pets

Home on a Budget: Simple Ways to Make Your Space More Dog-Friendly

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Cindy Aldridge cindy@ourdogfriends.org

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars turning your home into a playground for your dog. The truth is, a little intention goes a long way when it comes to creating a space where your dog feels safe, engaged, and comfortable. Whether you’ve got a new puppy, an older rescue, or just a best friend who deserves better, there are plenty of smart, affordable ways to tweak your home and yard without blowing your paycheck. It’s not about fancy gadgets—it’s about small upgrades that speak your dog’s language.

A Cozy Corner Just for Them

Every dog needs a spot where they can relax and feel like it’s truly theirs. You don’t need to build a fancy indoor dog house or order custom furniture to make this happen. A cozy dog bed tucked into a quiet corner with a couple of old throw pillows and a soft blanket can go a long way. Add in a few favorite toys, and suddenly your pup has their own personal sanctuary without you spending more than twenty bucks.

DIY Dog Gates Without Breaking the Bank

Those sleek, adjustable pet gates you see online might be appealing, but you can build a perfectly functional one for a fraction of the cost. Repurpose an old baby gate, or even better—use scrap wood and a few hinges to create a simple swing gate. If you’re not too handy, tension rods and fabric panels can do the trick in smaller spaces. The goal is to create boundaries that keep your dog safe while still giving them room to move.

Freepik

Yard Patrol: Creating a Safe Outdoor Space

You don’t need a pristine backyard with a six-foot privacy fence to give your dog a good time outside. Start by checking for any gaps in your current fence—chicken wire and zip ties can help seal off escape routes on the cheap. Lay down inexpensive ground cover like mulch or pea gravel to reduce muddy paws and protect grass from turning into dirt patches. Even adding a few potted plants that are safe for dogs can create a more inviting and stimulating environment without requiring a landscaping budget.

Wiring Smarter Outdoors

If your dog loves spending time outside, exposed wiring or poorly placed outlets can quickly turn a good yard into a hazard zone. Moving outlets higher off the ground or away from chew-prone areas helps reduce risk, and rerouting exposed cables into conduit tubing adds a layer of protection your pup won’t be able to gnaw through. You can use a trusted app to hop on a video call and consult an electrician for advice who’ll walk you through your options, offering real-time solutions based on your setup. You’ll also be able to find local, background-checked pros who can handle the job in person.

Pallet Projects for Practical Pet Perks

Wood pallets are a goldmine for budget DIYers, especially when you’ve got a dog in the house. You can build everything from raised food bowls to outdoor platforms where your pup can perch or nap. Most of the time, you can find pallets for free behind grocery stores or warehouses—just be sure they haven’t been chemically treated. Sand them down, slap on some paint, and you’ve got a solid, dog-friendly project that looks good and costs next to nothing.

Keeping Them Cool in the Heat

Dogs can’t regulate heat as well as humans do, so giving them a place to cool off is key—especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. You don’t need a fancy dog pool or air-conditioned dog house either. A kiddie pool from the dollar store works just fine for splashing around, and a cheap canopy or shade sail can keep the sun off their backs. Freeze water bottles or wet towels and place them in shaded spots to help them cool down even more when the temperature spikes.

Paw Protection Starts at the Door

If you’ve got hardwood floors or tile, your dog’s paws might take more of a beating than you realize. Rugs and runners—especially the kind with non-slip backing—can save your dog some strain and help prevent accidents. You don’t have to buy new ones; hit up thrift stores or check online marketplaces for gently used options. And for muddy days, setting up a small paw-washing station near the door with a bucket and towel can keep both paws and floors in better shape.

Entertainment Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated at home is just as important as getting them out for walks. You can make your own toys and puzzles out of things you already have—old T-shirts can be braided into tug toys, and cardboard boxes become treasure chests with a few treats hidden inside. Even simple games like hide-and-seek with treats around the house can engage their brain. It doesn’t take much money—just a little time and creativity.

You don’t need a huge budget or a brand-new home to make your space more comfortable for your dog. Most of the improvements that really matter come from understanding your dog’s needs and using what you already have to meet them. Whether it’s setting up a special nook for rest, keeping their paws safe, or giving them something to play with, the little things add up. What you’re really building is trust—and that’s more valuable to your dog than any fancy product ever could be.

