The Best Pet Daily Round-up of News, Research, Opinion or Fun published about Dogs and Cats from around the world:

1. New Zealand (Insurance Business Magazine) Southern Cross reveals 10 unusual pet insurance claims in New Zealand

   In Brief: In New Zealand, Southern Cross Pet Insurance (SCPI) has highlighted the financial risks and surprising dangers pets face through a compilation of 10 unusual insurance claims. These incidents range from pets consuming hazardous items to accidents involving natural hazards. One notable case involved a dog named Indy who ingested part of a decomposing puffer fish, leading to a $400 vet bill and concerns of tetrodotoxin poisoning. Another instance saw a puppy requiring a $5,228 surgery after swallowing a cleaning cloth. SCPI's former vet nurse, Kerri Murray, emphasized the importance of pet insurance, noting that pets, unlike humans, do not have access to publicly funded healthcare or Accident Compensation Corporation benefits in New Zealand. This makes insurance crucial for managing potentially hefty veterinary costs that arise from unpredictable incidents. Despite New Zealand's high rate of pet ownership, insurance coverage remains relatively low compared to other pet-loving nations. In 2023 alone, SCPI paid out $29.95 million in claims, with the most expensive treatments costing up to $14,119.

2. Hungary (The Guardian) Dogs can remember names of toys years after not seeing them, study shows

   In Brief: In a groundbreaking study conducted by Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, researchers have discovered that some dogs can recall the names of their toys even after a hiatus of two years. This suggests that certain dogs possess the ability to store object names in their long-term memory, challenging previous assumptions that frequent play refreshes their memory.

   The study, detailed in the journal Biology Letters, examined five dogs that had previously learned the names of 12 new toys. These toys were stowed away and reintroduced after two years, with the dogs asked to select specific toys from a mixed pile on command. Astonishingly, the dogs identified the correct toy 44% of the time on average, significantly higher than chance, with some dogs achieving a success rate of up to 60%.

   Shany Dror, the lead researcher, believes these findings could offer insights into the evolution of human language by understanding memory's role. The research underscores that not all dogs may have this ability, and those that do likely benefit from extensive interaction with their owners. Dror emphasizes, “The more you invest in your dog, the more you will get back from the relationship,” highlighting the profound bond between humans and their canine companions.

3. United Kingdom (RSPCA) Kindness Index Report 2024

   In Brief: The fifteenth section of the 2024 Kindness Index Report emphasizes the increasing role of volunteerism in promoting animal welfare. It highlights a growing interest in community involvement, with more people volunteering for initiatives such as wildlife protection and litter picks. However, despite rising awareness, participation levels remain low, with less than 1% of the population actively engaging in conservation activities. The report urges for broader public involvement and stronger legislative support to help meet the public's expectations and better protect animals, both domestic and wild​

4. United States (New York Times) What a Puppy Kindergarten Revealed About Raising Exceptional Dogs

   In Brief: At Duke University's Biological Sciences Building, a unique classroom setup teaches not genetics or evolution, but instead, the finer points of canine behavior such as polite sitting and calm leash walking. This is part of the Duke Puppy Kindergarten, a program led by evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare and research scientist Vanessa Woods. Their objective? To better understand the development of the canine mind and identify traits of successful service dogs.

   In collaboration with Canine Companions, a nonprofit that trains service dogs, each semester brings a new batch of puppies who undergo a rigorous 12-week program. They are tested in various cognitive and temperament assessments to determine potential as future service dogs for individuals with disabilities or veterans with PTSD. Interestingly, the study found that while different raising methods—normal home rearing versus intensive "supersocialization"—did not affect cognitive development, they greatly enhanced the puppies' social experiences.

   Hare and Woods, who have encapsulated their findings in the book "Puppy Kindergarten," shared insights with The New York Times about their comprehensive research. Despite initial expectations, they discovered that once a certain threshold of socialization is achieved, intensifying it doesn't necessarily yield additional cognitive benefits. However, the presence of puppies on campus notably increased the happiness and social interaction among students, illustrating the broad impact of integrating animals into educational settings.

   This study not only illuminates the growth stages of puppies, including the development of skills like gesture-following and self-control, but also emphasizes the varied cognitive abilities among individual dogs. This ongoing research aims to track these puppies into adulthood, providing valuable insights into the predictive factors of service dog success and reinforcing the idea that each dog's unique traits are what make them truly special.

5. United States (Newsweek) Guard Dogs Go From Sleeping to 'Instant Combat Mode' at Sound of Predator

   In Brief: A viral TikTok video has dramatically illustrated the intense vigilance and rapid response of livestock guard dogs to potential threats, amassing over 5.9 million views. Captured by @craborchardcreek, the footage shows a seemingly peaceful night scene with a goat and two kids grazing near two sleeping Anatolian shepherd dogs.

   The tranquility is abruptly shattered when one of the dogs, sensing danger, quickly transitions from slumber to alertness. With no time wasted, the dog and its companion sprint off to confront the unseen threat, soon joined by a Great Pyrenees, showcasing their protective instincts. This extraordinary display of "instant combat mode" activation underscores the inherent protective traits of guard dogs, safeguarding their charges effectively.

   This phenomenon is backed by research, including a study from April 2020 in the journal PLOS One, suggesting that dogs are naturally predisposed to defend their territory and the animals or people within it. The clip ends with a reassuring message that the baby goats are safe, thanks to the vigilant guard of their canine protectors. This video not only captivates but also provides a glimpse into the critical role guard dogs play in livestock protection.