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Aromaa M, Putro H, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Comparison of habitual physical activity in French Bulldogs, Pugs and normocephalic dogs by accelerometry. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e60. [PMID: 38487414 PMCID: PMC10936329 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a major welfare concern in flat-faced dog breeds. As BOAS causes respiratory difficulties and exercise intolerance, it can reduce dogs' daily quality of life (QOL). However, evaluation of QOL in dogs is difficult, and many owners perceive BOAS signs as 'normal' for the breed. Accelerometers that measure frequency, duration and intensity of activities can offer an objective way of evaluating dogs' daily activity and thereby deliver potential insights into QOL. The aim of this study was to assess habitual physical activity of 48 brachycephalic and 23 non-brachycephalic dogs using accelerometers. The accelerometers were used for one week and owners filled in a questionnaire regarding their dog's well-being and activities. Veterinary-assessed BOAS grading for brachycephalic dogs was determined. Compared with controls, more severely affected French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly lower total activity counts and spent less time in high activity. In Pugs, mildly affected dogs were also less active, but age can be a contributing factor here, as older age decreased activity in Pugs and controls showed a wider age range. In French Bulldogs, those dogs with no or mild signs of BOAS did not differ from controls regarding their daily activity. In conclusion, accelerometers were easy to use for objective measurement of daily activity in bracycephalic dogs, although a degree of discomfort due to the collar was reported. Results showed that BOAS signs were associated with decreased habitual physical activity. These findings emphasise the importance of actions taken to reduce incidence of BOAS in brachycephalic breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Putro
- Veterinary surgery Eläinlääkäriasema HauMau, Hietaniemenkatu 7, FI-00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Benis A, Haghi M, Deserno TM, Tamburis O. One Digital Health Intervention for Monitoring Human and Animal Welfare in Smart Cities: Viewpoint and Use Case. JMIR Med Inform 2023; 11:e43871. [PMID: 36305540 DOI: 10.2196/43871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Smart cities and digital public health are closely related. Managing digital transformation in urbanization and living spaces is challenging. It is critical to prioritize the emotional and physical health and well-being of humans and their animals in the dynamic and ever-changing environment they share. Human-animal bonds are continuous as they live together or share urban spaces and have a mutual impact on each other's health as well as the surrounding environment. In addition, sensors embedded in the Internet of Things are everywhere in smart cities. They monitor events and provide appropriate responses. In this regard, accident and emergency informatics (A&EI) offers tools to identify and manage overtime hazards and disruptive events. Such manifold focuses fit with One Digital Health (ODH), which aims to transform health ecosystems with digital technology by proposing a comprehensive framework to manage data and support health-oriented policies. We showed and discussed how, by developing the concept of ODH intervention, the ODH framework can support the comprehensive monitoring and analysis of daily life events of humans and animals in technologically integrated environments such as smart homes and smart cities. We developed an ODH intervention use case in which A&EI mechanisms run in the background. The ODH framework structures the related data collection and analysis to enhance the understanding of human, animal, and environment interactions and associated outcomes. The use case looks at the daily journey of Tracy, a healthy woman aged 27 years, and her dog Mego. Using medical Internet of Things, their activities are continuously monitored and analyzed to prevent or manage any kind of health-related abnormality. We reported and commented on an ODH intervention as an example of a real-life ODH implementation. We gave the reader examples of a "how-to" analysis of Tracy and Mego's daily life activities as part of a timely implementation of the ODH framework. For each activity, relationships to the ODH dimensions were scored, and relevant technical fields were evaluated in light of the Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable principles. This "how-to" can be used as a template for further analyses. An ODH intervention is based on Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable data and real-time processing for global health monitoring, emergency management, and research. The data should be collected and analyzed continuously in a spatial-temporal domain to detect changes in behavior, trends, and emergencies. The information periodically gathered should serve human, animal, and environmental health interventions by providing professionals and caregivers with inputs and "how-to's" to improve health, welfare, and risk prevention at the individual and population levels. Thus, ODH complementarily combined with A&EI is meant to enhance policies and systems and modernize emergency management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arriel Benis