Discover expert insights on animal behavior and training from Susan Bulanda, a certified consultant and author. Explore her blog for practical advice and inspiring stories that deepen your connection with pets.

What It Takes to Start and Run a Sustainable Pet Business

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Cindy Aldridge, cindy@ourdogfriends.org

There’s a gentle rebellion happening in quiet corners of cities and suburbs alike. People are building businesses that don’t bulldoze the planet, especially in the pet care space, where ethics and affection collide. You see it in the compostable poop bags, the cruelty-free shampoos, the local, low-waste doggy daycares. If you’re someone who cares about the environment and can’t help but coo at a golden retriever in booties, starting a pet care business rooted in sustainability may feel less like a career and more like a calling. But make no mistake, it still demands spreadsheets, sweat, and strategy. You can’t just wing it with good intentions and a compost bin.

Choose Your Niche

Don’t let the word “pet” fool you; it’s a wide world out there. From high-end grooming vans with solar panels to subscription boxes for gerbils, the possibilities spiral fast. Start by picking one lane and owning it. The most grounded way to do that is to look into profitable pet services already out there and ask yourself where your values intersect with demand. Is it organic pet treats? Low-stimulation dog walking for senior pups? Think like a caretaker, but plan like a capitalist. Even good hearts need to keep the lights on.

Sustainable Practices

This is where your ideals become infrastructure. Sustainability in pet care goes beyond tossing recyclables in the blue bin. If you’re opening a pet grooming studio, swap single-use plastics for glass or biodegradable alternatives. For in-home services, plan routes efficiently to reduce emissions or offer virtual check-ins for anxious pet parents. There’s a growing movement encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability without tanking your bottom line. Even small gestures like repurposing towels or using local suppliers can build credibility. You’re not just cutting waste, you’re creating a business with a conscience.

photo from Freepik

Licensing and Legalities

Paperwork doesn’t purr, but it keeps you out of trouble. You’ll need a business license, possibly animal-specific certifications, and maybe even zoning approvals depending on your location. Insurance is non-negotiable. And don’t forget the money—it costs to register, insure, and outfit a startup, especially one where animals are involved. A breakdown of the costs to start a pet sitting or dog walking business might open your eyes to how quickly expenses can stack up. Budget more than you think and plan for the surprises. They always come.

Build Your Business Know-How

It’s tempting to believe that passion alone will carry you, but the truth is that a little financial fluency goes a long way. If profit margins and marketing metrics make your eyes glaze over, consider going back to school—seriously. A flexible business management degree program can give you the vocabulary and structure you need to turn a dream into a functioning, ethical company. Most online programs are designed for busy people juggling work, pets, and life. Don’t mistake this as fluff education. It’s a power move for anyone who wants to play the long game.

Marketing and Community Engagement

The best customers are the ones who believe in your mission as much as your services. To reach them, get local. Partner with eco-conscious pet brands, show up at green markets, host adoption events. Most importantly, start telling stories on Instagram, via email newsletters, at meetups. You don’t need a PR firm to build a community around your business, but you do need consistency and heart. Customers notice when your messaging feels real and your mission runs deeper than the About page. Be the kind of business people root for.

Scaling Your Business

Growth should feel intentional, not like you’re getting pulled behind a runaway sled dog. Before hiring staff or expanding into new services, track what’s working and what feels clunky. Does demand justify duplication? Are you delivering at the same quality, or are you stretched too thin to care about the compost bin? Scaling can be sustainable if it follows the same ethos you started with—low impact, high integrity, human-paced. Your future team should share your values and your vision, not just your logo.

Starting a sustainable pet care business isn’t a Sunday side hustle or a cute hobby. It’s a commitment, like any real relationship. One between you, your values, your clients, and yes, the animals that make it all worth it. If you do it right, your work becomes more than just transactions and tail wags. It becomes a daily demonstration that capitalism doesn’t have to be careless. Just careful, thoughtful, and a little bit obsessed with doing things better.

Dive into the captivating world of animal behavior and pet care at Susan Bulanda’s Blog, where passion for pets meets scientific exploration!

available at http://www.sbulanda.com

Dog fur vs dog hair. What is the difference? Does it matter to people who are allergic to dogs?

/ susanbulanda / 1 Comment

Dogs have a wide range of coat types, from very short with no undercoat to very long with dense undercoats to everything in between. Their fur can be silky soft to wiry hard.

