Category: Research Watch

Scientists are investigating whether medicines could extend the healthy lives of pet dogs, with a major clinical trial testing rapamycin and separate research into new canine longevity drugs. While early studies have provided enough evidence for larger trials, no treatment has yet been proven to extend the lifespan of pet dogs.

New research involving 4,295 dachshunds across three countries has found that smooth-coated dogs consistently showed poorer spinal health than long- and wire-coated varieties. Researchers say coat-associated genes could help explain differences in susceptibility to intervertebral disc disease, although the study does not prove that coat type itself causes IVDD.

A new study has found that trained dogs can detect multiple cancers from breath samples with over 90% accuracy under controlled conditions.

New research explores autism-like traits in dogs, including genetic and behavioural differences. While some findings suggest overlap with human autism research, dogs cannot be clinically diagnosed with autism.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College suggests some popular doodle crossbreeds may show higher levels of undesirable behaviour than their purebred parent breeds.

A study suggests smartphone recordings may help estimate heart rate in dogs with over 90% accuracy, although the research is still at an early stage.

A Royal Veterinary College study published in PLOS ONE found no clear overall health advantage in Cockapoos, Cavapoos and Labradoodles compared with their purebred parent breeds.