<p>So what happens if a dog is diagnosed with mesothelioma?</p>
<p>In some cases, the cancer will be so far progressed that treatment is not an option. In that case, all effort should be made to ensure the dog is as comfortable as possible. </p>
<p>If it’s not too late to start treatment, dogs can undergo chemotherapy, usually in the form of injections. One study suggests chemotherapy <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9796774/">increases</a> a dog’s chance of survival.</p>
<p>The duration of treatment and side effects of chemotherapy vary depending on the severity of the dog’s case. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6681408/">Deciding whether or not to proceed</a> with chemotherapy can be difficult and requires weighing up the costs and likely benefits. It is expensive, but many dogs cope remarkably well and <a href="https://adelaidevet.com.au/pet-library/chemotherapy-and-your-pet/">rarely lose their hair</a>. </p>
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<h2>A wake-up call</h2>
<p>Cancer in pets doesn’t always develop by chance. It can be caused by the air they breathe, the soil they dig in and the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9969847/">water</a> they drink.</p>
<p>The case of asbestos-contaminated mulch should be a wake-up call for regulators and industry. But it should also remind pet owners to carefully consider the substances their animals might be exposed to, both inside and outside the home. </p>
<p>Gathering data on canine exposure to environmental hazards is crucial to understanding the origin of spontaneous cancers. We have just launched a national survey on the topic. You can <a href="https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9YqjgniJezB8dym">find it here</a>.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-does-my-dog-eat-grass-and-when-is-it-not-safe-for-them-205658">Why does my dog eat grass? And when is it not safe for them?</a>
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<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Chiara Palmieri receives funding from philanthropic donations, the Australian Research Data Commons, Perpetual trust, canine research foundation, University of Queensland internal grant schemes, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Agrifutures.</span></em></p>Exposure to asbestos can cause the same cancer in dogs as it does in humans. Recent cases of asbestos-contaminated mulch highlight the need to better protect our pets.Chiara Palmieri, Professor, The University of QueenslandLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2147222024-01-02T20:15:58Z2024-01-02T20:15:58ZOur dogs can terrify (and even kill) wildlife. Here’s how to be a responsible owner this summer<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566769/original/file-20231220-15-tjfs6b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=22%2C22%2C7326%2C4880&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In Australia, dog ownership often goes hand-in-hand with a love for the great outdoors. Whether it’s walking on the beach, going camping, or having a barbecue in the park, we tend to keep our canine companions close as we soak up the sun.</p>
<p>But many of us forget a key fact about our dogs: they are predators. Even the fluffy little 5kg ball that spends most of its time in your lap derives from an apex predator – and its predatory instincts can kick in at any time. </p>
<p>And while many of our dogs don’t have the same hunting skills as their distant ancestors (who had to hunt for a living), wildlife doesn’t know that. </p>
<p>The impacts of domestic dogs on wildlife aren’t well studied, and likely vary depending on the environment. Nonetheless, there’s good evidence domestic dogs, when left unobserved, can have detrimental effects in the places they visit. </p>
<p>With that in mind, here are some things to consider next time you take your pup out for a bushwalk. </p>
<h2>How dogs impact ecosystems</h2>
<p>There are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320717305967">five main ways</a> domestic dogs can negatively impact the natural environments they visit. These are:</p>
<ol>
<li>direct physical harm through predatory behaviour</li>
<li>disturbance through chasing and harassment</li>
<li>increased exposure to diseases</li>
<li>interbreeding, which can alter the gene pool of wild canid populations</li>
<li>increased competition for resources.</li>
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<p>The good news is the last three points aren’t particularly relevant in Australia. For one thing, there’s little overlap between diseases common in domestic dogs and Australian wildlife. There’s also little resource overlap, except perhaps in some areas where feral or semi-feral dogs live alongside dingoes.</p>
<p>And regarding potential interbreeding, while it was once thought this could threaten the dingo gene pool, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/mec.16998">recent research</a> suggests it’s not nearly as common as we thought.</p>
<p>As such, the main harms Aussie dog owners should focus on are physical harms through predatory behaviour and disturbance to ecosystems. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=355&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566775/original/file-20231220-25-hurgjv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=446&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Owners have a responsibility to minimise their dog’s impact on people, wildlife and the environment.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<h2>Dogs can kill</h2>
<p>We know dogs are capable of injuring and killing wildlife, but it’s difficult to determine how common this is, because many events go unreported. While smaller animals such as lizards, gliders and possums are at higher risk, larger species such as koalas can also fall prey to dogs.</p>
<p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0206958">One study</a> that looked at wildlife coming into care at Queensland rehabilitation centres reported dog attacks as the cause in about 9% of cases. These cases often resulted in severe injury or death. </p>
<p>Dog owners should be especially wary of small, localised populations of vulnerable species. A <a href="https://ri.conicet.gov.ar/bitstream/handle/11336/202640/CONICET_Digital_Nro.29048152-7a5c-4ea2-8068-e73d42cba01d_B.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y">study</a> in Argentina’s Patagonia region details several cases of dogs decimating local penguin populations after gaining access to protected island areas during low tide.</p>
<p>Not to mention, dog attacks on wildlife can bring risk to dogs as well. Kangaroos can defend themselves with <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-16/mildura-man-fights-kangaroo-to-protect-dog/102983926">their powerful limbs</a>, monitor lizards are equipped with sharp claws and teeth, and many snake species <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/dogs-twice-as-likely-to-die-from-snake-bite-as-cats-research-finds-20200519-p54ufd.html">are highly venomous</a>.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/do-dog-talking-buttons-actually-work-does-my-dog-understand-me-heres-what-the-science-says-219807">Do dog 'talking buttons' actually work? Does my dog understand me? Here's what the science says</a>
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<h2>The impact of harassment</h2>
<p>You might think it’s harmless for your dog to chase wildlife if it never manages to catch the animals it chases, but that isn’t true. Wild animals optimise their behaviours to meet their needs for foraging, breeding and resting, and being chased by a dog can disrupt this.</p>
<p>For example, certain threatened bird species will nest on the beach and find foraging opportunities based on the tides. One dog forcing one bird to abandon this important activity may have a small impact. But if it happens repeatedly throughout the day, it can become a <a href="https://wilderness-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Dogs-as-agents-of-disturbance-Michael-A.-Weston-and-Theodore-Stankowich.pdf">much bigger problem</a>. It may even drive animals out of the area. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2391219/">Research</a> conducted in Sydney has shown the mere presence of a leashed dog is enough to temporarily, yet dramatically, reduce the number of bird species detected.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566774/original/file-20231220-29-bhw14b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=565&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Research shows wildlife are sensitive to the presence of domestic dogs.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<h2>Keep an eye on your furry pal</h2>
<p>Responsible dog ownership involves making sure our dogs have a minimal impact on others, including wildlife. How can we achieve this when our dogs are simply engaging in behaviours that come naturally to them, and may even be rewarding for them?</p>
<p>Training your dog to have general obedience – especially to come when called – is worth sinking considerable time and effort into. This can save both your dog and any wildlife they may be after. For instance, calling a dog away from a snake is one of the most effective ways of managing snake bite risk.</p>
<p>One <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333344634_Applying_Social_Marketing_to_Koala_Conservation_The_Leave_It_Pilot_Program">pilot study</a> in Victoria found positive outcomes from a program that helped owners train their dogs to be more obedient around wildlife. </p>
<p>That said, recall training is an art form, and recalling a dog that likes to run off and chase animals can be a huge challenge. </p>
<p>Another solution is to rely on leashes when passing sensitive areas, or where there’s a risk of wildlife harassment. In Australia, many beaches that allow dogs have signs with information about vulnerable birds in the area and how to protect them from your dog. </p>
<p>This could mean keeping your dog off rock platforms, leashing them when you see birds foraging on the beach, or keeping them out of fenced areas. Some areas are simply too vulnerable for dogs to run amok, so always look for signs and read them carefully.</p>
<p>If you’re hiking, use a long line (a leash that’s more than five metres long) and look for signs of your dog detecting something of interest. Often their ears will come up high and forward, and they will freeze and stare intently. </p>
<p>At this point, it doesn’t matter what they’re excited about: take the opportunity to leash them or shorten their leash, and get their attention before they can take off. Investing in a long leash will allow your dog more freedom without putting wildlife at risk. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/566771/original/file-20231220-17-gfkjl5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Keep an eye out for signs your dog may be about to bolt.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>If your dog does injure an animal, you should quickly contact a wildlife rescue organisation or take the animal to a veterinary practice or sanctuary. For small animals, even minor injuries from a dog will usually require veterinary attention.</p>
<p>It’s our responsibility to be respectful visitors when we’re out in nature, and to make sure our dogs are too. </p>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/214722/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling owns Creature Teacher, an animal behaviour and training consulting business.</span></em></p>Being out in nature is beneficial for both us and our dogs – but we can’t forget about the wildlife that calls it home.Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral Researcher in Veterinary Science, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2113832023-08-24T12:33:42Z2023-08-24T12:33:42ZCanines go to college in this class that seeks to give shelter dogs a fresh start<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/543241/original/file-20230817-13257-7h3ps.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=400%2C32%2C2332%2C1449&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Shelter animals often display problematic behaviors. Can they be retrained?</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg</span></span></figcaption></figure><figure class="align-right ">
<img alt="Text saying: Uncommon Courses, from The Conversation" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=375&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/499014/original/file-20221205-17-kcwec8.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=471&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/topics/uncommon-courses-130908">Uncommon Courses</a> is an occasional series from The Conversation U.S. highlighting unconventional approaches to teaching.</em> </p>
<h2>Title of course:</h2>
<p>“Canine Learning and Behavior”</p>
<h2>What prompted the idea for the course?</h2>
<p>When I was growing up, my love for animals led me to volunteer at animal shelters. But it wasn’t until I started teaching psychology that I found another way to support the well-being of shelter animals. During my first year of teaching a psychology course about learning, I realized that the course’s content could be used to train shelter dogs. </p>
<p>Since some shelter dogs display problematic behaviors, such as fearfulness, destructiveness and disobedience, they are less likely to get adopted. I wanted my students to use their knowledge, passion and care to train shelter dogs and improve their chances of finding a permanent home.</p>
<h2>What does the course explore?</h2>
<p>The course teaches students how to apply behavioral analysis and modification techniques toward the training of shelter dogs. Students work with dogs on learning to follow cues such as “sit,” “down,” “stay” and “come”; perform tricks such as “high-five,” and “roll over”; and complete agility courses made of tunnels, hoops and weaving poles.</p>
<p>The course also explores the emotional, psychological and physiological benefits of the human-animal bond, such as reduced stress, by integrating the dogs into educational and therapeutic environments. For instance, the students train the dogs to sit by them calmly for the entire duration of a lecture. This skill may be important for future adopters who work within an educational setting or need their dog to accompany them into the classroom.</p>
<p>The students also train the dogs to visit our clinical educational facility, the <a href="https://www.francis.edu/learningcommons#:%7E:text=Five%20state%2Dof%2Dthe%2D,%2Dway%20audio%2Dvideo%20conferencing.">Experiential Learning Commons</a>, which was built as a mock hospital. Within our simulated emergency room, intensive care room, patient room, maternity room and exam room, students train the dogs to walk next to simulated patients’ wheelchairs, sit by patients’ beds and provide them with affectionate and nurturing companionship.</p>
<p>Finally, the course instructs students on how to apply for grants for nonprofits, with the idea being to secure funding to support animal shelters.</p>
<h2>Why is this course relevant now?</h2>
<p>This course creates a collaborative and reciprocal partnership between a university and the community in which it is located. Focusing on the care for shelter dogs, it allows for faculty, students and a shelter’s staff and volunteers to exchange knowledge and resources. As such, it uses an instructional approach known as <a href="https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/elective-classifications/community-engagement/">community engagement</a>.</p>
<h2>What’s a critical lesson from the course?</h2>
<p>Working alongside our animal shelter community partners, and under the direction of my co-instructor, talented dog trainer <a href="https://www.marigoldholisticpetcare.com/">Megan Mills</a>, students learn that they can make a true and visible impact on society, one dog at a time. </p>
<h2>What materials does the course feature?</h2>
<p>Michael Domjan’s “<a href="https://www.worldcat.org/title/868352362">The Principles of Learning and Behavior</a>”</p>
<p>Cynthia K. Chandler’s “<a href="https://www.routledge.com/Animal-Assisted-Therapy-in-Counseling/Chandler/p/book/9781138935914">Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling</a>”</p>
<p>“<a href="https://shop.elsevier.com/books/handbook-on-animal-assisted-therapy/fine/978-0-12-815395-6">Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy</a>,” edited by Aubrey H. Fine </p>
<h2>What will the course prepare students to do?</h2>
<p>Students will learn to use psychological learning principles to work effectively with shelter dogs – and this knowledge can later be translated to other domains of their lives. I believe that by training shelter dogs and learning to write nonprofit grant proposals, my students will develop into ethical and responsible citizens – both locally and globally.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/211383/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Shelter dogs get a new shot at life through a college course that teaches them how to be faithful companions once again.Shlomit Flaisher-Grinberg, Associate Professor of Psychology, Saint Francis UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2074162023-06-20T01:28:51Z2023-06-20T01:28:51ZIs leaving dog poo in the street really so bad? The science says it’s even worse than you think<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532325/original/file-20230616-17-lx747.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C50%2C6720%2C4416&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>What’s that smell? Is that what you think it is? You check your shoes and, sure enough, one is adorned with a sticky, foul-smelling patty of fresh wrongness. You have stepped in a landmine of the canine variety. </p>