The truth is that chemically, both dog hair and fur are the same, so what is the difference?  Dog hair has a longer growth cycle, similar to a person’s hair that will grow long if not trimmed. Dog fur always stays the same length. For example, you never see a long haired Boxer or Pointer and you never have a Poodle that does not need a haircut.

One difference between fur and hair is the texture. Hair is finer, often softer and usually wavy or curly. When you have a dog with hair that does not have an undercoat, is wavy or curly, the hair will trap the shedding hair and dander inside the coat, giving the impression that the dog does not shed and is allergen-free.

Dogs that have silky coats, regardless if they have a longer growth cycle or not, have a greater risk of having their coats mat, the longer the coat, the greater chance that it will mat. This means that the dog’s owner must groom their dog on a daily basis.

Mats are caused by the individual hairs twisting and forming a dense tangle of hair. Often the mats work themselves into such tight clumps close to the skin that the base of the hair will constantly pull, causing considerable pain for the dog. The closer the mat works itself to the skin, the more difficult it is to remove it and the greater risk there is in nicking the dog’s skin while trying to remove the mat. Maybe some of you remember as a child having tangles in your hair and how it hurt to pull them out. A mat in a dog’s coat hurts even more than that.

The most common places for mats to form are behind the ears, in the “arm pits” by the front legs and between the dog’s toes.

When you consider what type of dog to own, it is important to consider the grooming needs of the dog based on the type of coat it has. For those people who purchase mixed breed dogs, such as Labradoodles, or any Poodle mix, there is no way to tell what type of coat the dog will have. These dogs are not hypoallergenic as some people claim.

If a person is looking for a dog for themselves or family who has allergies, it is best to check with a doctor that is an ENT-Allergist or a doctor that specializes in allergies to see what preventative measures can be taken. It would be a good idea to spend time with the breed of dog you are considering to see if there is an allergic reaction. Sometimes people can tolerate a very short haired dog such as a terrier but cannot tolerate a short haired dog in the hunting group.

Breeds of dogs that are bred to be water dogs, such as Labradors, typically have more oil in their coats to protect them from the water, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Another factor to consider which only a doctor can test for is the degree that you are allergic to dogs. Some people have a mild allergic reaction and medication can keep it in control. Some people cannot tolerate dogs at all. Also keep in mind that part of living with a dog when you have an allergy to dogs is keeping your house what I call, allergy clean. The dog dander and hair can build up in a home, especially in carpet, which can contribute to a person’s allergic reaction over time.

With a little bit of research and by knowing the truth about dog hair/fur, someone who wants a dog but is allergic to them, or wants a mixed breed dog can determine what type of dog to get. For those with allergies it is always safer to stick with a purebred dog because you can be sure of what you are getting. Most quality purebred dogs cost the same and sometimes less, than the over-priced “designer” mixed breed dogs that are available which are no more hypoallergenic than any other dog.

Breed Specific Legislation -Bully Breeds

/ susanbulanda / 2 Comments

Breed specific legislation has become a worldwide phenomenon, targeting for the most part the American Pit Bull terrier and any dog that resembles a Pit Bull or what is sometimes called a Bully breed. What is even sadder is that after over ten years of this prejudice, it continues. Many shelters will not adopt dogs that fit this description and often people who are interested in adopting a dog will avoid dogs that are labeled a Bully breed or look like one.

The fallacy of this attitude is that the behavior of an individual dog cannot be completely determined by its breed. Ironically, the Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier are the only breeds that were bred not to bite their handlers in a situation where redirected aggression would likely occur.  

Because of breed specific legislation dogs that are labeled as Bully breeds often are killed or misused. The owners of these dogs are penalized if they try to get homeowners insurance or rent a place to live. The real tragedy is that dogs are often judged by how they look. A recent study has shown that veterinarians and shelter workers are often asked to identify what breed(s) a dog is, and the dog is labeled accordingly. DNA tests on the dogs classified as Bully breeds have shown that they were mislabeled up to 48% of the time. The study also showed that dogs labeled as a Bully breed often dramatically decreased their chances of being adopted.

This is very sad because most of the assessments were done by merely looking at the dog. It is often very difficult to determine what a dog is just by looking at it. For example, what would a Boxer/Labrador mix look like? Or a Boxer mixed with two or three other breeds. Consider what a Bull Terrier or even a Boston terrier mix would look like or a Bulldog mix. Even consider what a Rottweiler mix could look like.

