Flat-faced dogs like Pugs and Frenchies may seem extra friendly, but new research shows size, training, and “spoiling” often shape their behavior more than head shape – though some traits are likely hardwired. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, Behavior, Training, Eötvös Loránd University| Pets
A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a haptic feedback vest and camera system for a blind dog known as Kunde. The vest helps guide the dog through daily obstacles and the hope is that it will soon do the same for other pups. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Haptics, Rice University, Dogs, Vision, Blindness, Navigation| Pets
Since the first time I tried a retractable leash to walk my dog over a decade ago, I've never used a regular leash. I thought that was one of the best inventions of all time for tackling a daily chore. But it looks like a bit of clever tech might have just made it way better. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Kickstarter, Dogs, Control, Safety| Pets
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have identified a bunch of genes linked to obesity in dogs – and found the very same ones in humans predisposed to putting on weight too. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, Obesity, Genetics, DNA| Pets
While some pet owners may disagree, it's widely accepted that around 80% of dogs will engage in fetching 'play' behaviors with their humans. But scientists have now found out that almost half of domesticated cats will also chase and return objects to their owners. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Purdue University, Cats, Animal science| Pets
In the world of dogs and cats, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that canines seem more optimistic and felines less so. But a dog's optimism can apparently be dampened by their human's emotional state, according to new research. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, Odor, Stress, Smell, University of Bristol| Pets
If you've ever seen TV cat behavioralist Jackson Galaxy at work, you'll know that while we may (well, many of us) love feline company, there's a lot we don't understand about their needs. Now, a new study delves deep into the domestic lives of cat families to find out just why furniture is being scratched up and how to actually prevent it. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Ankara University, Cats, Stress, Animal science, Behavior| Pets
The "tough mutt" phenomenon is well known among dog owners. The thinking goes that a dog with one or more breeds mixed into its genetic recipe is going to be healthier and more able to fight off a range of health woes than purebred dogs, which sometimes have a more precious reputation. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, Texas A&M Universty, Canines, Health| Pets
An 11-year-old Whippet called Boo is the first dog enrolled in a study to trial a drug designed to extend the healthy lifespan of senior dogs of almost all sizes. On the back of excitement generated by the drug’s predecessor, which was made for large-breed dogs, the researchers are calling on owners of older dogs across the US to enroll in the study. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, anti-aging, Health, Seniors| Pets
RFID cat flaps are great for keeping unwelcome animals from wandering into your house, but they don't stop your cat from bringing dead animals into said dwelling. The ZeroMouse was designed to address that shortcoming, by blocking access to cats that are carrying prey. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Kickstarter, Cats, Mice, RFID, Artificial Intelligence| Pets
Many people seatbelt their dog on car rides, but they don't want the critter messing up the seats. The Rubicon Dog is designed with just such folks in mind, as it safely secures pooches while containing their loose fur and dirty paws. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Kickstarter, Dogs, Seat| Pets
Regular water-changes are essential to the wellbeing of aquarium fish, but the task sometimes gets missed, plus it can be difficult to determine how much water should be replaced, and how often. That's where the automated StayrAI Rein system comes in. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Aquariums, Kickstarter, Water, Fish, Automation| Pets
The bond between humans and dogs has existed for thousands of years. Often, the decision to get a Rottweiler over a Chihuahua is made based on personality. A new study has found that while the breed is an important factor, a dog’s personality is determined by a complex interaction between genetics and environment. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:Dogs, Personality, Genetics, Environment, University of Helsinki| Pets
As the perception of plant-based diets slowly shifts away from the image of a lettuce leaf on a plate, it’s no surprise to find that the popularity of this style of eating is now crossing over into meals for our canine companions. Continue Reading Category:Pets, Lifestyle Tags:University of Illinois, Dogs, Veganism, Pet-owners| Pets
Sometimes pets need some love and affection, sometimes they need to be fed, sometimes they need some play, and other times they can go wandering and need to be tracked down. Here you'll find gadgets and devices designed to meet all these needs and more.| New Atlas
As more people embrace veganism, for health, ethics, or the planet, they're bumping into a furry conundrum: what do you feed your meat-loving dog when you don't eat meat yourself? It's a real ethical puzzle. After all, is it right to serve animal products to your animal when you're trying to avoid…| New Atlas