<p>We’ve all been there, and we all know footpaths, nature strips, parks, playing fields and front lawns are not good places for dog poo to sit.</p>
<p>Yet, our streets and parks continue to be littered with dog poo. And with the pandemic <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/australian-pet-ownership-reaches-record-high-during-covid-pandemic/news-story/3d6bafa280bd2715056c28a4961aeecd">driving</a> a surge in dog ownership, <a href="https://inqld.com.au/opinion/2020/12/10/a-fine-mess-why-council-must-crack-down-on-pet-owners-who-wont-clean-up/">anecdotal</a> <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/canine-corner/202106/the-covid-19-pandemic-has-triggered-dog-poodemic">reports</a> suggest the dog poo problem has grown only worse in recent years.</p>
<p>Beyond the obvious unsightliness and the likelihood of making unwanted contact with dog poo, there are some other important reasons to pick up after dogs. </p>
<p>Here’s what you need to know and what the science says about common efforts to deter dogs from pooping on your yard.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4748%2C3165&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4748%2C3165&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532307/original/file-20230616-15503-p10uuw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Best to bag it and bin it.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-my-dog-too-cold-how-cold-is-too-cold-for-a-walk-heres-how-to-tell-184141">Is my dog too cold? How cold is too cold for a walk? Here's how to tell</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Dog poo is linked to illness, pollution and antibiotic resistance</h2>
<p>Dog faeces may contain microorganisms that cause illness in humans such as <em>Salmonella</em>, <em>E. coli</em>, <em>Giardia</em> and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/10/1/72">internal parasites</a>. </p>
<p>Dog poo can also be a potential reservoir for <a href="https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/82695531.pdf">antibiotic-resistant bacteria</a>, meaning humans could develop bacterial infections that are difficult to treat through contact with dog faeces. </p>
<p>A recent Sydney study also identified dog faeces washed into storm water as a significant contributor to <a href="https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Water/Beaches/rose-bay-microbial-source-tracking-uts.pdf">water pollution</a>. </p>
<p>This topic, in spite of its relevance and impact, has received little attention from scientists. Thankfully, however, we have a few brave souls who can say they have studied dog crap for the betterment of humanity. </p>
<p>This research has revealed some patterns in where dog faeces is found in public.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532321/original/file-20230616-17-l3ry4b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dog poo can be a potential reservoir for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Where is the dog poo problem more common?</h2>
<p>Dog fouling is significantly <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30225-7">more common</a> in parks where dogs are allowed off-leash, and areas close to car parks.</p>
<p>The way dog walkers have traditionally used an area may also be an important factor, with one <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264438856_Environmental_and_social_impacts_of_domestic_dog_waste_in_the_UK_Investigating_barriers_to_behavioural_change_in_dog_walkers">UK study</a> noting: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>availability of bins, path morphology, visibility, and path location are key factors in determining the occurrence of dog faeces.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>The same study noted that while most dog walkers do the right thing, some are too “proud to pick up”, while others make contextual judgements about where and when it could be permissible to leave dog waste. Yet others are “disengaged” dog walkers, who “will not pick up even if they are aware of the health and environmental consequences”.</p>
<p>Other research has suggested targeting <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30225-7">keeping dogs on-leash</a> between car parks and off-leash areas and providing waste disposal stations on popular dog-walking routes.</p>
<p>This doesn’t help if you have a neighbour who lets their dog out to relieve themselves on the nature strip (or your yard), or people who walk their dogs without carrying waste disposal bags. </p>
<p>And we all love the ones who bag the poop but leave the bag tied to a fence or by a gate. </p>
<h2>What about the old water-bottles-on-the grass trick?</h2>
<p>Dog owners who don’t pick up after their dog can be fined, but it can be hard to catch them in the act, and reporting a neighbour to authorities can often lead to ongoing hostility.</p>
<p>Bottles of water on the grass is a time-honoured strategy to deter dogs, but there is no evidence this is effective and no clear reason why it would be. </p>
<p>Dogs sometimes like to circle and find just the right spot to go, so they may prefer an area that has fewer obstacles to negotiate. Perhaps a yard bristling with lawn ornaments would enjoy some protection. (Interestingly, science <a href="https://www.sciencealert.com/dogs-prefer-to-poo-along-a-north-south-axis">suggests</a> dogs may circle around like this to align their body to face north.)</p>
<p>There are commercially available dog deterrents, but little evidence they are effective and under what conditions. </p>
<p>Some believe any strong scent may deter an animal with a very strong sense of smell from lingering long enough to take a dump. But scent travels, so heavy and repeated applications would likely be needed (and this strategy could have unintended side effects on native urban ecosystems).</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/532322/original/file-20230616-13202-kn6xpv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Most dog walkers do the right thing.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Educating dog walkers is key</h2>
<p>Aside from providing bags and a bin and enforcing leash laws particularly around carparks close to off-leash areas, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-30225-7">research</a> suggests education does help. </p>
<p>Messages emphasising that good neighbours and members of the community diligently pick up after their dogs may be most <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264438856_Environmental_and_social_impacts_of_domestic_dog_waste_in_the_UK_Investigating_barriers_to_behavioural_change_in_dog_walkers">effective</a>, as people are responsive to social messages.</p>
<p>If you have tried to appeal to your neighbour’s sense of community to no avail, and you’re not keen on a front yard bristling with garden gnomes and flamingos or drenched in possible dog-deterring chemicals, you could try providing bags and a sign promising surveillance. </p>
<p>For all the dog owners out there that do pick up after their dogs, your community thanks you. </p>
<p>The best way to dispose of dog faeces is in the bin. Composting requires high temperatures to neutralise the nasties in dog poop, and home composts are unlikely to get hot enough. And burying it simply allows these microorganisms to build up in the soil.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-your-dog-happy-ten-common-misconceptions-about-dog-behaviour-97541">Is your dog happy? Ten common misconceptions about dog behaviour</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/207416/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>And what about the old water-bottles-on-the grass trick? Does that actually work?Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2069572023-06-06T20:13:12Z2023-06-06T20:13:12Z‘I can’t get it out of my mind’: new research reveals the suffering of people whose dogs died after eating 1080 poison baits<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529961/original/file-20230605-17-d79gd3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=945%2C810%2C4295%2C2863&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-walking-his-dog-woods-standing-324424046">Gajus, Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Use of sodium fluoroacetate poison baits – commonly known as 1080 – to kill unwanted animals is widespread in Australia. But it occurs largely out of sight and out of mind. We may see signs warning the baits have been laid, but we rarely see the consequences. </p>
<p>When someone else’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/oct/08/we-feel-like-we-let-doble-down-the-unseen-dangers-of-1080-wild-dog-baits">dog dies</a> after <a href="https://www.thegreynomads.com.au/lifestyle/featured-articles/grey-nomad-dog-poisoning-prompts-1080-warning/">eating 1080 poison bait</a>, news reports briefly rattle our sense of security. But the people concerned can be left distressed and traumatised.</p>
<p>In our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2023.2210438?src=">new research</a>, we interviewed seven people about their dog’s death from 1080 poisoning. We identified common themes and how these contributed to changed attitudes toward lethal control methods. This is the first qualitative study to give voice to people whose dogs have been unintentionally harmed by 1080.</p>
<p>Australia is only <a href="https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/1080/1080-characteristics-and-use?nopaging=1">one of a handful of countries</a> that allow the use of 1080 baits. We hope our results will inform decision-making by the government agencies, farmers and conservation organisations that use the poison. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Sign in the bush indicating 1080 poison bait is in use in the area." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529945/original/file-20230604-213248-q4xyne.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">1080 poison bait sign.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Photo by Rhyshuw1/Wikimedia Commons</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-australia-made-poisoning-animals-normal-107004">How Australia made poisoning animals normal</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Lethal control by 1080</h2>
<p>Since the 1950s, Australian governments, private contractors and property owners have used <a href="https://apvma.gov.au/node/76826">1080 poison baits</a> to kill “pest” animals such as foxes, rabbits, cats, pigs and wild dogs, including dingoes. </p>
<p>Depending on the target species, their food of choice is <a href="https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/chemicals/requirements-for-using-1080-and-PAPP-animal-bait/1080-and-papp-animal-bait">laced with poison</a> (carrots for rabbits, grain for pigs, meat for foxes, wild dogs and dingoes).</p>
<p>The “metabolic poison” disrupts the energy powerhouse of the body’s cells (the mitochondria). The delay between ingestion and signs of toxicity can be anywhere between 30 minutes and 20 hours. Initial signs include vomiting, anxiety and shaking. But that’s only the beginning of what can be a long, painful and violent death. </p>
<p>Native Australian animals vary in their tolerance to the poison. That’s because it is derived from a naturally occurring compound (potassium fluoroacetate) found in several native Australian plants. Though, in parts of the country, it is used to kill native animals too, such as <a href="https://nre.tas.gov.au/wildlife-management/management-of-wildlife/managing-wildlife-browsing-grazing-losses/1080-poison">wallabies and possums</a>.</p>
<p>But companion animals such as dogs can also consume the baits. Their suffering, often witnessed by owners, provides important insights into what wild animals experience when poisoned. </p>
<p>Our research aimed to understand the impact the death of a companion dog from 1080 poisoning has on people and their relationships with other animals.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/profound-grief-for-a-pet-is-normal-how-to-help-yourself-or-a-friend-weather-the-loss-of-a-beloved-family-member-195099">Profound grief for a pet is normal – how to help yourself or a friend weather the loss of a beloved family member</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>A strong sense of responsibility</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08927936.2023.2210438?src=">Our results</a> reveal how a brief encounter with 1080 had traumatic and life-altering consequences.</p>
<p>The participants loved their dogs and considered them family. They felt responsible for providing a happy, healthy life that included walking or running in nature. It was usually during these walks in familiar places that encounters with 1080 occurred.</p>
<p>Some people didn’t know about 1080, while others were very aware and took precautions like avoiding local areas known to be baited. </p>
<p>Several participants were shocked by how quickly their dogs ate a bait, after briefly snuffling at the ground or disappearing out of sight for just a moment. They struggled with the fact that a short lapse in their attention was all it took to lose their dog forever. </p>
<p>Others didn’t realise what had happened for hours, until the onset of symptoms or death.</p>
<h2>The horror: ‘just running away from pain’</h2>
<p>People described the death of their “loved one” from 1080 baiting as one of the most horrific experiences of their lives. Symptoms of 1080 poisoning included uncontrollable vomiting, defecating, urinating, frenzied running, barking, “screaming”, convulsions, confusion, fear, coma and finally, death. </p>
<p>The dogs seemed terrified and their guardians felt completely powerless in the face of extended suffering. As one participant told us:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>He was just running away from pain […] He was running that fast and he obviously had no control over what his body was doing, he just hit the fence at full speed, it dropped him to the ground and he’s on the ground snarling and biting and whatnot, at himself, at me, anyone who tried to get near.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Those who weren’t present when their dogs died felt guilty for not supporting their dog through their pain.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1543903940416311296"}"></div></p>
<h2>Traumatic grief: ‘I can’t get it out of my mind’</h2>
<p>Any loss of a companion animal can cause feelings of <a href="https://theconversation.com/profound-grief-for-a-pet-is-normal-how-to-help-yourself-or-a-friend-weather-the-loss-of-a-beloved-family-member-195099">grief</a>. However, <a href="https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/traumatic-pet-loss/#:%7E:text=What%20is%20Traumatic%20Pet%20Loss,a%20long%2Dterm%20companion%20pet.">traumatic loss</a> of a companion in such an unexpected and violent way is better captured by the concept of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/traumatic-grief">traumatic grief</a>. One participant vividly recalled their dog’s death:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I can’t get it out of my mind […] her face like that and, you know, she wasn’t vicious at all […] it was so absolutely heartbreaking. I can’t even […] heartbreaking is not the right word for it. No, I need a more intense word than heartbreaking, just to see someone that you love go through that and know that they suffered every second until they died.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>We found the experience with 1080 changed people’s relationships and attitudes to dogs, wildlife, nature and government authorities.</p>
<p>They reported being anxious and hypervigilant for signs of 1080 poisoning in other dogs. Some could no longer visit locations where the poisoning occurred.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="Rear view of a man and his dog walking on the beach" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=483&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529946/original/file-20230604-29-bn71v9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=607&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">After the traumatic loss of their companion, families shunned the place where the dog ate the bait.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://unsplash.com/photos/Exn1iytkat8">Corey Serravite, Unsplash</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Many participants wanted to save other animals from suffering like their dog did. All participants believed no animal should be exposed to 1080 poison, regardless of species or wild status. Some went on to actively advocate against the use of 1080 bait.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/air-dropping-poisoned-meat-to-kill-bush-predators-hasnt-worked-in-the-past-and-its-unlikely-to-help-now-132195">Air-dropping poisoned meat to kill bush predators hasn't worked in the past, and it's unlikely to help now</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>The role of authorities</h2>