The chances of a dog being a mix of something other than a Pit Bull is very likely.   Consider the fad of creating “designer” dogs. Keep in mind that designer dogs are a fancy name for mixed breed dogs that are usually a cross breed.

free clip art

Why then does it seem that the Bully breeds or Pit bulls have more attacks and sometimes fatal attacks on people? The answer is twofold. One it has to do with the way the dog was raised. Often the dog is purchased for protection, dog fighting, or as a status symbol. In many cases the dog’s owner does not know how, or care to properly train and socialize the dog. Two, poor breeding and improper breeding can create a litter of dogs that are more aggressive than the breed standard dictates. If you add a lack of proper socialization to that, there is a high risk that the puppies from that litter will have behavior problems, aggression being one of them. This is also true for any other breed or mixed breed of dog.

Also consider that many small dog bites are not reported because they do not do the damage that a larger dog bite does. If a small dog bites and it is reported, the media does not sensationalize it the way they do if it is a Pit Bull or Bully breed attack. What this means is that statistically there may be many more dog bites from other breeds of dogs.

Throughout history various dogs had the reputation of attacking people. There was a time that people feared the Doberman Pinscher, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Today it is the Pit Bull and Bully breeds.

I recall years ago when I was showing my red Doberman that a teenage girl came up and was loving and kissing my dog, who was kissing her back and wiggling with delight. She asked me if this was a Vizsla? I said no that it was a Doberman. She gasped, quickly pulled back and said, “I’m afraid of them.”

It is interesting that in a day when we have become politically correct to the point of adnauseam, we treat our dogs the complete opposite.  

In conclusion it would seem that until we hold owners more accountable for the behavior of their dogs, and until we properly identify what a breed(s) a dog is, Pit bull and Bully breeds will continue to be a target and suffer as a result. Ironically there are other breeds of dogs that are truly unsafe, yet no one targets those breeds.  

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160217140622.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fdogs+%28Dogs+News+–+ScienceDaily%29

How Pets Heal Hearts and Brighten Lives: The Science of Their Amazing Impact

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

By Guest Blogger, Cindy Aldridge

cindy@ourdogfriends.org

Pet ownership is more than just a source of joy—it’s a gateway to better health and a more fulfilling life. From reducing stress levels to promoting physical activity, the bond between humans and their pets profoundly impacts overall well-being. This article explores how pets contribute to a healthier, happier lifestyle, showcasing their unique role in enriching our lives.

The Mutual Benefits of Pet Interaction

Spending time with pets like dogs and cats can be a delightful way to unwind and reduce stress. Engaging in regular playtime and maintaining a consistent routine with your furry friend can help lower cortisol levels, a key stress hormone. This benefits your health and positively impacts your pet’s well-being, as your stress can affect them, too. Consider working from home occasionally or arranging for a pet sitter if your pet shows signs of stress. These steps can create a more harmonious environment, enhancing your and your pet’s health and happiness.

Boosting Your Immune System with Pet Companionship

Owning a pet can be a delightful way to boost your immune system. Sharing your home with a pet, especially a dog, exposes you to various microbes that can strengthen your body’s defenses. Research indicates that children raised with pets often develop a more diverse gut microbiome, which is associated with a lower risk of asthma and allergies. This aligns with the hygiene hypothesis, suggesting that early exposure to microbes can help the immune system manage allergens more effectively.

The Mental Health Benefits of Pet Care Routines

Establishing a routine through feeding, grooming, and exercising your pet provides structure and instills a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This routine can be particularly beneficial for those facing mental health challenges, as it encourages regular physical activity and fosters a stable environment. The bond you form with your pet through non-verbal communication can uplift your mood and alleviate anxiety. Studies suggest that over 60% of dog owners achieve recommended exercise levels, highlighting the physical benefits of pet ownership.

How Therapy Animals Help with Mental Health

Therapy animals have increasingly become a vital component of mental health care, offering comfort and support to individuals facing challenges such as PTSD and autism. Their calming presence can significantly enhance social skills, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional stability across diverse groups. For example, equine-assisted therapy involves interactions with horses and is particularly effective in building trust and facilitating emotional healing. Additionally, service dogs are trained to address specific needs, such as providing mobility support or detecting health issues like low blood sugar, enhancing independence and quality of life.

The Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

Delving into the science of the human-animal bond reveals its significant impact on health and well-being. Engaging with pets can lower blood pressure and ease anxiety, mainly due to releasing hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which foster happiness and relaxation. The companionship of a pet can alleviate loneliness and depression, enhancing your overall quality of life. Understanding these dynamics lets you appreciate how pets contribute to a healthier, more fulfilling life.  

freepik

Pets are more than just companions; they are catalysts for improved health and happiness. Their presence can transform daily routines, offering emotional support and fostering a sense of purpose. As we continue to explore the profound connections between humans and animals, it becomes clear that pets play an integral role in enhancing our lives. Embrace the unique benefits they bring, and let these bonds enrich your journey toward well-being.

Discover the fascinating world of canine intelligence and groundbreaking research at Susan Bulanda’s Blog, (website) sbulanda.com where passion for pets meets scientific exploration!

Sit, Stay, Prosper: How Dog Training Became a Big Business

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Kallisti Publishing

The next time you pass a well-behaved dog walking serenely on a leash, tail wagging in perfect harmony with its owner, take a moment to appreciate the silent partner in that picture-perfect moment: the dog trainer. Behind every happy canine and relieved pet parent, there’s likely a professional who taught Fido how to sit, stay, and maybe even stop chewing the couch cushions.

Dog training has quietly grown from a charming pastime into a booming industry that combines passion, practicality, and profit. As Americans pour billions of dollars annually into their pets, the demand for professional trainers has skyrocketed. For those who love dogs and want to make a career out of that affection, it’s never been a better time to enter the field.

“Dogs are family now,” says Susan Bulanda, a veteran trainer, internationally recognized canine behavior expert, and author of The Business of Dog Training: How to Succeed as a Professional Dog Trainer (Kallisti Publishing, 2024). “People are investing in their pets like never before, and that includes making sure they’re well-trained and happy. This shift has created incredible opportunities for trainers.”

A Pawsitively Booming Industry

Gone are the days when dog training was little more than a niche service. Today, the industry offers a dazzling array of opportunities. Trainers can specialize in everything from puppy socialization and basic obedience to advanced fields like agility sports, therapy dog certification, and service dog training.

Jessica Ramirez, a trainer based in Austin, Texas, discovered this firsthand. “When I started during the pandemic, I thought I’d stick to basic obedience classes,” she says. “But the demand kept growing—puppy owners wanted socialization, working professionals needed help with separation anxiety, and a surprising number of people wanted their dogs to learn fun tricks.”

Ramirez now runs a six-figure business with three employees, offering services that range from one-on-one consultations to group classes and even virtual training. “It’s incredible how many options there are,” she adds. “This isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle.”

And it’s a lucrative one. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that spending on pet services, including training, reached over $11 billion in 2023. With 65 million American households owning at least one dog, this number is only expected to grow.

Why Now?

The rise of the dog training industry can be traced to several factors. For one, the pandemic prompted a nationwide “puppy boom.” Millions of Americans adopted pets, often for the first time, and quickly realized they needed help teaching their new companions how to behave.

“Pandemic puppies changed everything,” says Andrew Mitchell, a Denver-based trainer who left his corporate marketing job to pursue his passion for working with dogs. “Suddenly, people were home all day with these energetic animals and had no idea how to handle them. That’s when trainers became essential.”

Urbanization is another driver. As more people move into cities and apartments, the importance of having a well-behaved dog grows. “A barking or aggressive dog can strain relationships with neighbors,” says Bulanda. “Training ensures harmony in these close-quarters living situations.”

Moreover, dogs are no longer seen as just pets—they’re companions, family members, even emotional support systems. “Training isn’t about control anymore,” Bulanda adds. “It’s about communication. People want to connect with their dogs, and trainers help make that possible.”

The Joys and Challenges of Training

Despite the industry’s many rewards, dog training isn’t without its challenges. Trainers must master both canine behavior and human psychology. “Training a dog is often the easy part,” says Mitchell. “The harder part is teaching the owners. You need to be patient, empathetic, and a great communicator.”

For Ramirez, the emotional rewards outweigh the challenges. She recalls working with a rescue dog named Daisy who had a deep fear of loud noises. “Her owners were ready to give up,” Ramirez says. “But after weeks of gradual training, Daisy became a completely different dog—confident and calm. Seeing that transformation is why I do this.”