- Department of Digital Medical Technologies, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
- Working Group "One Digital Health", European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
- Working Group "One Digital Health", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mostafa Haghi
- Ubiquitous Computing Laboratory, Department of Computer Science, HTWG Konstanz - University of Applied Sciences, Konstanz, Germany
- Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Braunschweig, Germany
- Working Group "Accident & Emergency Informatics", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas M Deserno
- Peter L. Reichertz Institute for Medical Informatics of TU Braunschweig and Hannover Medical School, Braunschweig, Germany
- Working Group "Accident & Emergency Informatics", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Oscar Tamburis
- Working Group "One Digital Health", European Federation for Medical Informatics (EFMI), Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland
- Working Group "One Digital Health", International Medical Informatics Association (IMIA), Chene-Bourg, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
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3
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Mondino A, Khan M, Case B, Giovagnoli S, Thomson A, Lascelles BDX, Gruen M, Olby N. Activity patterns are associated with fractional lifespan, memory, and gait speed in aged dogs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2588. [PMID: 36788306 PMCID: PMC9929073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29181-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maintaining an active lifestyle is considered a hallmark of successful aging. Physical activity significantly reduces the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in humans. However, pain and lack of motivation are important barriers to exercise. Dogs are a remarkable model for translational studies in aging and cognition as they are prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction syndrome, which has many similarities with Alzheimer's disease. According to owner reports, changes in activity levels are characteristic of this syndrome, with decreased daytime activity, but also excessive pacing, especially at sleep time. We used physical activity monitors to record the activity of 27 senior dogs and evaluated the association between activity level and age, fractional lifespan, cognitive status measured by an owner questionnaire and cognitive tests. We also assessed the relationship between activity and joint/spinal pain, and the off/on leash gait speed ratio (a potential marker of gait speed reserve and motivation). We found that activity patterns in dogs are associated with fractional lifespan and working memory. Additionally, dogs with higher on/off leash gait speed are more active in the afternoon of weekdays. These results encourage future studies evaluating how physical activity can improve or delay cognitive impairment in senior dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Mondino
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Michael Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Beth Case
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sara Giovagnoli
- Department of Psychology "Renzo Canestrari", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Thomson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - B Duncan X Lascelles
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Translational Research in Pain, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Thurston Arthritis Center, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Translational Pain Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Margaret Gruen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Natasha Olby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Emotional Arousal Impacts Physical Health in Dogs: A Review of Factors Influencing Arousal, with Exemplary Case and Framework. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030465. [PMID: 36766354 PMCID: PMC9913250 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive emotional arousal has been shown to impact physiological health in both veterinary species and human animals. The focus of work in many models of veterinary behavioural medicine has predominantly been associated with reducing activation of the protective emotional systems; in particular, fear-anxiety. The management of the engaging emotional systems of desire-seeking, social play, care and lust has not traditionally been considered in the treatment of physiological health of veterinary species. This article reviews the literature in both veterinary and human fields on the relationship between emotional arousal of both protective and engaging emotional systems and physical health conditions. The current literature describing the regulatory control of sleep on emotional arousal is also discussed. An exemplary case report of a seven month old male entire Cocker Spaniel showing fly-snapping behaviour which had been non-responsive to leviteracetam (Keppra) is presented. The emotional health assessment and treatment of this case is described along with the short and long term (fourteen month follow up) outcomes to demonstrate that some patients presenting in this way can be effectively managed with an appropriate behavioural medicine treatment plan. The authors put forward the argument that an emotional health assessment should be considered an essential component of the work up of all such cases.