<p>For several participants, their suffering was amplified by a perceived lack of accountability from authorities. They believed officials dismissed and belittled their experience of losing a dog to 1080 poisoning.</p>
<p>Participants viewed 1080 baiting as a deliberate choice that led to their dog’s suffering and death. They were angry that anyone would knowingly choose such a violent management approach. In the words of one participant: </p>
<blockquote>
<p>What an inhumane thing to do to any living creature. […] I am just angry that this is happening in Australia, I really am. We are such a progressive country. It’s banned in so many parts of the world. And Australia, of all places, is still using it. […] It’s just not Australian to see a wild animal, never mind a dog that you love, die like that.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There have been <a href="https://www.ban1080.org.au/articles/the-faces-of-1080">public calls</a> to ban 1080. Indeed, we believe a more <a href="https://theconversation.com/introduced-species-are-animals-too-why-the-debate-over-compassionate-conservation-is-worth-having-163987">compassionate approach</a> is needed: one that values the interests and agency of both wild and companion animals. It is time for Australia to reconsider its use of 1080.</p>
<hr>
<p><em>We would like to acknowledge the work of our colleague Melissa Zeven who led this research. We appreciate their efforts in conducting participant interviews and analysing such emotionally difficult stories.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206957/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Adam Cardilini is a member of the Animal Justice Party and volunteers in it's policy working group. He is also a fellow at PAN Works (<a href="https://panworks.io/">https://panworks.io/</a>), an international ethics think tank dedicated to the wellbeing of animals. The work in this article was partly supported by funding from Deakin University.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Alexa Hayley is a member of the Animal Justice Party and Animals Australia, and is currently employed by Geelong Animal Welfare Society and Deakin University, School of Psychology.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dr Bill Borrie has previously received funding from the US Forest Service and is currently a Fellow with PAN Works.</span></em></p>Before their dog was poisoned, these families recognised Australia’s lethal ‘pest’ animal control methods were necessary. But afterwards, they saw 1080 baiting as inhumane and horrific. Here’s why.Adam Cardilini, Lecturer, Environmental Science, School of Life and Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin UniversityAlexa Hayley, Lecturer in Psychology, Deakin UniversityBill Borrie, Associate Professor, Environmental Management and Sustainability, Deakin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/2056582023-06-01T20:00:28Z2023-06-01T20:00:28ZWhy does my dog eat grass? And when is it not safe for them?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/526160/original/file-20230515-7425-t3hn1m.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4361%2C2909&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Have you ever wondered why your dog is eating your beautifully cropped lawn or nibbling at the grass at the dog park?</p>
<p>Eating grass is a common behaviour in pet dogs. Some surveys show <a href="http://raw-feeding-prey-model.fr/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/WhydogogsandcatseatgrassGrassVetMed2008-2.pdf">up to 80%</a> of guardians notice their dog regularly snacking on the grass. </p>
<p>Grass eating isn’t a new behaviour either, or only done by our new designer dog breeds. Studies in Yellowstone National Park show plant matter (mostly grass) is found in up to <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/7/1923S/4664711">74% of wolf scats</a>, suggesting the behaviour is possibly inherited from the beginning of doggy time. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=390&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529490/original/file-20230601-21796-wl09tw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The answer to why your dog eats grass may simply be: because they like to.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-cats-and-dogs-get-the-zoomies-197790">Why do cats and dogs get the zoomies?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>So why does my dog eat the grass?</h2>
<p>A lot of people think dogs eat grass when they have a sore stomach, believing grass causes dogs to vomit. This is probably not the case; a study with <a href="https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/32446/bjone-brown-price-grass-eating20patterns-raan-2007.pdf">12 dogs that ate grass daily</a> found there were few vomiting episodes and the ones that did occur came after the dog had eaten a meal. </p>
<p>And if a dog has a mild gastrointestinal disturbance because of something they’ve been fed, they are in fact <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159109003311">less likely</a> to eat grass than if they are fed a normal diet. </p>
<p>Other theories include that dogs eat grass because they want a laxative or that it provides roughage in their diet (get that fibre!). </p>
<p>Like the vomiting discussed above, there is little to no scientific proof for most of these theories. For example, in the study of <a href="https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/32446/bjone-brown-price-grass-eating20patterns-raan-2007.pdf">12 dogs mentioned above</a>, all of them were wormed and had no previous digestive problems. Yet all 12 still happily ate grass (709 times).</p>
<p>Their main finding was that when the dog had not yet had their daily meal, they were more likely to eat grass. In short, the hungrier the dog, the more likely they were to eat some grass.</p>
<p>The answer to why your dog eats grass may simply be: because they like to. Your dog may be bored, and chewing on grass is something to do. </p>
<p>Maybe your dog just enjoys eating grass. Ripping grass from the ground can be satisfying. The texture and taste of grass offers something different to what they usually eat. You may even notice they prefer grass in certain seasons; perhaps fresh spring grass a favourite delicacy.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=401&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529491/original/file-20230601-23190-7g4mhp.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=504&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">You may even notice your dog prefers grass in certain seasons.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Is there any reason why you shouldn’t let your dog eat grass?</h2>
<p>Well, yes, there are several. Firstly, you may not want your dog eating your neighbour’s immaculately presented fancy Kikuyu lawn.</p>
<p>More importantly, though, grass is sometimes treated with herbicides. Grass at the local oval or parkland may have been treated or sprayed. Some local councils use a non-hazardous dye to show where grass has been sprayed with <a href="https://www.yassvalleytimes.com.au/general-news/council-to-use-marker-dye-when-spraying-weeds/">herbicide</a>, which is very helpful. </p>
<p>Lawn chemicals are frequently detected in lawn for up to 48 hours after they’re applied, and have also been detected in the urine of dogs with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969713003100?via%3Dihub">access to grass</a> treated this way. </p>
<p>Research has suggested there may be a <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/224/8/javma.2004.224.1290.xml">link</a> between bladder cancer in dogs and exposure to herbicides.</p>
<p>In fact, dogs may even act as sentinels; the same chemical exposures appear in the urine of dogs and people <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-clinical-and-translational-science/article/environmental-chemical-exposures-in-the-urine-of-dogs-and-people-sharing-the-same-households/C3F9330A4AA7723FE78CE5D492071F55">sharing the same environment</a>.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/529492/original/file-20230601-22271-5juhsh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">There are some circumstances in which it’s better for your dog not to eat the grass.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>If you are using herbicides on your own grass, remove your dog, their toys, food and water bowls from the area prior to any application. </p>
<p>Make sure the pesticide has completely dried out before you allow the dog back in the area, and be certain to check the packaging for the appropriate drying time period.</p>
<p>This is particularly the case for granular pesticides or fertilisers that soak into the soil, as these can require up to 24 hours or longer. </p>
<p>If you want to reduce the risk even further, hand weeding may be a <a href="https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/is-weed-killer-safe-for-pets-what-to-know/">better option</a>. </p>
<p>Apart from grass, many leaves, flowers and berries from common plants can be toxic to your dog. <a href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/o?&">This includes</a> plants such as oleander and arum lily; even oregano and bay leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs.</p>
<p>One of the best things you can do for your dog is take them for a walk. And if they eat some grass along the way, provided it has not been sprayed with herbicide, you have nothing to worry about.</p>
<p>Don’t worry if they occasionally vomit. If there is more serious vomiting or diarrhoea, however, please consult your vet.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/dogs-can-get-dementia-but-lots-of-walks-may-lower-the-risk-189297">Dogs can get dementia – but lots of walks may lower the risk</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/205658/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Susan Hazel is affiliated with the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia and the RSPCA South Australia. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Joshua Zoanetti does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Studies in Yellowstone National Park show plant matter (mostly grass) is found in up to 74% of wolf scats, suggesting the behaviour may be inherited from the beginning of doggy time.Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of AdelaideJoshua Zoanetti, PhD candidate in Veterinary Bioscience, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1977902023-01-25T20:23:34Z2023-01-25T20:23:34ZWhy do cats and dogs get the zoomies?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/504367/original/file-20230113-14-owan10.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C6272%2C4167&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Does your cat or dog suddenly get a burst of energy and perform athletic feats around the house that would make even a gold medallist jealous? Welcome to the world of zoomies. </p>
<p>Zoomies involve intense periods of high-energy activity including running, spinning, jumping and rolling. All at top speed. </p>
<p>A proposed scientific name is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). In rabbits these high activity periods are called “<a href="https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/aalas/jaalas/2020/00000059/00000004/art00003">binkies</a>”. But many cat and dog owners simply call them “zoomies”.</p>
<p>So why do our animals experience the zoomies? And is it something we should be worried about?</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1605829086240276482"}"></div></p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-cats-knead-192743">Why do cats knead?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Why do animals get the zoomies?</h2>
<p>Think about when your cat or dog gets the zoomies. </p>
<p>You might see post-bath zoomies, dog park-zoomies, midnight-zoomies and good ol’ out-of-nowhere zoomies.</p>
<p>The trigger may be excitement or a sudden increase in stimulation. </p>
<p>In cats, a commonly reported trigger is using the litter tray. This may be explained by “poo-phoria”, a feeling of euphoria following defecation. This is possibly caused by large bowel movements stimulating the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859128/">vagus nerve</a>, resulting in positive feelings and a drop in heart rate and blood pressure. </p>
<p>Zoomies can be characterised as <a href="https://doi.org/10.7120/09627286.31.4.005">play</a> as the two behaviours share many of the same characteristics. This would make zoomies intrinsically pleasurable – in other words, a whole load of fun. </p>
<p>If the zoomies are occurring as part of your animal’s regular play routine, this indicates your animal is happy and enjoying themselves. </p>
<p>While we don’t yet know if zoomies are more likely to occur at certain times of the day, or more in some breeds compared with others, we do consider them a general indication of a high level of excitement – and likely a pretty good mood. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A cat runs at top speed around a house." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=383&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/504366/original/file-20230113-26-li24wl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=481&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Does your cat ever zoom around the house at top speed, seemingly for no reason?</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<p>Humans are animals too and some people also experience what could be similar to the “zoomies”. </p>
<p>Ever get a sudden feeling of intense excitement and spare energy? Maybe you’ve felt the need to jump, shake or dance, before it wears off and you’re back to your regular settings.</p>
<p>This can be caused by a multitude of things – an exciting or novel situation, a spike in energy after a extended period of resting or perhaps a change in your inner chemistry. Perhaps you got a rush of <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/adrenaline">adrenaline</a> caused by excitement, over-stimulation or stress. </p>
<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/DoCIC5Pxp57qg" width="100%" height="270" frameborder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/parkour-DoCIC5Pxp57qg">via Giphy</a></p>
<h2>Are zoomies always a sign your cat or dog is happy?</h2>
<p>It’s important to remember animals are individuals and, just like us, why they behave the way they do is complex and multifaceted. </p>
<p>When assessing your animal’s behaviour, it’s essential to also assess the context.</p>
<p>Zoomies are mentioned a lot online, but there is a real lack of scientific research on what causes them, how often they occur, or even an official definition of what they are. </p>
<p>Ask yourself: am I invited to the zoomie?</p>
<p>In dogs and cats, zoomies can include an invitation for others to join – in dogs this is most commonly a play bow, where the dog appears to “bow” to another in an effort to signal it is keen to play – followed by a pause <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-008-0175-y">commonly seen in dyadic play</a> (play between two or more individuals). </p>
<p>In cats, an invitation may include physically interacting with you or repeatedly rolling over. If this is the case, your animal is likely experiencing excitement and a desire to interact with you. </p>
<h2>What do I do during a zoomie outbreak?</h2>
<p>Unless there’s an element of immediate danger (such as zoomies on or near a road) there is no reason to stop your cat or dog from enjoying their burst of fun.</p>
<p>Cats and dogs are often superstars at avoiding obstacles even at high speed. If you’re lucky enough to receive invitations to partake in the chaos, feel free to join in the play.</p>
<p>Enjoying shared activities such as play with your dog or cat can have many <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2006.03.009">benefits</a> for the human-animal relationship. It’s also a lot of fun for you! </p>
<iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/ClFhnciqiinwk" width="100%" height="270" frameborder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/post-zoomies-bathtime-ClFhnciqiinwk">via Giphy</a></p>
<h2>When should I be worried?</h2>
<p>Zoomies are usually a completely normal (and fun) part of being a dog or cat. </p>
<p>Sometimes, however, it may be a symptom of either <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books/about/Manual_of_Clinical_Behavioral_Medicine_f.html?id=ANzWPAAACAAJ&redir_esc=y">stress or an underlying medical condition</a>. </p>
<p>As always, context is key. You should consult with your veterinarian if your dog or cat is displaying the behaviour for extended periods of time (in particular, spinning, or behaviours occurring during times of confinement). These might be signs of a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-07443-6">repetitive behaviour disorder</a>.</p>
<p>If you struggle to distract or stop the behaviour, or if it is resulting in injuries, seek veterinary assistance.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t get the call of the zoomies yourself, take a moment to stop and enjoy your dog or cat having fun. </p>