Bulanda agrees. “Training changes lives—for the dog and the family. It’s one of the most meaningful careers you can have.”

How to Get Started

Starting a dog training business is surprisingly accessible. Most trainers begin with a certification from organizations like the International Association of Canine Professionals or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. These programs teach foundational skills, from reading canine body language to implementing training techniques.

For those serious about building a career, resources like Bulanda’s The Business of Dog Training offer valuable guidance. The book provides practical advice on everything from understanding dog behavior to marketing services and managing a business. Drawing on decades of experience, Bulanda outlines the path to becoming a successful trainer in an increasingly competitive field.

“You don’t need a huge investment to start,” she says. “A few basic tools, some education, and a lot of dedication can go a long way.”

The Future of Dog Training

The industry’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. As more Americans embrace the human-animal bond, the demand for skilled trainers will only increase. This expansion opens the door for innovation, such as virtual training programs, mobile apps, and training packages tailored to specific breeds or behavioral issues.

“Dogs are incredibly adaptable, and so is this industry,” says Mitchell. “There’s always room for new ideas and approaches.”

For those considering a career change or looking for a side hustle, dog training offers a unique blend of profitability and purpose. It’s a career that allows people to work with animals, help others, and build a business—all while enjoying the companionship of man’s best friend.

“Dogs bring joy, loyalty, and love into our lives,” Bulanda reflects. “As trainers, we have the privilege of helping them thrive while creating lasting bonds with their owners. It’s a career filled with heart, and it’s one I’d recommend to anyone who loves dogs and wants to make a difference.”

A Career That Changes Lives

Whether you’re looking to leave behind the corporate grind or turn your passion for animals into a thriving business, dog training offers endless opportunities. With the right skills, a willingness to learn, and resources like The Business of Dog Training, you can build a career that’s not only financially rewarding but emotionally fulfilling.

So, the next time you see a dog sitting calmly at its owner’s feet or walking politely on a leash, remember: that’s the work of a trainer. And it might just be your next great career move.

Blindness in dogs–X-linked retinitis pigmentosa cured

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

A team from the University of Pennsylvania announced that they have cured X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, a blinding retinal disease in dogs when caught early. XLRP causes gradual vision loss starting at a very young age in dogs, often as early as five weeks. It is an inherited retinal disease.

http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/retinitis-pigmentosa

Continuing the research the veterinarian researchers found that the gene therapy helped dogs at 12 weeks of age (mid-stage disease) when about 40% of the eye’s photoreceptor cells were dead and then at 26 weeks of age (late-stage) when 50 – 60% of the cells were dead.  What the researchers found was that they were able to halt the degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the treated area.

Now they’ve shown that they can cure the canine disease over the long term, even when the treatment is given after half or more of the affected photoreceptor cells have been destroyed.

To date, dogs have maintained their vision for over two years after treatment. This is very exciting because humans suffer from the same type of blindness. With that in mind, researchers are already examining human patients to determine how to treat their blindness and who might qualify for future treatments.

Again, man’s best friend is offering hope to humans who suffer from this type of cell death that causes blindness. Since this is an inherited disease, breeders should have their dogs examined by a certified canine ophthalmologist and register their dogs with the Canine Eye Registration Foundation, CERF. http://www.tctc.com/~maplerg/cerf-.htm   This will help researchers continue to develop cures for blindness as well as prevent the breeding of dogs who have this inherited disease.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151012174519.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fdogs+%28Dogs+News+–+ScienceDaily%29

Sue’s Note: All pets who are blind can live a happy life. My cat is blind and is happy and safe. It helps if things are not moved around or left out in the open where the blind pet will bump into them. Blind pets should never be allowed outside unless they are in a fenced area or on a leash.

My blind cat, Mimi

New research about overeating

/ susanbulanda / 1 Comment

UCLA psychologists have discovered a circuit in the brain of mice that makes them crave food and seek it out, even when they are not hungry. What is interesting about this discovery is that when the group of cells is stimulated, the mice seek fatty and pleasurable foods such as chocolate instead of healthier foods such as carrots.

The area of the brain where the cells are located is called the periaqueductal gray which is in the brainstem. When these cells are stimulated, the mice are so driven to eat that they will endure foot shocks to get to the food. The opposite occurs when the researchers inject a virus that produces a protein that reduces the cells activity even hungry mice foraged less.