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Cunha Silva L, Friker B, Warembourg C, Kanankege K, Wera E, Berger-González M, Alvarez D, Dürr S. Habitat selection by free-roaming domestic dogs in rabies endemic countries in rural and urban settings. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20928. [PMID: 36463285 PMCID: PMC9719531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Domestic dogs can affect human health through bites and pathogen transmission, particularly in resource-poor countries where dogs, including owned ones, predominantly roam freely. Habitat and resource selection analysis methods are commonplace in wildlife studies but have not been used to investigate the environmental resource use of free-roaming domestic dogs (FRDD). The present study implements GPS devices to investigate habitat selection by FRDD from an urban site and a rural site in Indonesia, and one urban and two rural sites in Guatemala (N = 321 dogs). Spatial mixed effects logistic regression models, accounting for heterogeneous distribution of the resources, showed that patterns of habitat selection by FRDD were similar across study sites. The most preferred resources were anthropogenic, being buildings and roads, which implies selection for human proximity. Vegetation and open fields were less preferred and steep terrain was avoided, indicating that FRDD were synanthropic and that their space patterns likely optimised energy use. Results presented here provide novel data on FRDD habitat selection patterns, while improving our understanding of dog roaming behaviour. These findings provide insights into possible high-risk locations for pathogen transmission for diseases such as rabies, and can assist management authorities in the planning and deployment of efficient disease control campaigns, including oral vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cunha Silva
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland ,grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Brian Friker
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Warembourg
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kaushi Kanankege
- grid.17635.360000000419368657College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN USA
| | - Ewaldus Wera
- Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang), West Timor, Indonesia
| | - Monica Berger-González
- grid.8269.50000 0000 8529 4976Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala ,grid.416786.a0000 0004 0587 0574Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Danilo Alvarez
- grid.8269.50000 0000 8529 4976Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Salome Dürr
- grid.5734.50000 0001 0726 5157Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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6
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Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Dog Breeds Using Pedigree and Molecular Analysis: A Review. DIVERSITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/d14121054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Domestic dogs are important for many economic and social reasons, and they have become a well-known model species for human disease. According to research, dog breeds exhibit significant levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity loss, decreasing the population’s ability to adapt in certain conditions, and indicating the need of conservation strategies. Before the development of molecular markers, pedigree information was used for genetic diversity management. In recent years, genomic tools are frequently applied for accurate estimation of genetic diversity and improved genetic conservation due to incomplete pedigrees and pedigree errors. The most frequently used molecular markers include PCR-based microsatellite markers (STRs) and DNA sequencing-based single-nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNP). The aim of this review was to highlight genetic diversity studies on dog breeds conducted using pedigree and molecular markers, as well as the importance of genetic diversity conservation in increasing the adaptability and survival of dog breed populations.
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Essner A, Hesbach AL, Igelström H, Kjellerstedt C, Svensson K, Westerlind H. Physical activity and sport-specific training patterns in Swedish sporting and working trial dogs-A questionnaire survey. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:976000. [PMID: 36387412 PMCID: PMC9664515 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.976000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore physical activity patterns, including conditioning exercise and sport-specific training, and management routines utilized by handlers of Swedish sporting and working dogs participating in agility, obedience, rally obedience and working trial disciplines. PROCEDURES Dog handlers provided information on competition-level dogs through an internet-based cross-sectional and descriptive survey on physical activity, sport-specific training and management. Results are reported overall and stratified by participation in specific disciplines. RESULTS We received 1615 replies to the questionnaire. After data cleaning, 1582 dogs (98%) remained for the analysis. Of these, 430 participated in agility, 790 in obedience, 596 in rally obedience, and 847 dogs had competed in a working trial, i.e., messenger, protection, search or tracking. Number of disciplines performed by each dog varied between one and five. Most common was participation in one (n = 767, 48%) or two (n = 541, 34%) disciplines. Out of the dogs competing in one discipline, 38% (n = 294) were considered to be specialized as they actively trained only that discipline for ≥10 months per year. The vast majority of the dogs (n = 1129, 71%) received more than 1 h of daily physical activity, e.g., walks, and only n = 51 (3%) were never exercised off-leash. Preferred self-selected gait was trot (n = 907, 57%) and gallop (n = 499, 32%). A fifth (n = 319, 20%) never played with other dogs. The majority (n = 1328, 84%) received more than 1 h of vigorous physical conditioning exercise per week. Almost three quarters (n = 1119, 71%) participated in physical conditioning exercise. Two thirds (n = 953, 60%) participated in at least 3 h of sport-specific training per week and only a very small portion (n = 35, 2%) trained their specific discipline less than once per week. Median total work load, i.e., all daily physical activity, vigorous physical conditioning exercise and sport-specific training, was 16.5 h per week. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE We observe physical activity at moderate to high durations and moderate to vigorous intensities among Swedish sporting and working trial dogs. Most dogs received physical conditioning exercise, but not all dogs were warmed up before training and competition. Our study provides veterinary professionals and dog trainers with valuable insights on the physical exposures and management routines of sporting and working trial dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Essner