<p>Sometimes we all need to run wild. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/dogs-can-get-dementia-but-lots-of-walks-may-lower-the-risk-189297">Dogs can get dementia – but lots of walks may lower the risk</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/197790/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Susan Hazel is affiliated with the Dog & Cat Management Board of South Australia and RSPCA South Australia.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ana Goncalves Costa is affiliated with The Delta Institute.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Julia Henning does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A proposed scientific name is frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs). In rabbits, these high activity periods are called ‘binkies’. But many cat and dog-owners simply call them ‘zoomies’.Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of AdelaideAna Goncalves Costa, PhD student, University of AdelaideJulia Henning, PhD Candidate, University of AdelaideLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1964532022-12-16T19:58:39Z2022-12-16T19:58:39ZHoliday foods can be toxic to pets – a veterinarian explains which, and what to do if Rover or Kitty eats them<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/501386/original/file-20221215-11305-uv4lpe.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=24%2C0%2C3995%2C2999&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Treat Kitty to a new box or pet-safe treat, but not scraps from holiday meals.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/cat-in-a-box-under-a-christmas-tree-royalty-free-image/1272426157?phrase=cat%20holiday%20&adppopup=true">Cyndi Monaghan/Moment via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>During the holidays, it’s typical for people to indulge in special foods. Being a pet owner myself, I know that many pet parents want to give their fur babies special treats as well. </p>
<p>As <a href="https://experts.okstate.edu/le.fanucchi">a veterinarian and clinical veterinary researcher</a>, however, I also know that some very common foods – including many popular holiday staples – <a href="https://vethospital.okstate.edu/services/behavior.html">are dangerous to pets</a>. </p>
<p>Here are some of the most common food-related crises we veterinarians encounter in the animal ER during the holidays, and what to do if they happen.</p>
<h2>Fatty food risks</h2>
<p>Turkey with gravy is probably among the most popular holiday meals. And most dogs or cats would certainly agree with their humans that roast turkey is delicious. </p>
<p>However, the fat contained in turkey skin – and the excess of fatty, greasy foods that can accompany it, such as gravy, butter and bacon – don’t go down well with cats and dogs. Pets that ingest an overload of fats <a href="https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.233.9.1425">may develop pancreatitis</a>, an inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that helps break down fat, protein and carbs.</p>
<p>Pancreatitis causes the pancreas to leak digestive enzymes and ultimately “digest” itself. If untreated, pancreatitis can affect other organ systems such as the kidneys and the liver and even cause blood clotting.</p>
<p>The most common symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting and diarrhea. Pets that may have pancreatitis should be rushed to the closest veterinary hospital or ER. The vet will perform diagnostic blood tests, including a specific test for pancreatic enzymes called pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity or cPLI/fPLI.</p>
<p>Treatment for pancreatitis mostly involves dealing with its symptoms. The pet receives IV fluids to help establish electrolytes balance, with added anti-nausea and pain medications to stop the vomiting. Antibiotics may be necessary, as well as liver protectants and probiotics, and a special diet.</p>
<h2>Onion offenses and bread badness</h2>
<p>If only turkey were the sole problem! Many other common holiday ingredients can also harm pets.</p>
<p>Several allium species common to holiday cooking, such as leeks, garlic, onions, chives and shallots, can be healthy for people. For dogs and cats, though, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992011000100002">alliums are toxic</a>. If ingested, they can cause hemolytic anemia – a decreased number of red blood cells. </p>
<p>The signs of hemolytic anemia, which normally appear a few days after ingestion, include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and jaundice. </p>
<p>To treat hemolytic anemia in pets, veterinarians do blood tests to determine whether a transfusion is necessary. They <a href="https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-to-treat-hypoglycemia-in-cats-and-dogs/2744">address the symptoms of allium intoxication</a> with IV fluids, antioxidants and anti-nausea drugs. </p>
<p>Yeast-risen foods like rolls and breads are also holiday dinner staples that people should <a href="https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1435-6935.2003.00068.x">keep away from their pets</a>. The yeast in these foods can ferment in a pet’s warm stomach and produce toxic levels of ethanol. In pets, ethanol toxicity may lead to metabolic acidosis, which can cause sudden drop in blood glucose, respiratory depression, seizures and cardiac arrest. </p>
<p>Normally, pet owners do not suspect metabolic acidosis until it is almost too late, because it has few outward symptoms. So if there’s a possibility that a pet has swallowed any type of cooked or raw yeast dough, get it to a veterinary ER right away.</p>
<p>By the way, pets can also experience ethanol toxicity <a href="https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/drunk-and-disorderly-ethanol-and-yeast-dough-intoxications">by lapping up cocktails or beer</a>, so keep alcoholic drinks out of their reach as well. </p>
<h2>No chocolate for pets</h2>
<p>Now, what about a favorite holiday treat – chocolate? </p>
<p>Substances that may actually attract humans to chocolate – methylxanthines like theobromine and caffeine – <a href="https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-chocolate">are toxic to both dogs and cats</a>. When vets provide emergency treatment for chocolate ingestion, we typically hear that children shared their candy with their beloved pet.</p>
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<img alt="A boy holding a puppy sits with his family during the lighting of candles on a hanukkiah menorah." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/501388/original/file-20221215-12-q1vgty.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Chocolate contains substances that are poisonous to pets, even though they are safe for people.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/hanukkah-in-privite-home-royalty-free-image/1358516136?adppopup=true">Nathan Bilow/Photodisc via Getty Images</a></span>
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<p>Pets that ingest chocolate <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13329">can develop “chocolate intoxication</a>,” a condition in which methylxanthines accumulate in the body and make them sick. Signs of chocolate intoxication in pets include tremors, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness and even seizures. </p>
<p>Chocolate intoxication in pets is a medical emergency. The pet needs to have its stomach emptied and receive support therapy with IV fluids and activated charcoal. The vet will probably want to know the type and how much chocolate the pet ate, because some kinds of chocolate, such as baking chocolate, <a href="https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952115">can have worse toxic effects</a>. </p>
<p>Chocolate also has a lot of fat, so the cat or dog’s pancreas will not enjoy it either. </p>
<h2>Grapes and dogs don’t mix</h2>
<p>How about fruits? Well, there is <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.13234">a fruit very toxic to dogs</a> that often shows up at holiday gatherings: grapes, both fresh and dehydrated into raisins. </p>
<p>If eaten, the tartaric acid in grapes or raisins <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15884">may cause acute kidney disease</a>. Common signs of acute kidney disease in dogs are vomiting, intermittent diarrhea and increased intake of water. </p>
<p>Acute kidney disease in dogs is a medical emergency. If it is suspected, the pet should be rushed to a veterinary hospital or ER right away. Treatment is typically limited to stabilizing the pet with IV fluids.</p>
<h2>Sweet for people, poison to pets</h2>
<p>While <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20473849/">xylitol toxicity</a> is one of the more common emergencies we veterinarians see these days, it’s still largely unknown among pet owners. </p>
<p>Xylitol is an artificial sweetener often used in sugar-free products. While safe for humans, for cats and dogs it’s a fast-acting and potentially deadly poison. </p>
<p>Ingesting even the smallest amount of xylitol can cause <a href="https://www.merckvetmanual.com/toxicology/food-hazards/xylitol-toxicosis-in-dogs?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqOucBhDrARIsAPCQL1Z7BjSSHysndnM5GgbCwm20-2C83Xf-qTr-dkboS_7P_sgPzpQVp9AaAsADEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds">a pet’s liver to rapidly release insulin</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080212/">causing hypoglycemia</a> – unusually low blood glucose levels. Within 30 minutes, the pet will experience symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy and seizures and lose coordination of its limbs – called ataxia.</p>
<p>Emergency treatment for a pet with xylitol toxicity involves giving the animal IV fluids containing dextrose to raise its blood glucose level and carefully monitoring its progress.</p>
<p>The bottom line? Several delicious foods that are safe for humans can be very dangerous for pets in general – not just cats and dogs, but also birds, reptiles and pocket pets like mice, hamsters and gerbils. So make the holidays special for furry or feathery babies by giving them treats from the pet food store or veterinarian’s office, and keep them away from the kitchen counter and trash can.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/196453/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Leticia Fanucchi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Keeping human foods away from pets is one way to avoid emergency veterinary hospital runs during Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or New Year’s.Leticia Fanucchi, Clinical Assistant Professor of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Oklahoma State UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1841412022-05-31T04:35:02Z2022-05-31T04:35:02ZIs my dog too cold? How cold is too cold for a walk? Here’s how to tell<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466154/original/file-20220531-26-v4usft.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C14%2C4980%2C3297&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>As winter sets in, you might be wondering: how do you know if your dog is warm enough? And how cold is too cold to take them for a walk?</p>
<p>It’s a tricky one; much depends on their natural coat. We go through this question on a daily basis in my household in winter because one of my dogs is small and hasn’t got much coat – she is currently wearing a jumper and on my lap, under a blanket.</p>
<p>But the majority of breeds are probably OK in most Australian temperatures. In many ways, it’s easier to keep a cold dog with a thin coat warm than to keep a hot, thick-coated dog cool when the mercury climbs.</p>
<p>That said, there are some good general rules to follow to ensure your canine friends don’t suffer when an Antarctic blast hits.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466145/original/file-20220531-26-x8ukck.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Skedaddle keeps warm under a blanket.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Jane Howard</span></span>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-hot-is-too-hot-heres-how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-suffering-during-the-summer-heat-172957">How hot is too hot? Here's how to tell if your dog is suffering during the summer heat</a>
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<h2>Some guidelines to follow</h2>
<p>My rule of thumb is to feel their extremities. If I can feel their ears or feet are a bit chilly to touch, that suggests their core temperature might be a bit low.
Then I would provide a coat or put the heater on (if we’re staying in). </p>
<p>Much depends on whether your dog has a double coat or not – many dogs do. You can see if your dog has an undercoat by parting their hair and seeing if there is a downy layer of pale hair between the glossy top coat and the skin.</p>
<p>Breeds that have a double coat include most kelpies, cattle dogs, German shepherds, and huskies. Some breeds, like Samoyeds, have really dense undercoats and can tolerate cold really well. A dog with a thick undercoat doesn’t need anything more to stay warm on a cold day.</p>
<p>If your dog has a single coat, you might need to think a bit more carefully about the cold. Breeds in this category include maltese, cavaliers, greyhounds, whippets, and staffies.</p>
<p>In addition to coat, also consider the golden rule of surface area to volume ratio.</p>
<p>Smaller animals have more surface area for their weight than larger animals, which means they have more surface area to lose heat from compared to a dog that is bigger and heavier.</p>
<p>Small, lean dogs will generally struggle with the cold a bit more than other dogs for this reason. For example, Italian greyhounds are much more vulnerable than regular greyhounds. </p>
<p>If we feel cold then they probably do too. A thicker coat helps slow down heat loss, which is good if you live in a cold environment, but not so great if you live in a warm environment.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=587&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=587&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=587&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466150/original/file-20220531-12-miye0u.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=738&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Wheaten terrier puppy Cookie has thick fur.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Lucy Beaumont</span></span>
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<h2>What behaviours can we look for?</h2>
<p>If your dog is shivering, hunched with tail tucked, trying to tuck their paws in close to their body or lift them off the cold ground, they’re uncomfortably cold. </p>
<p>If the dog is being still, they are at more risk of getting cold. For example, we wrap our smallest dog in a blanket when she’s in the car – but once she’s running around, she seems to generate enough heat to stay comfortable.</p>
<p>At home, pay attention to where the dogs are sleeping. If they are curled up in a tight ball on the thickest bed they can find, or nuzzling under blankets, they are trying to keep themselves warm.</p>
<p>My small dog has learned to show me if she wants a jumper on by wagging her tail and sticking her head in it if I hold it out to her. So we might be able to teach our dogs to answer the question “Do you want another layer on?”</p>
<p>If dogs are not sleeping well at night or getting up a lot in the wee hours, it’s a good idea to check how cold they feel and try offering them some warmer sleeping options. </p>
<p>If you’ve got a dog in the yard, make sure they have access to shelter and a bed to get them off the cold ground, especially when there is a cold wind.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466142/original/file-20220531-12-tw4axk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Greyhounds, which have short fur and little body fat, really feel the cold. Here is Walnut wearing her warm pyjamas.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Anthea Batsakis</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Letting your dog choose</h2>
<p>In Australia, a cold day is generally easier to manage for dogs than a hot day.</p>
<p>So yes, you could have an Italian greyhound as a pet in southern Tasmania, as long as you add layers when needed and maybe accept they are going to sleep in bed with you under the covers.</p>
<p>I like to let dogs choose, as much as possible, what they need to manage their core temperature.</p>
<p>For example, you might provide a bed with a cover, or extra bedding and blankets on a cold day, so they can use what they need and move away from it when they have warmed up enough. </p>
<p>Once I put a jacket on my dog, she is unable to take it off herself, so I am relying on being able to tell somehow that she doesn’t want it on anymore. </p>
<p>Still, this is an improvement on her simply climbing into my jacket with me all the time, which she still does sometimes even when she’s got her own extra layers on. </p>