“Like mice, humans also possess vgat PAG cells in the brainstem. It could be that if this circuit is overactive in a person, they might feel more rewarded by eating or crave food when not hungry. Conversely, if this circuit is not active enough, they could have less pleasure associated with eating, potentially contributing to anorexia. If found in humans, the food-seeking circuit could become the treatment target for some kinds of eating disorders.”

Sue’s Note: If mice have this cluster of cells, it stands to reason that other animals have it as well. Could this be why some of our pets overeat and some have low appetites?

Journal Reference:

  1. Fernando M. C. V. Reis, Sandra Maesta-Pereira, Matthias Ollivier, Peter J. Schuette, Ekayana Sethi, Blake A. Miranda, Emily Iniguez, Meghmik Chakerian, Eric Vaughn, Megha Sehgal, Darren C. T. Nguyen, Faith T. H. Yuan, Anita Torossian, Juliane M. Ikebara, Alexandre H. Kihara, Alcino J. Silva, Jonathan C. Kao, Baljit S. Khakh, Avishek Adhikari. Control of feeding by a bottom-up midbrain-subthalamic pathway. Nature Communications, 2024; 15 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46430-5

Cite This Page:

University of California – Los Angeles. “Craving snacks after a meal? It might be food-seeking neurons, not an overactive appetite.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 March 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240320122517.htm>.

Heart murmurs in dogs

/ susanbulanda / 1 Comment

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have perfected an algorithm that can accurately detect heart murmurs in dogs. A heart murmur is the main indicator of cardiac disease such as mitral valve disease. About one in thirty dogs develop this, especially small dogs such as the King Charles Spaniels. The algorithm was originally designed for use on humans, but the team was able to adjust the program to detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs.

In humans, mitral valve disease can only be corrected by surgery, but medication is available for dogs. This program will allow the general practitioner veterinarian to accurately determine if a dog has heart disease earlier and treat the dog, increasing its quality of life and longevity.   

Journal Reference:

  1. Andrew McDonald, Jose Novo Matos, Joel Silva, Catheryn Partington, Eve J. Y. Lo, Virginia Luis Fuentes, Lara Barron, Penny Watson, Anurag Agarwal. A machine‐learning algorithm to grade heart murmurs and stage preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2024; DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17224

Cite This Page:

University of Cambridge. “AI algorithm accurately detects heart disease in dogs.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 October 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241028211501.htm>.

Dogs understand words from a soundboard

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

A new study investigated whether dogs understand the words on a soundboard or if they were responding to cues from their owners. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California San Diego as well as other institutions and have proven that dogs who are trained with soundboard buttons can comprehend specific words and will perform contextually appropriate responses. The study was led by Federico Rossano who is an associate professor in the Department of Cognitive Science at UC San Diego and is head of the comparative Cognition Lab. This study was the first empirical study from the world’s largest longitudinal or panel study of button-trained pets.

The way the study was conducted removed bias, owner cues, and showed that the dogs truly did understand the words on the sound board. One of the more important findings is that it shows the complexities of dog cognition and communication.

Sue’s Note: Since I first started training dogs and working as a behaviorist, we have come a long way in understanding how intelligent dogs (and other animals) are. One of the key lessons that we as pet owners must keep in mind, is that dogs are much smarter than previously thought and understand much more than most people give them credit for. This is important to keep in mind when training any animal. What you do and how you do it is critical in building your relationship with your dog or other pet and having them understand what you are teaching them or want them to do. This is why it is very important to use the same word for a specific command. For example, do not use the word DOWN to tell your dog to get off you or furniture and then say the same word to tell your dog to lie down.

Journal Reference:

  1. Amalia P. M. Bastos, Ashley Evenson, Patrick M. Wood, Zachary N. Houghton, Lucas Naranjo, Gabriella E. Smith, Alexandria Cairo-Evans, Lisa Korpos, Jack Terwilliger, Sarita Raghunath, Cassandra Paul, Hairou Hou, Federico Rossano. How do soundboard-trained dogs respond to human button presses? An investigation into word comprehension. PLOS ONE, 2024; 19 (8): e0307189 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307189

Cite This Page:

University of California – San Diego. “Dogs understand words from soundboard buttons.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 28 August 2024. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240828154926.htm>.