- Djurkliniken Gefle, IVC Evidensia, Gävle, Sweden,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden,*Correspondence: Ann Essner
| | | | - Helena Igelström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Helga Westerlind
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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McKenzie BA, Chen FL. Assessment and Management of Declining Physical Function in Aging Dogs. Top Companion Anim Med 2022; 51:100732. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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9
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Diurnal activity patterns of equally socialized and kept wolves, Canis lupus, and dogs, Canis lupus familiaris. Anim Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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10
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Wera E, Warembourg C, Bulu PM, Siko MM, Dürr S. Immune Response After Rabies Vaccination in Owned Free-Roaming Domestic Dogs in Flores Island, Indonesia. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:868380. [PMID: 35754536 PMCID: PMC9218352 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.868380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the main tool to prevent the circulation of rabies in dog populations. The development of an immune response after vaccination differs between individual dogs and depends on many factors such as dog characteristics, management, or genetics. Here, we first investigated the level of, and associated factors for, the presence of binding antibodies in 130 healthy dogs from Flores Island, Indonesia. Secondly, we identified factors associated with the development of binding antibodies within 30 days after vaccination among a subsample of dogs that had a binding antibody titre <0.5 EU/ml at the day of vaccination (D0, N = 91). Blood samples were collected from the individual dogs immediately before vaccination at D0 and 30 days after vaccination (D30). The rabies antibody titres were determined using ELISAs. Information on potential risk factors such as the dog's age and sex, history of vaccination, type and frequency of feeding, and BCS (body condition score) were gathered during interviews at D0. Regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of binding antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml at D0 for the 130 dogs and the development of binding antibody titre ≥0.5EU/ml at D30 for the 91 dogs. The results showed that the proportion of dogs with antibody titre ≥0.5 EU/ml was 30% (39/130) at D0. The only factors found to be significantly influencing the presence of binding antibodies titres ≥0.5 EU/ml was previous vaccination within 1 year before D0 [46.8 vs. 14.7%, Odds ratio (OR) = 3.6, 95%CI 1.5–9.3; p-value = 0.006], although the same trend was found for dogs of higher age and better BCS. Eighty-six percent (79/91) of dogs whose rabies binding antibody level was <0.5 EU/ml at D0 had developed an adequate immune response (≥0.5 EU/ml) at D30. Almost a significantly higher proportion developed an adequate immune response in dogs of good BCS compared to those of poor BCS (95.3% vs. 79.2%, OR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.1–32.5; p-value = 0.057. Twelve (13.2%) dogs retain binding antibody level <0.5 EU/ml at D30, indicating poor immune response after vaccination. A majority of them did not receive vaccine before D0 according to the owner and had poor BCS (83.3%; 10/12). Our findings show the high effectiveness of rabies vaccine in under field conditions to develop measurable immunity and the importance of a good BCS, often achievable by good dog keeping conditions, for developing efficient immunity after parenteral vaccination in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewaldus Wera
- Animal Health Study Program, Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang), Kupang, Indonesia
| | - Charlotte Warembourg
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petrus M Bulu
- Animal Health Study Program, Kupang State Agricultural Polytechnic (Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Kupang), Kupang, Indonesia
| | - Maria M Siko
- Animal Health Division, Agricultural Department of Sikka Regency, Maumere, Indonesia
| | - Salome Dürr
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Veterinary Public Health Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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11
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The activity patterns of nonworking and working sled dogs. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7999. [PMID: 35568695 PMCID: PMC9107014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11635-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited studies investigating the combined effects of biological, environmental, and human factors on the activity of the domestic dog. Sled dogs offer a unique opportunity to examine these factors due to their close relationship with handlers and exposure to the outdoors. Here, we used accelerometers to measure the activity of 52 sled dogs over 30 days from two locations in Canada. The two locations differ in the working demands of dogs, therefore we used linear mixed effects models to assess how different factors impact daytime and nighttime activity of working versus nonworking dogs. During the daytime, we found that males were more active than females among nonworking dogs and younger dogs were more active than older dogs among working dogs. Alaskan huskies had higher activity levels than non-Alaskan husky breeds in working sled dogs during the day. Nonworking dogs were slightly more active during colder weather, but temperature had no effect on working dogs’ activity. The strongest predictor of daytime activity in working dogs was work schedule. These results indicate that the influence of biological factors on activity varied depending on dogs’ physical demands and human activity was the most powerful driver of activity in working dogs.