<p>Sometimes you just want to cuddle up to a warm friend, though. It’s hard to argue with that!</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/466139/original/file-20220531-26-licz8b.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Walnut, a two-year-old greyhound, wearing a warm, waterproof coat on a walk near Kinglake, Victoria.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Anthea Batsakis</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/184141/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling owns an animal behaviour consulting business called Creature Teacher.</span></em></p>Want to check your canine friend isn’t suffering when an Antarctic blast hits? Start with their ears and feet.Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1771432022-02-17T23:55:23Z2022-02-17T23:55:23ZA strong-eyed style: what makes Australian muster dogs unique<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446415/original/file-20220215-21-lp2s8q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C6%2C4464%2C3078&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>The recent ABC TV series <a href="https://iview.abc.net.au/show/muster-dogs">Muster Dogs</a> has brought into sharp focus the incredible skills of our working stock dogs.</p>
<p>It’s not just their sensitivity to livestock movement that makes them so good at what they do.</p>
<p>They are also agile endurance athletes that can work long hours in very hot conditions. During peak times, working kelpies have been recorded travelling over <a href="https://www.princessroyal.com.au/blog/the-australian-kelpie">60km</a> just in one work day. </p>
<p>There are dog breeds all over the world that have been selectively bred over many generations to work with stock. That selective breeding has shaped them to be best suited to the specific environment they work in and the style of work they are required to do. </p>
<p>If you’re interested in the history, traits and skills of these amazing dogs – and perhaps have wondered about owning one yourself – here’s what you need to know.</p>
<figure>
<iframe width="440" height="260" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iBe4n-Dgvw4?wmode=transparent&start=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
<figcaption><span class="caption">ABC TV.</span></figcaption>
</figure>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-hot-is-too-hot-heres-how-to-tell-if-your-dog-is-suffering-during-the-summer-heat-172957">How hot is too hot? Here's how to tell if your dog is suffering during the summer heat</a>
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<h2>Shaped for Australian conditions</h2>
<p>The Australian Working Kelpie was shaped for Australian conditions to use what’s known as a “<a href="https://www.englishshepherds.net/articles/typesofeye.html">strong-eyed style</a>” of herding, which is to adopt a low posture and use eye-stalking (keeping its eyes fixed on the livestock) to track the herd’s movement. The Border collie also uses this style.</p>
<p>They control the movement of the herd with exquisite sensitivity with their overall presence. </p>
<p>Their behaviour includes that characteristic stalking posture with head and body low, and quiet, controlled steps.</p>
<p>This is how a predator would approach a herd of prey animals if it were hunting. </p>
<p>The strong-eyed herding dog stalks, stares, holds position, and rushes; it is not just where they are that controls the herd, but what they are doing.</p>
<p>Most other herding breeds have a looser style of herding, where they work with their heads up and use their body position to influence the movement of the herd. </p>
<p>Herding dogs that use eye-stalking also often work the front of the herd, turning it towards the handler. The looser style herding dogs tend to drive the herd from the rear. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A working dog rests on top of some sheep." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446417/original/file-20220215-15-739bk2.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Muster dogs control the movement of the herd with exquisite sensitivity with their overall presence.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Bred for bravery</h2>
<p>Australian Working Kelpies were developed from British farm collies in the late 1800’s. </p>
<p>Some claim there is dingo infused in the breed to add resilience, but this remains subject to debate.</p>
<p>Signals of selection in the Australian Working Kelpie DNA suggest one very important trait is the ability to withstand prickly terrain; a working dog that cannot ignore burrs and spines to continue working is of little use to the farmer. </p>
<p>Other traits prized by the handlers are bravery and a level head. In other words, a dog that doesn’t panic under pressure.</p>
<p>Unlike many other herding breeds, the Kelpie is often asked to work independently from the handler and to think for itself. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/447168/original/file-20220217-15-11trs2c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Unlike many other herding breeds, the Kelpie is often asked to work independently from the handler and to think for itself.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Owning a working dog</h2>
<p>Working breeds can be very rewarding canine companions for people that don’t have stock for them to work. But prospective owners need to understand the selective breeding that makes these dogs so good at herding can also make them a handful in a suburban setting. </p>
<p>They are of course extremely active; most need a few hours of high intensity exercise a day just to keep them from destroying the home and yard when they are young. </p>
<p>They are also highly alert and often extremely aroused by movement. The faster and more chaotic the movement, the more powerfully they are drawn to control that movement as they would a herd. </p>
<p>This can make playing with kids, ball games, bikes and skateboards, and even encountering other dogs in the dog park a real challenge. </p>
<p>Working breeds also sometimes have a tendency to rush in and bark at an object that is bothering them, just as they would rush and bark at cattle looking to break away from the herd.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=340&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=427&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=427&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/446420/original/file-20220215-19-1se3mx5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=427&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The strong-eyed herding dog stalks, stares, holds position, and rushes; it is not just where they are that controls the herd, but what they are doing.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Some good lessons for owners</h2>
<p>The television program Muster Dogs presented some core messages applicable to any pet dog, as well as working dogs that are pets at home. These include:</p>
<p><strong>1. Early exposure</strong></p>
<p>Ensuring puppies have positive experiences with stimuli they’ll encounter often in life early is crucial. They must be taught to accept activities they need to be tolerant of, and be comfortable with handling and restraining themselves.</p>
<p><strong>2. Responsiveness</strong></p>
<p>The owner must build strong foundations in the areas of coming when called, staying close while off leash, and maintaining a connection with the handler even around distractions.</p>
<p><strong>3. Impulse control</strong></p>
<p>This is particularly important for working dogs keen to participate in exciting activities. In fact, all dogs can benefit from learning to control their impulses and not chase, jump up, or use their mouth every time the urge takes them. </p>
<p>It takes a special kind of dog to be able to face animals 20 or more times their size that can easily cause them serious damage. </p>
<p>To do it all day in the hot and rough terrain of inland Australia takes a dog with a tremendous desire to work. </p>
<p>This should never be forgotten by those of us living in more comfortable environments when we think we want a working dog to accompany us through our suburban lives. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/at-home-with-your-dog-3-ways-to-connect-and-lift-your-spirits-166331">At home with your dog? 3 ways to connect and lift your spirits</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/177143/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling owns an animal behaviour consulting business called Creature Teacher.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Claire Wade has previously received funding from the Working Kelpie Council of Australia. She is affiliated with the Royal NSW Canine Health and Welfare Charity. </span></em></p>If you’re interested in the history, traits and skills of these amazing dogs – and perhaps have wondered about owning one yourself – here’s what you need to know.Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of SydneyClaire Wade, Professor, Chair of Computational Biology and Animal Genetics, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1729572021-12-27T19:02:28Z2021-12-27T19:02:28ZHow hot is too hot? Here’s how to tell if your dog is suffering during the summer heat<p>Hot weather can be dangerous to our canine friends. Humans can sweat all over our body, but dogs can only sweat on their paw pads, which is not much use when it comes to shedding body heat. </p>
<p>So how hot is too hot to take your dog out? It depends on the dog and their individual risk factors (more on that in a minute). For me, 33°C is where I start to consider whether or not to take my dogs outside, and try to think of cooler places we could visit. </p>
<p>If they were older or heavier, I might not take them out at all on days over 30°C. Dogs can struggle on very humid days so I factor that in, too.</p>
<p>Here’s what you need to know about how to care for your dog on a hot day.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/nine-dog-breeds-at-higher-risk-of-heatstroke-and-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-it-139501">Nine dog breeds at higher risk of heatstroke – and what you can do to prevent it</a>
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<hr>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="spoodle dog" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=741&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=741&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=741&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=931&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=931&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437053/original/file-20211212-23-1o3loh4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=931&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dogs with long noses, like Fonzi, have more cooling structures.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Lucy Beaumont</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What are the risk factors?</h2>
<p>A dog’s main cooling mechanism is panting, which draws air through the nasal cavity and the mouth and over the capillaries found there. </p>
<p>This allows for evaporative cooling, just as sweat on our skin does, but it happens <em>inside</em> rather than outside. It’s also a much smaller surface area than our skin, so dogs are generally not as good at shedding body heat as humans.</p>
<p>If the dog is overweight, they may have more trouble keeping cool than if they are lean. </p>
<p>A dog with underlying health issues such as heart problems may also be at greater risk. </p>
<p>Very young or old dogs may have more trouble with temperature regulation. </p>
<p>Dogs that have had a chance to get used to warmer temperatures over a month or so are less susceptible to heat distress. </p>
<p>Because some cooling occurs in the nasal cavities, dogs with short faces have fewer of these cooling structures and are more susceptible to heat distress.</p>
<p>Dogs with long noses have more surface area for cooling in their nasal cavities, and are theoretically more resistant to heat distress as a result. But much depends on the individual dog and its history.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="labradoodle" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=537&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=537&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=537&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=675&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=675&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437054/original/file-20211212-13-1lcms43.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=675&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dogs with thick coats, like Stella, may struggle to shed heat on a hot day.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Lucy Beaumont</span>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Your dog’s coat plays a role but should we shave them?</h2>
<p>Larger or heavier-bodied dogs generally shed heat more slowly than smaller dogs, as is the case across the animal kingdom. For example, smaller penguin species tend to visit warmer climates, while larger penguin species stay in colder climates. </p>
<figure class="align-right zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437114/original/file-20211213-15-wxuu3h.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Dogs from cooler climes – like Kivi Tarro, a Finnish lapphundtend – to have heavy, insulating coats while those from warmer places tend to have thin hair.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Melissa Starling</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Dogs from cooler climes tend to have heavy, insulating coats while those from warmer places tend to have thin hair, which helps shed heat quickly.</p>
<p>So, would your dog be cooler if you shaved them for summer? </p>
<p>It’s true insulation works both ways; cold or hot air outside the body cannot easily penetrate a thick coat and affect core temperature. But a dog is always producing body heat, especially when they are active or excited, and this internal heat may escape slowly through a thick coat.</p>
<figure class="align-left zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/437113/original/file-20211213-13-1xxwrzi.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Kivi Tarro, a Finnish lapphund, shows off his haircut.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Melissa Starling</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For many thick-coated, otherwise healthy dogs, it helps to keep their coat free of tangles and dead undercoat during warmer months. This reduces the insulating properties of the coat.</p>
<p>Clipping the coat shorter can allow them to stay cool more easily. You could also consider clipping the belly and groin very short. This won’t help much when the dog is active but could help when the dog lies on a cool surface. However, be mindful not to go too short on upper parts of the coat, or the skin can be exposed to sunburn.</p>
<h2>How to ‘ask your dog’ how they’re doing</h2>
<p>We should always “ask the dog” how they are doing. </p>
<p>Signs a dog is too hot include:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>panting a lot during the warmer months, even when not exercising</p></li>
<li><p>seeming lethargic and reluctant to exercise</p></li>
<li><p>regularly seeking to cool themselves by getting wet, or lying on cool tile or wood floors with as much skin contact as possible.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Always consider the following rules of thumb:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>if it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your dog</p></li>
<li><p>make sure water is available for drinking or immersing the body in when exercising on hot days</p></li>
<li><p>know your dog’s panting. Dogs usually have a pant cycle where they pant for a short period and then stop for a few breaths or more and then start again. If they start panting constantly, they may be struggling to cool themselves</p></li>
<li><p>if they can’t hold a ball or toy anymore, froth at the mouth because they can’t easily swallow, or have trouble drinking due to panting at the same time, get your dog to some shade and let them rest. Monitor for signs of heat stress</p></li>
<li><p>signs of extreme heat distress include: vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, being unsteady on their feet, or limping. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you see these signs. Heat injury can be lethal!</p></li>
<li><p>pick shady, cool places to let your dog have a run if it’s warm. Go early or late in the day when the temperature has come down a bit. Early mornings are typically cooler than the late afternoon</p></li>
<li><p>the lack of airflow in cars can turn them into deadly ovens within a few minutes, even if the windows are down. So never leave your dog alone in a car, even for a few minutes.</p></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/at-home-with-your-dog-3-ways-to-connect-and-lift-your-spirits-166331">At home with your dog? 3 ways to connect and lift your spirits</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/172957/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling has received funding from the Defence Innovation Network. </span></em></p>Dogs can only sweat on their paw pads, which is not a lot of use when it comes to shedding body heat.Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1663312021-08-25T04:06:44Z2021-08-25T04:06:44ZAt home with your dog? 3 ways to connect and lift your spirits<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/417725/original/file-20210825-26-wgaq5b.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=2%2C1%2C995%2C664&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/people-pet-together-1677424648">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>It may come as no surprise to dog owners in lockdown, but walking the dog can be the highlight of the day.</p>
<p>With exercise being one of the few reasons for leaving the house for millions of Australians, walking the dog clearly <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/1/240">benefits both dog owners</a> and their furry friends.</p>
<p>But walking the dog isn’t the only thing you can do to lift your spirits and <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020764020944195">ease loneliness</a>. </p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/7/2104">study</a> found three things you can do at home with your dog to make you feel better, which your dog will probably love too.</p>
<h2>1. You can meditate with your dog</h2>
<p>Our study showed it helped to take time out to focus on your dog’s fur or the warmth of their body using “<a href="https://theconversation.com/mindfulness-meditation-in-brief-daily-doses-can-reduce-negative-mental-health-impact-of-covid-19-165163">mindfulness meditation</a>”.</p>
<p>This type of meditation involved people listening to a recording that guided them to activate their senses (for instance, touch) as a way of enhance their engagement with the task.</p>
<p>Dog owners who did this for seven minutes once a week or more felt relaxed, calm, enjoyed the process, said they felt more connected to their dog, and helped them focus on the present.</p>
<p>For many dog owners in our study, these effects also lasted for several minutes or hours after stopping the activity.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/mindfulness-meditation-in-brief-daily-doses-can-reduce-negative-mental-health-impact-of-covid-19-165163">Mindfulness meditation in brief daily doses can reduce negative mental health impact of COVID-19</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>If you want to try this for yourself, create a space in your home where you are not likely to be interrupted and turn off your phone. Sit comfortably on the floor, on a mat, cushion or blanket and invite your dog to come and sit next to you or on your lap. </p>
<p>Place one or two hands on your dog and sit up tall. Start by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Be aware of your sense of touch and notice the sensations in your hand and fingertips. Stay with this awareness and if your mind starts to wander, gently escort it back to your feeling of touch and your dog’s fur. Stay with this practice for seven minutes or more. </p>
<p>Although we didn’t specifically measure the impact on dogs, we suspect they appreciate the close, calm and private space this creates for both of you.</p>
<h2>2. You can play hide and seek</h2>
<p>If mindfulness meditation isn’t your thing, our study showed setting aside seven minutes of undivided playtime with your dog had similar results. This might be an interactive game, such as hide and seek. </p>
<p>Dog owners who did this said they enjoyed this, had a better connection with their dog, and helped them focus on the present. They also thought their dog had fun.</p>
<p>How might this work as well as mindfulness meditation? <a href="https://doi.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1093%2Fclipsy.bpg016">Mindfulness</a> is simply about being present in the moment. So if we put the phone away, pets can be great facilitators to help bring us into the present and centre our mind on one thing — them.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/routine-and-learning-games-how-to-make-sure-your-dog-doesnt-get-canine-cabin-fever-134248">Routine and learning games: how to make sure your dog doesn't get canine cabin fever</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>3. You can talk to your dog</h2>
<p>If you really want to increase the connection with your dog, try some
calm and focused interactions. This might be seven undivided minutes of affection with your dog, such as giving them a good belly rub, or spending seven undivided minutes talking to them.</p>
<p>Out of all the activities we tried, these worked best to connect with your dog. </p>
<p>While some people in our study said they felt awkward talking to their dog, our earlier research showed others seem to love it.</p>
<p>For people living alone in lockdown, having a pet dog was an <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0020764020944195">excuse to talk out loud</a>, and this may play an important role in their well-being.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1429541174788780033"}"></div></p>
<p>Making time to be affectionate towards your dog also made owners feel relaxed and calm, at similar levels to those who practised mindfulness meditation.</p>
<p>Completely focusing on your dog this way increases the release of molecules associated with relaxation (such as oxytocin) and reward (such as dopamine) in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S109002330200237X">both owner and dog</a>.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/lockdown-can-be-stressful-for-pets-too-heres-how-to-keep-your-dog-entertained-135156">Lockdown can be stressful for pets too – here's how to keep your dog entertained</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Making time for your dog</h2>
<p>Not all dog owners are spending their time in lockdown going on long walks with their furry friends. One study found <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121001829#aep-article-footnote-id2">some dog owners</a> walked their dog less often or went on shorter walks during the pandemic.</p>
<p>Whether that’s been your experience, or if you want to try something new, these three types of interactions with your dog don’t take a lot of time. You could even continue them after lockdown’s over.</p>
<p>This might end up become the new highlight of your dog’s day, making the long wait for you to return home from work completely worth it. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/your-dogs-nose-knows-no-bounds-and-neither-does-its-love-for-you-148484">Your dog's nose knows no bounds – and neither does its love for you</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/166331/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jessica Oliva does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Talking to your dog really helps. Here’s what else you can do.Jessica Oliva, Lecturer, Psychology, James Cook UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/966352019-05-20T04:03:42Z2019-05-20T04:03:42ZManaging mutations of a species: the evolution of dog breeding<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/259476/original/file-20190218-56220-1789by1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A Wire Fox Terrier named King is trotted out before being named Best in Show on the second night of the 2019 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">JUSTIN LANE/EPA</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In the first edition of <a href="http://darwin-online.org.uk/EditorialIntroductions/Freeman_OntheOriginofSpecies.html">On the Origin of Species</a>, Charles Darwin mentions dogs 54 times. He does so mainly because the extraordinary variation between dog breeds provides a marvellous illustration of the power of selection. For most of the roughly 15,000 years since their domestication, dogs were selected by humans for their usefulness as hunters, retrievers, herders, guards or companions. </p>
<p>As modern breeds became recognisable, the extent to which a dog aligned with the expected shape, size and coat for its breed (known as “conformation”) became more important. So important, in fact, that just a few years before On the Origin of Species hit the bookshops, the world’s first conformation-based dog show was held in the Town Hall of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/is-your-dog-happy-ten-common-misconceptions-about-dog-behaviour-97541">Is your dog happy? Ten common misconceptions about dog behaviour</a>
</strong>
</em>
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<hr>
<p>By 1873, the UK <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/our-resources/about-the-kennel-club/history-of-the-kennel-club/">Kennel Club</a> was formed to, among other things, regulate the showing and breeding of dogs. Similar organisations soon followed in other countries. The criteria for judging and breeding for conformation were formalised in breed standards that are now administered by kennel clubs around the world. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, breeding for the standard in some breeds resulted in <a href="https://theconversation.com/vets-can-do-more-to-reduce-the-suffering-of-flat-faced-dog-breeds-110702">serious compromises to health and welfare</a>, especially in cases where the wording of the standard encouraged exaggeration of certain features. </p>
<h2>Breeds to watch out for</h2>
<p>The Kennel Club <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/watch/Default.aspx">Breed Watch</a> has highlighted roughly 15% of breeds as having “breed-specific conformational issues which may lead to health problems” and a further 4% of breeds in which “some dogs have visible conditions or exaggerations that can cause pain or discomfort”.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there is now global coordination in addressing these issues. The <a href="https://dogwellnet.com/">International Partnership For Dogs (IPFD)</a> which works with many of the world’s leading breed-regulating organisations, is highlighting “<a href="https://dogwellnet.com/content/international-actions/extremes-of-conformation-brachycephalics/extremes-of-conformation-dwn-resources-r569/">extremes of conformation</a>”.</p>
<p>Without up-to-date prevalence data on each disorder, we cannot be sure how effective watch lists or changes in breed standards have been in tackling these disorders. Furthermore, in 2009-2010, one of us (Paul McGreevy) helped to show that while <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19836981">some of the conformational issues of concern are related to breed standards</a>, others are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19963415">inherited disorders not related to breed standards</a>. </p>
<p>So, even if there were no breed standards and dogs were bred solely for health and welfare, many inherited disorders would still occur. In fact, the vast majority of inherited disorders have nothing to do with conformation.</p>
<p>All inherited disorders (and all desirable inherited traits) are, in essence, the result of random mutations in DNA that have occurred and continue to occur in all species.</p>
<p>The number of known inherited disorders varies enormously among species, mainly reflecting the extent of research effort. For example, the number of single-gene disorders documented in humans is <a href="https://www.omim.org/statistics/geneMap">more than 5,300</a>, whereas the figure for dogs is <a href="https://omia.org">fewer than 300</a>. As many of the inherited disorders that occur in humans could also occur in dogs, the present number for dogs is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. </p>
<p>A global research effort is providing an ever-increasing number of DNA tests for known canine inherited disorders, enabling (in many cases) elimination of the disorder. National kennel clubs provide <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health/for-breeders/dna-testing-simple-inherited-disorders/worldwide-dna-tests/">useful guidance on testing</a> and <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/mateselect/test/Default.aspx">public access to test results on individual dogs</a>. The IPFD provides global information for breeders on the <a href="https://dogwellnet.com/ctp/">harmonisation of genetic testing for inherited disorders in dogs</a>. </p>
<p>One of us, Paul McGreevy, has been part of an international team that developed a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21742521">risk-assessment criterion</a> for determining priorities for research and control of inherited disorders. A major component of this score is the prevalence of a disorder in a particular breed.</p>
<h2>Estimating the prevalence of disorders</h2>
<p>Fortunately, digital health has arrived in the veterinary sphere and is set to provide, for the first time, comprehensive estimates of disorder prevalence. </p>
<p>Paul is the chair of <a href="http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/7/10/74">VetCompass Australia</a>, based on the highly successful <a href="https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass">UK VetCompass</a> that he helped to establish ten years ago. It’s the first Australia-wide surveillance system that gathers together clinical records on companion animal diseases and treatments. </p>
<p>Bringing together all seven Australian veterinary schools, VetCompass Australia collects clinical records from hundreds of vets across the country for researchers to interrogate. Analysis of these records will reveal trends in the prevalence of inherited and acquired diseases, identify effective treatments, and help vets and breeders improve dogs’ quality of life.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/vets-can-do-more-to-reduce-the-suffering-of-flat-faced-dog-breeds-110702">Vets can do more to reduce the suffering of flat-faced dog breeds</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>The vision for this surveillance system is that it will one day provide real-time data on the prevalence of each known disorder and show how effective various control strategies are. Real-time data will also sound the alarm on clusters of new disorders as they emerge.</p>
<p>Complementing VetCompass is <a href="http://www.mybreeddata.com/crm/index.html">MyBreedData</a>, a Finland-based website that collects the results of genetic analyses from huge numbers of dogs to identify mutations known to cause particular inherited disorders. Among other things, this information provides early warning signs of which breeds contain which harmful mutations. </p>
<h2>What about hybrid vigour?</h2>
<p>Hybrid vigour for a particular trait is the extent to which, on average, the puppies from the mating of a purebred female from one breed with a purebred male from another breed, are better for that trait than the average of the two parental breeds for that trait.</p>
<p>Evidence from other species suggests that hybrid vigour in dogs could occur to a limited extent in traits related to health, welfare, and fitness for purpose. The greater the genetic difference between two breeds, the greater the hybrid vigour is expected to be in first-generation offspring between those breeds. </p>
<p>Specifically, first-generation offspring are unlikely to develop any recessive disorders that are present in only one of the two parental breeds. On the other hand, they can obviously develop inherited disorders that are present in both parental breeds, which is often the case for disorders such as hip dysplasia. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=487&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=612&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=612&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/275330/original/file-20190520-69204-1e3ewxq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=612&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Husky dog waiting for his turn to be judged at a dog show in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 05 May 2019. The International Kennel Club Dog Show was held in Bishkek.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">EPA/IGOR KOVALENKO</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Importantly, breeding beyond first-generation crosses reduces hybrid vigour and unleashes unpredictable variation. This is good news for traditional stud breeders, because it means the most desirable hybrids are the offspring of two purebreds, rather than those bred subsequently.</p>
<p>Mixed-breed (or “designer”) dogs are not new: the Kennel Club has been <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/finding-the-right-dog/crossbreed-dogs/">registering them for more than 50 years</a>. Unfortunately, most peer-reviewed studies of canine cross-breeds do not let us estimate actual hybrid vigour, simply because they fail to report the parentage of mixed-breed dogs. </p>
<p>Fortunately, obtaining evidence of actual hybrid vigour in dogs <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27387730">should be relatively straightforward</a>: it simply requires veterinary records to include the parentage of mixed-breed dogs, when known. </p>
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<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/are-you-walking-your-dog-enough-100530">Are you walking your dog enough?</a>
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</em>
</p>