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12
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McKenzie BA, Chen FL, Gruen ME, Olby NJ. Canine Geriatric Syndrome: A Framework for Advancing Research in Veterinary Geroscience. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:853743. [PMID: 35529834 PMCID: PMC9069128 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.853743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological aging is the single most important risk factor for disease, disability, and ultimately death in geriatric dogs. The effects of aging in companion dogs also impose significant financial and psychological burdens on their human caregivers. The underlying physiologic processes of canine aging may be occult, or early signs of aging may be ignored because of the misconception that biological aging is natural and therefore inevitable. The ability to detect, quantify, and mitigate the deleterious processes of canine aging would greatly enhance veterinary preventative medicine and animal welfare. In this paper we propose a new conceptual framework for aging in dogs, the Canine Geriatric Syndrome (CGS). CGS consists of the multiple, interrelated physical, functional, behavioral, and metabolic changes that characterize canine aging as well as the resulting clinical manifestations, including frailty, diminished quality of life, and age-associated disease. We also identify potential key components of a CGS assessment tool, a clinical instrument that would enable veterinarians to diagnose CGS and would facilitate the development and testing of interventions to prolong healthspan and lifespan in dogs by directly targeting the biological mechanisms of aging. There are many gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms and phenotype of aging in dogs that must be bridged before a CGS assessment tool can be deployed. The conceptual framework of CGS should facilitate identifying these gaps and should stimulate research to better characterize the processes and effects of aging in dogs and to identify the most promising preventative strategies to target these.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Frances L. Chen
- Cellular Longevity Inc., dba Loyal, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Margaret E. Gruen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Natasha J. Olby
- College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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Sparkes J, Körtner G, Ballard G, Fleming PJ. Spatial and temporal activity patterns of owned, free-roaming dogs in coastal eastern Australia. Prev Vet Med 2022; 204:105641. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Highlights of published papers in applied Animal Behaviour Science in 2021. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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15
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Pongrácz P, Camerlink I. Reaching out to the public – the increase of citizen science projects in applied ethology. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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16
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Hall EJ, Carter AJ, Farnworth MJ. Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human-Canine Relationships. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113302. [PMID: 34828033 PMCID: PMC8614552 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dog walking is important for maintaining the good health and welfare of pet dogs. Environmental factors such as weather conditions have been previously identified as potential barriers to dog walking but, so far, focus has been on the impact this has on the human. With more seasonal weather variation predicted due to climate change, it is unclear if weather also impacts on the willingness of dogs to undertake exercise and thus the overall activity levels of pet dogs. An online survey recruited 3153 respondents to outline the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on daily canine activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% less likely). In hot weather, 81.7% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and 87.0% reported less vigorous exercise by their dogs. As extreme weather events are likely to become more commonplace, it is likely this will negatively impact dog activity levels. Climate change mitigation strategies must therefore include considerations for dogs, if our canine companions are to retain their positions of service and companionship. Abstract Climate change is leading to more instances of seasonal weather variation. Studies have explored the impact of adverse winter weather on dog walking, but the impact on the dog’s overall activity levels have not been previously considered. This study explored dog owner perceptions of the effects of both summer and winter weather on their dog’s activity levels. An international online survey recruited 3153 respondents between May and December 2018, to explore the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on baseline activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% were less likely). In hot weather, over 80% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and vigour for their dogs. Carrying water or walking near water to facilitate activity in the summer was the most popular mitigation strategy (90.8%). Participation in dog sports appeared to reduce the impact of winter weather on canine activity and increase owner awareness of cooling strategies to facilitate summer activity. Strategies to promote safe activity participation are needed to maintain canine activity levels amidst rising global temperatures, including better understanding of cooling strategies for exercising dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Hall
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Anne J. Carter
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham NG25 0QF, UK;
| | - Mark J. Farnworth
- Department of Veterinary Health & Animal Sciences, Harper Adams University, Newport TF10 8NB, UK;
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