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<p>The information being collected by VetCompass and MyBreedData will provide a firm foundation for prioritising research into, and schemes for controlling, inherited disorders within breeds. It also has potential to shed valuable light on the extent to which hybrid vigour exists in dogs. Armed with this information, breeders will be able to combine new technology with the skills of traditional dog breeding to breed dogs that are more likely to look great, be healthy and thrive in the niches we provide for them.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/96635/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Paul McGreevy consults on a voluntary basis to the RSPCA Australia and is a lifetime member of the RSPCA NSW. He receives funding from the Australian Research Council. In 2017, he received an International Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK Kennel Club.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Bethany Wilson consults to RSPCA Australia on an ad hoc basis.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Frank Nicholas does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A global research effort is targeting inherited disorders in dogs.Paul McGreevy, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science, University of SydneyBethany Wilson, Honorary Affiliate, University of SydneyFrank Nicholas, Emeritus Professor of Animal Genetics, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1158032019-05-07T01:47:32Z2019-05-07T01:47:32ZCurious Kids: is it true that dogs at the pound get killed if nobody adopts them?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272449/original/file-20190503-103060-mupdjg.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C3%2C2048%2C1358&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Pounds and shelters are not happy places for dogs to stay in for a long time, though. So everyone tries to find an unwanted dog a new home as quickly as possible.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/rswatski/7545490114/in/photolist-cuLBk9-WEohng-awruG8-WgLhx9-5tsbzY-6FENzi-awuCXS-235GocM-awufwo-gEFYi1-VCwps4-WNvQ6u-S6woLG-WgLzBE-awrvvg-WgLoMd-VzXGCA-ojb1io-7Kz5gE-6LGrA5-mBp4G7-ngv4H-8yABL4-8yDyxG-bnz3Xh-pWGtjQ-8PotAy-4m3MeK-aaEYAY-s6uEnB-56D2V4-S6wp2G-931dqm-aj3eaF-5DNZAx-5yrCfM-5rHbTx-yi2T4o-5Az3tR-5Bb9mU-skE6S9-WgLmVC-qYMkF-8q3Ats-WgLazS-WcW8cU-5msNpm-4GnuX5-d2FWeA-7xSVMg">Flickr/Rob Swatski</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/curious-kids-36782">Curious Kids</a> is a series for children. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au You might also like the podcast <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/">Imagine This</a>, a co-production between ABC KIDS listen and The Conversation, based on Curious Kids.</em> </p>
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<blockquote>
<p><strong>Is it true that dogs at the pound get killed if nobody adopts them? - Abhilasa, age 10, Melbourne.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>First of all, animal shelters and pounds don’t always use the same rules. In Australia, most animal shelters are run by local councils, but some are run by animal rescue organisations. Different councils and different rescue organisations can have different rules about how long they can keep animals. </p>
<p>Those rules are in place because of resources - that means how many people and how much money and how many kennels the shelter or pound can use to look after unwanted animals. If they only have a few kennels or a few people to look after the animals or a little bit of money to pay for food and for someone to care for the animals, then they can only have a few animals at a time. </p>
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<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-how-do-babies-learn-to-talk-111613">Curious Kids: how do babies learn to talk?</a>
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<p>If the shelter or pound is not full and they have enough money to hire enough people and buy enough food to look after all the unwanted animals they have, they can choose to keep looking after those animals until they find a home. Many shelters and pounds do just that. The unwanted animals might stay there for months looking for a new home.</p>
<p>Pounds and shelters are not happy places for dogs to stay in for a long time, though. So everyone tries to find an unwanted dog a new home as quickly as possible. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=493&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=619&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=619&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272450/original/file-20190503-103049-1nc59tc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=619&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">It’s important to choose a dog that is right for your family.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnsy/2936080986/in/photolist-5tsbzY-6FENzi-awuCXS-235GocM-awufwo-gEFYi1-VCwps4-WNvQ6u-S6woLG-WgLzBE-awrvvg-WgLoMd-VzXGCA-ojb1io-7Kz5gE-6LGrA5-mBp4G7-ngv4H-8yABL4-8yDyxG-bnz3Xh-pWGtjQ-8PotAy-4m3MeK-aaEYAY-s6uEnB-56D2V4-S6wp2G-931dqm-aj3eaF-5DNZAx-5yrCfM-5rHbTx-yi2T4o-5Az3tR-5Bb9mU-skE6S9-WgLmVC-qYMkF-8q3Ats-WgLazS-WcW8cU-5msNpm-4GnuX5-d2FWeA-7xSVMg-21DV4Co-Srzbrs-2d6ACMd-5VANME">Flickr/Terrah</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Foster homes</h2>
<p>If the dog needs a little extra training or a quieter home, or the pound is getting full, the people that run the pound or shelter might agree to give the dog to a rescue organisation that will put the dog in a foster home. </p>
<p>That’s a temporary home where the dog will live with a human family that has volunteered to care for them. The rescue organisation puts ads on the internet telling everyone they have this dog in foster care who is looking for a new home. In this way, many unlucky dogs who had owners that didn’t want them can have all the time they need to find a new home.</p>
<h2>As a last resort</h2>
<p>However, occasionally it’s not possible to find a dog a new home. The pound might run out of room and dogs that have been there longest have to either be taken in by another rescue, or they will be put to sleep to make room for more unwanted dogs. Many of these dogs are saved by rescues and get the time they need, but not all of them. Some of them might have health or behaviour problems that make them difficult to live with, or they might be old. </p>
<p>With so many dogs that need homes, the dogs that are hard to look after are the ones that it’s hardest to find a new home for. Some dogs have had a difficult life and are not safe to be around. For these dogs, life might be very hard for them still. They don’t understand how to make friends and the world is full of things that frighten them, or perhaps they are in pain a lot of the time. For these dogs, it may be a kindness to put them to sleep so they don’t have to suffer anymore. That means they are given an injection that makes them feel calm, fall asleep and then die painlessly in their sleep. </p>
<p>There are lots of things we can do to help reduce the number of unwanted dogs. You could consider adopting a rescue dog, or volunteering to be a foster home for unwanted dogs, or donate to rescue organisations. We can make sure our own dogs are de-sexed so they can’t have puppies. We can keep them in a fenced yard so they can’t get out and get lost or in trouble, and make sure they are microchipped so they can be returned if they do get lost.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/272451/original/file-20190503-103060-1hoicik.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Have you considered adopting a rescue dog?</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/24849405@N07/4287534056/in/photolist-7wSJuY-XdSBaE-Ty2aD-7zDtPR-b2YbaP-awrxFc-8Lctx8-WgLm5Q-qB8T6-ajZvDT-qAYKw-p7Kq1m-7XNnsg-9aYyAG-awueDL-RrnHFV-C6B4e-QXCkCV-fydm2t-fBgayx-5trUTn-5ZtZ25-p9fa52-9id3rd-6cG3UQ-RumK2Z-5sXwqD-pNmPid-5zoZMY-5u3Y8W-otaMy8-5wCBT6-2d2xcnX-7NzLeX-aZ6ukr-9ajgpw-5zyXP6-9mkzKJ-Z9tgto-oQycz5-efknSj-Upruj6-gCRGyN-5Kqu4s-xec9F-pdnpsG-6dsGaj-a8v3vR-259DB7Z-7QQBCg">Flickr/小亨利Little Henry</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When choosing a dog for your family, make sure you get a dog that will suit your family so that you won’t find yourself with a dog that is causing you and your neighbours a lot of trouble. Dogs that are too noisy or big or active for their families are sometimes the ones that end up unwanted. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-do-we-have-a-qwerty-keyboard-instead-of-putting-the-letters-in-alphabetical-order-116069">Curious Kids: why do we have a QWERTY keyboard instead of putting the letters in alphabetical order?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><em>Hello, curious kids! Have you got a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au</em></p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/168011/original/file-20170505-21620-huq4lj.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">CC BY-ND</a></span>
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<p><em>Please tell us your name, age and which city you live in. We won’t be able to answer every question but we will do our best.</em></p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/115803/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Melissa Starling is affiliated with Hanrob Dog Training Academy.</span></em></p>Different councils and different rescue organisations can have different rules about how long they can keep animals.Melissa Starling, Postdoctoral researcher, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1156472019-04-25T09:56:34Z2019-04-25T09:56:34ZPets: is it ethical to keep them?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/270427/original/file-20190423-175524-1mk91r9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>According to the UK veterinary charity The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), <a href="https://www.pdsa.org.uk/get-involved/our-campaigns/pdsa-animal-wellbeing-report/uk-pet-populations-of-dogs-cats-and-rabbits">half of Britons own a pet</a>. Many of these owners view the 11.1m cats, 8.9m dogs, and 1m rabbits sharing their homes as family members. But although we love them, care for them, celebrate their birthdays and mourn them when they pass, is it ethical to keep pets in the first place? Some animal rights activists and ethicists, myself included, would argue that it is not. </p>
<p>The institution of pet-keeping is fundamentally unjust as it involves the manipulation of animals’ bodies, behaviours and emotional lives. For centuries, companion animal’s bodies (particularly dogs, horses and rabbits) have been shaped to suit human fashions and fancies. And this often causes these animals <a href="https://www.peta.org/issues/animal-companion-issues/pet-trade/breeders/">considerable physical harm</a>. </p>
<p>Particular breeds, for instance, are highly susceptible to painful and frequently fatal genetic defects. Highly prized physical features – such as small and large stature or pushed-in noses – can cause discomfort and difficulty in breathing, birthing and other normal functions.</p>
<p>Even those animals who are not purpose-bred often face bodily manipulations which impede their comfort and safety. This can include confining clothing, painful leashes that pull at the throat, docked tails and ears, and <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/declawing-cats-far-worse-manicure">declawing</a>, which involves the severing of the first digit of each toe in cats. Pets are also often constrained in their daily movements, sometimes crated or caged, and regularly kept indoors – always at the whim of their human owners. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270430/original/file-20190423-175507-16b15zv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Making the case against pets.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<p>Pets also symbolically reinforce the notion that vulnerable groups can be owned and fully controlled for the pleasure and convenience of more privileged and powerful groups. And this has implications for vulnerable human groups. For instance, sexism is partially maintained by treating women linguistically as pets – “kitten”, “bunny” – and physically by confining them to the home to please and serve the family patriarch. </p>
<p>Social workers further recognise the powerful link between <a href="https://www.nspcc.org.uk/globalassets/documents/research-reports/understanding-links-child-abuse-animal-abuse-domestic-violence.pdf">pet abuse and the abuse of children and women</a> in domestic settings. The idea that it is acceptable to manipulate the bodies and minds of a vulnerable group to suit the interests of more privileged groups is consistent with the cultural logic of oppression. </p>
<h2>Cannot consent</h2>
<p>Through this forced dependency and domestication, the lives of companion animals are almost completely controlled by humans. They can be terminated at any time for the most trivial of reasons – including behavioural “problems”, for belonging to a stereotyped breed, or the owner’s inability (or unwillingness) to pay for veterinary treatment.</p>
<p>In the mid 20th century, sociologist <a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/Erving-Goffman">Erving Goffman</a> introduced the concept of a “<a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/20009046">total institution</a>”. This sees inhabitants cut off from wider society under a single authority in an enclosed social space. Natural barriers between social spheres are artificially eliminated and an intense socialisation process takes place to ensure that inmates conform. </p>
<p>Sociologists typically study prisons, asylums and other physical spaces as examples. But I believe pet-keeping constitutes a sort of dispersed “total institution”. This is because nonhuman animals are unnaturally forced under human authority, restrained, and re-socialised. True consent is not possible under such conditions. Animals are groomed to participate and those who are unable to follow the rules of human social life are likely to be punished – sometimes fatally. </p>
<p>This is not in any way to suggest that dogs, cats and other species cannot express love and happiness as “pets”. But it is important to recognise that their complacency within the institution of pet-keeping is entirely manufactured (sometimes quite cruelly) by humans through behaviour “corrections” and the manipulative process of domestication itself.</p>
<h2>A world without pets?</h2>
<p>Some companion animal advocates, such as Nathan Winograd, the director of the US based <a href="https://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/">No Kill Advocacy Center</a>, argue that to stop keeping pets altogether would be a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542725216/">violation of nonhuman animals’ right to exist</a>. Winograd believes the widespread killing of healthy companion animals can be curbed through a <a href="https://www.nokilladvocacycenter.org/statistics.html">restructuring of the sheltering industry</a>. He rejects the need to end pet-keeping given the abundance of humanity’s capacity for compassion and adoption. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/270433/original/file-20190423-175518-q05xxv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">By adopting a pet from a rescue centre, you can give an animal another chance at life.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Winograd’s pro-pet position reflects the <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/killing-animals-petas-open-secret_b_59e78243e4b0e60c4aa36711">No Kill movement’s strong disapproval</a> of some animal rights organisations, which frequently support “euthanasia” policies to curb pet populations. But if a no kill society were to be achieved, many of the ethical violations – bodily manipulation, non-consensual confinement, enforced dependency, and vulnerability to human abuse – would remain. Even if, as Winograd supposes, an increase in legal protections could be obtained to improve domestic animal’s standards of living.</p>
<p>Ultimately, companion animals, by their very position in the social order, are not and cannot be equals. The institution of pet-keeping maintains a social hierarchy which privileges humans and positions all others as objects of lower importance – whose right to existence depends wholly on their potential to benefit humans. That said, the population of dogs, cats, rabbits and other domesticated “pet” animals currently rivals that of humans such that they are likely to remain a consistent feature of human social life. </p>
<p>And while it may not be ethical to pursue the future breeding of nonhuman animals for comfort, humans do have a duty to serve, protect and care for them. Recognising the inherent inequality in human and nonhuman relations will be vital in making the best of an imperfect situation.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/115647/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Corey Lee Wrenn does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>The institution of pet-keeping is fundamentally unjust as it involves the manipulation of animals’ bodies, behaviours and emotional lives.Corey Lee Wrenn, Lecturer of Sociology, University of KentLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1086702019-01-07T01:20:29Z2019-01-07T01:20:29ZCurious Kids: is it true dogs don’t like to travel?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/250146/original/file-20181211-76962-1lzcmcu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=1%2C1%2C995%2C508&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Some dogs may associate car travel with trips to the beach or park – while others only remember trips to the vet.
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/waferboard/6069666166/in/photolist-afmChE-6EEmPy-5YnPK7-u4CgNZ-8HfnL-97R93A-Jzexs7-22DYqPY-81EsMc-roCJtM-81JAH3-HYt1Pp-urYyR-bWK6bU-25dsFZ3-8m6hzD-YLvHeu-74PmEV-6JTZdX-9iZQii-awBHTR-awGUJR-v4vsc-8AGyag-25AL9Xb-cm3kf3-shUgi-8AGxdT-ZwW5wB-8AKGk3-djkdtN-8TJumD-8AGq2T-7P7a3n-JJscJa-awKDXN-fmSgbs-74TbZY-pU3QMS-awH3SV-8XkhBk-26gHMZp-8AGBYp-8AKsFb-8AKqtW-nzoaFo-FcitwE-8AGr3R-27yqHQc-83zxqq">Linda Colquhoun/flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span></figcaption></figure><p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/au/topics/curious-kids-36782">Curious Kids</a> is a series for children. Send your question to curiouskids@theconversation.edu.au. You might also like the podcast <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/">Imagine This</a>, a co-production between ABC KIDS listen and The Conversation, based on Curious Kids.</em> </p>
<hr>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Hello. My dad says that dogs don’t like to travel. Is that true? - Ankush, India.</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Hi Ankush. Thanks for the question. The answer depends a bit on the dog and what you mean by travel. </p>
<p>Most dogs don’t like to travel, and those that do have usually had to learn to like it. </p>
<p>In the wild, being too adventurous could get a dog killed, so dogs may have mostly evolved to be cautious and remain close to what is familiar. That said, dogs may see some kinds of travel as a chance to find things they want – like food or a mate.</p>
<h2>Home sweet home</h2>
<p>It’s normal for dogs to value the territory they know well, where they know they can find food, water and shelter easily.</p>
<p>It is also home to the thing most precious to them: their social group. That is, the other dogs or humans they know and like. Yes, dogs probably see the humans they live with as their social group.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=429&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251426/original/file-20181219-27764-wy3gy0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=539&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Many dogs are happiest in their home range.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/anjibarton/5654158870/in/photolist-9BD3rL-WEZQdd-rbmBNk-ipBjBE-pAEq3B-5pVxw9-5pVwjf-4UjX9x-6SdeZn-4UpbfY-scdxv-3StxS2-3Sxq61-4UjXKr-5pVsxd-24wfZes-dayY57-sRg6V-XpP33N-4dgrp-5pRdqa-6c3BPi-8fqJ9Q-5pVuws-8kZn6H-b5iotk-4PpJJr-8Nh2tc-8kZiaM-VjSncS-fnm9me-7Bf8Ew-8kZk4D-8m3tXC-eh1VPV-rmaMBj-8jXueE-5rct7R-buBnV6-4139ZC-bkpCw4-9KNHSR-4UpcnY-5fHStj-qsUhJ8-sm4uLD-B9qXL-qVZRi2-pSJcC-qqNkgf">Flickr/anji barton</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Most dogs have what scientists call a “home range”. That’s the area in which they feel comfortable. At the core of the home range is its den (for example, your dog may see your home and garden as its den). Beyond that core, there’s what we call the periphery – that might be the neighbour’s front yard, the park down the road, and your street. </p>
<p>Dogs can recognise their home range by its smell. Have you ever noticed a dog weeing on trees and lamp-posts or scraping his hind-paws against the ground? That’s how dogs mark their territory with their own scent. </p>
<p>Many humans love to travel, but for dogs, travelling too far from home comes with risks. Dogs that wander into another’s territory might be outnumbered by other dogs, or overpowered by a stronger individual. Or they may return to their home range only to discover that the social group changed while they were away and they no longer fit in as well as they used to.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-dont-dogs-live-as-long-as-humans-93374">Curious Kids: Why don't dogs live as long as humans?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Travelling with friends</h2>
<p>When we exercise dogs in unfamiliar areas, they may love the challenge of all those new places and smells to explore. Many dogs are clearly joyful as they explore all this with us, their social groups, but when alone their response may be very different.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251424/original/file-20181219-27749-o4mw5z.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=502&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">For many dogs, a trip to the local park can be a fun and safe form of travel.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/gabelippmann/37640072771/in/photolist-Zm8dgV-21HeJsf-ZTrWLH-Q2KPn7-ZE3YWy-27WYjRQ-2afq32S-25duvzc-MeQLJ3-2abhf95-JY2Qu9-Q7BvDs-Zt7cEt-Hac2qk-Qo5Pyw-24qdQdm-ZaXdG5-XVM8v6-21SAL1y-ZRnUkF-24AFtvL-YYvKXn-LFwQqt-DLoCqj-XvHiuB-25eiaA5-PLTQjm-28mh9gn-27N8Mrm-2b8dqhc-2cHepCj-29m6AiM-CHSDGX-BXYmc9-247pXCD-214C6BG-2bFMy5z-21iRgSi-Zb8NBE-28UkymD-Li9Ydu-ZzXuEh-293QuWW-22ViF9c-Zko3nM-23fzBVY-KRTEu3-24udGED-21YjRkZ-HoftSJ">Flickr/Gabe Lippmann</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For domestic dogs, exercise beyond the den (the house and garden) is exciting because it offers so many opportunities: to play, pee and poo in new places, to explore and eat food, to meet and greet new dogs, mark territory and find a mate. </p>
<p>So some dogs will take the chance to wander, if they really need to do any of those things.</p>
<h2>Car travel – a mixed blessing</h2>
<p>Many puppies and dogs who are not used to cars will get car-sick. But then again, cars can also be a way for dogs to encounter a cascade of odours, see new dogs, or score a stimulating walk in a new territory. Car rides can bring enormous joy to some dogs, once they get used to car travel.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C613%2C409&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C613%2C409&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/250145/original/file-20181211-76968-1rwxyag.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">For some dogs, cars can be a way for them to encounter a cascade of odours, see new dogs or score a stimulating walk in a new territory.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/licol/10679530484/in/photolist-hgHokW-MyeK6P-ZhadxE-26xCx2n-272Wtzd-NvvPu6-Jk6fM2-27YN5tS-271LoAW-YmSqsn-272qXTb-26TUXkQ-2aPWbaL-KR5drW-Gnwjai-271Lnr1-BW6bgW-KR58kd-27UwvPs-NeEhbT-25B5zyU-JsxKTK-Z5zSKo-26WL1mQ-29jy8E1-29p1sLv-249nFjP-25vjxXx-2aZr9Kx-25bmcWj-289jL9Z-26QNX1m-KVW8FE-FMGyP2-Jst6Dg-HVFQSx-HGrJ5n-29w9oX9-28366AD-26WL2Ly-25hw2xN-27RNVHf-273Tryd-Ny1pmN-Hnxipm-LzSA1U-24g1VMg-LFsGK7-25hpVTd-JsxHat">Flickr/Linda Colquhoun</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>For some dogs, hopping into the car is associated with a trip to the park or beach. For others, it reminds them too much of a trip to the vet where they may have had a scary experience, like having an injection. </p>
<p>Dogs learn to mistrust the smell of the vet’s waiting room and now some vets use <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159105002509">calming pheromones in their clinics</a>. Pheromones are special chemicals that can affect mood.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/251425/original/file-20181219-27746-xar6zu.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">At the end of the day, most dogs are happiest in places they know well.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/giuseppemilo/26573149515/in/photolist-Gubkyg-9xcR4M-4qftmR-4z9LEf-6fSZ81-4JGBNe-2WFtfo-CmPWpT-5AbKnK-DBdNcq-29gxW9X-hbz44h-mxLKoT-xoqeDv-6fNNqR-jKCxW-9uwpAy-KGAQ7r-6JqL6r-dBZa2R-5SLUQi-4AWKU9-8qiE2C-6bKaUK-6PuX17-YryT5C-SwLBWn-azTBfD-9b1rZn-Eg8N6N-36A9kP-dymC8v-Vyh79q-Hz2kf-ipBjBE-8KRLA-ogAivU-68GQjv-qFuT8W-2dzA4JD-qcJfbX-4spCEB-UkdJxf-7Tzy7C-5gYMTF-FGH1Wx-T2DhvT-TiLEkq-HwpLY-oVZHB2">Flickr/Giuseppe Milo</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY</a></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>So, whether or not dogs like to travel might depend a lot on the individual dogs and their life experience. It may depend on whether travel reminds them of fun-filled trips or fear-filled ones. </p>
<p>Despite what some movies ask us to believe, very few dogs ever get the travel bug and want to explore the world. At the end of the day, they’re usually happiest at home.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-do-cats-and-dogs-lose-baby-teeth-like-people-do-98380">Curious Kids: Do cats and dogs lose baby teeth like people do?</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=376&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165749/original/image-20170419-32713-1kyojyz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=472&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Paul McGreevy has received funding from the Australian Research Council and the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. He is an Honorary Fellow of the International Society for Equitation Science and a life member of the RSPCA NSW. He is the co-author of "Making Dogs Happy".</span></em></p>Travel can come with danger, so dogs have mostly evolved to avoid being over-adventurous. That said, dogs may see some kinds of travel as a chance to find things they want – like food or a mate.Paul McGreevy, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare Science, University of SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1034042018-09-21T09:38:39Z2018-09-21T09:38:39ZVegan dogs: should canines go meat free?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237179/original/file-20180919-158222-n0yde0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Over the last ten years, it’s estimated there has been a 360% rise in veganism in Britain – <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/number-of-vegans-in-britain-rises-by-360-in-10-years/">around 542,000 people have “gone vegan”</a>. As a nation of animal lovers, with around 44% of homes owning a pet – and somewhere in the region of <a href="https://www.pfma.org.uk/pet-population-2017">8.5m dogs in the UK</a> – it’s only natural this phenomenon should start to spill over into the pet food world. This has led to a rise in the availability of both vegetarian and vegan dog foods. But before you make the decision for your pet to go meat free, it’s important to consider what impacts this could have.</p>
<p>Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they <a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/can-pets-be-vegan-food-koji-dogs-cats-wild-earth-science/">need to eat meat to survive</a> but dogs can in theory live on a plant-based diet – though that doesn’t necessarily mean they should.</p>
<h2>Dogs as wolves</h2>
<p>The domestic dog is actually a subspecies of the grey wolf. And while they’re substantially different in many ways, wolves and dogs can still interbreed to produce viable and fertile offspring. This makes them good animals to study to get a sense of what works out in the wild. </p>
<p>Despite being highly successful hunters, the diet of grey wolves varies significantly both with environment and the time of year. Studies of wolves in Yellowstone Park, US, have found that during the summer their diets contain small rodents, birds and invertebrates as well as larger prey like elk and mule deer. Alongside this though, plant matter is actually very common in the diet, with 74% of wolf droppings containing it – <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/7/1923S/4664711">mainly from grasses</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/6698A301900EEDF10E49B062A2BD9ED8/S0007114514002311a.pdf/dietary_nutrient_profiles_of_wild_wolves_insights_for_optimal_dog_nutrition.pdf">A recent review</a> of the studies published about wolves has shown them eating both grasses and fruits. The difficulty with these studies though, is that they often do not assess how much of the diet is made up of plant matter. So the level at which wolves – and by extension domestic dogs – are omnivores is still not fully known.</p>
<p>But of course, dogs aren’t exactly the same as wolves. It is estimated that the dog was domesticated around 14,000 years ago – although recent genetic evidence suggests it could have been anywhere <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/276/5319/1687">up to 100,000 years ago</a>. This length of time has allowed for many changes to take place. Over many generations, dogs have become increasingly associated with human civilisation and in turn exposed to human foodstuffs.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/were-wolves-dependent-on-humans-long-before-they-became-mans-best-friend-49390">Were wolves dependent on humans long before they became man’s best friend?</a>
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<p>In 2013, researchers in Sweden identified that the dog genome contained increased amounts of the code for dogs to produce an enzyme called amylase which is <a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2013/01/diet-shaped-dog-domestication">key in the digestion of starch</a>. This change means that dogs are five times better at digesting starch – found in grains, beans and potatoes – than wolves. And the adaption probably allowed the domestic dog to flourish on those human grains and cereals. The researchers also found that domestic dogs had a version of another enzyme important in starch digestion (maltose) that was more similar to the type found in herbivores, such as cows, and omnivores, such as rats, than to wolves.</p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=402&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237174/original/file-20180919-146148-nlmnse.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=505&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Dogs can live on a vegan diet, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/download/success?u=http%3A%2F%2Fdownload.shutterstock.com%2Fgatekeeper%2FW3siZSI6MTUzNzQwMjIwNiwiYyI6Il9waG90b19zZXNzaW9uX2lkIiwiZGMiOiJpZGxfMTA5MjAxMTcwMiIsImsiOiJwaG90by8xMDkyMDExNzAyL2h1Z2UuanBnIiwibSI6MSwiZCI6InNodXR0ZXJzdG9jay1tZWRpYSJ9LCIvR0NpQmozZEo5T1hZM0J1MWpmZGJNU3l3ZDAiXQ%2Fshutterstock_1092011702.jpg&pi=33421636&m=1092011702&src=7GtiESEBu1kbyGhd2Bxu1g-2-2">Kira_Yan/Shutterstock</a></span>
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<p>The adaptations of dogs to a more plant-based diet through domestication haven’t just been at the enzyme level. All animals rely to some degree on the bacteria within their gut to help them digest food properly. Only recently, it was shown that the gut microbiome of dogs is quite different to that of wolves, with more evidence of bacteria that can break down carbohydrates and to some degree <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6072643/pdf/13568_2018_Article_652.pdf">produce amino acids normally sourced from meat</a>. </p>
<h2>Long in the tooth</h2>
<p>The very way in which we present food to our pet dogs is also quite different to the way wolves eat. And as a result of domestication, the change in diet, food quantity and quality is likely to have led to the smaller body size and reduction in teeth size. </p>
<p><a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0099746">Recent research</a> has shown that in North America, domesticated dogs in comparison to wolves have more tooth loss and fractures despite being fed softer food types – probably due to the lack of bones – and the inability to be able to scavenge. </p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/237178/original/file-20180919-146148-1xer1eq.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">The average adult dog has about a third more teeth than a human.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<p>Skull size and shape has profound effects on <a href="http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/z87-011#.W6JOmUxFzxM">chewing capabilities and characteristics</a> in dogs. My previous work has suggested a link between the <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292989082_Skull_morphology_of_the_domestic_dog_in_relation_to_cephalic_index">skull shape of dogs and their dental health</a>. And the increasing trend for dog breeds with particularly shortened muzzles suggests that we are further moving them away from a diet of gnawing on tough bones. </p>
<h2>Vegan diets</h2>
<p>There are very few studies published about the use of vegan diets in dogs. As omnivores, dogs should be able to adapt well and manage on well prepared commercially available vegetarian diets as long as the essential nutrients they would normally get from meat are present. One study has even shown the ability to maintain active sled dogs on a <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/an-experimental-meatfree-diet-maintained-haematological-characteristics-in-sprintracing-sled-dogs/49358B7C6F05A5AC042D01E322EB3A0C">carefully produced meat-free diet</a>. But be aware that not all pet foods are made equal. <a href="https://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/javma.247.4.385?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed">A US study</a> found 25% on the market did not contain all the nutrients required. </p>
<p><a href="https://www.pfma.org.uk/vegetarian-diets-factsheet">Home-made vegetarian diets for dogs are even more risky</a> and a study of 86 dogs in Europe found over half deficient in protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc and vitamins D and B12. Vegan foods may be even more problematic for dogs.</p>
<p>There’s also the fact that bones, raw hide and meat-based chews can offer significant behavioural benefits to dogs. Chewing can be an immensely satisfying and relaxing experience for dogs. And in a world where many pets experience long periods of time alone, such opportunities can be invaluable.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/103404/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Wanda McCormick works with the Pet Food Manufacturers Association. She also works with the Pet Industry Federation, who funded some of her previous research on rabbit diets. Wanda has also works with Dodson & Horrell Ltd and is linked to projects with Inspired Pet Nutrition and Nature’s Menu.</span></em></p>As omnivores, dogs should be able to adapt well and manage on well prepared commercially available vegetarian diets as long as the essential nutrients they would normally get from meat are present.Wanda McCormick, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Technology, Anglia Ruskin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.