Placeholder

100+ articles full of facts and helpful advice developed with our team

Learn | Anivive Lifesciences

Articles and Papers developed with our team of veterinarians and advisors

AniviveCARES

Lifestyle

Lifestyle.png

The connection you feel with your dog is special. To non-dog owners, it’s hard to accurately capture how we feel about our four-legged family members. That feeling can be one of camaraderie, understanding, and affection. In fewer words, we say that we love our dogs.

To some extent, our dogs know that we love them. We don’t know how and if dogs experience “love” in the same way that humans do. Our definitions of love are so dependent on personal experience and socialization that it’s difficult for any two people to decide on a common definition. So, we can’t prove scientifically that dogs experience love. However, there are clues that give us insight into the connection we feel with our dogs. 
A <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beproc.2014.02.011" target="_blank">2015 study</a> showed that when dogs smell someone familiar, their brain exhibits a reward-response. This reward-response is what your dog feels in anticipation of something desirable or pleasurable, i.e., a reward. Your dog knows that good things come from being around you, and they get excited when they can smell you coming home or walking into the room. 
Science has also shown that dogs can <a data-sys-entry-uid="bltc86b47e3bec06937" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/can-dogs-understand-emotions">sense human emotions</a> by reading facial expressions. There are multiple studies showing that dogs are good at differentiating between expressions. When dogs look at someone they feel connected to, they usually have their eyebrows raised. In particular, their left eyebrow. Thus, one way to let your dog know you’re happy to see him is by greeting him with raised eyebrows and a smile. 
While these pieces of information don’t tackle the socialized idea of “love,” they do show that our dogs feel a special sense of comfort and connection when they’re with us.

As humans have different love languages, dogs show love in different ways too. We may be more attuned to learning and understanding human love languages, but that doesn’t mean we can’t learn to recognize our <a data-sys-entry-uid="bltab65c0c874f2a53f" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/6-ways-your-dog-says-i-love-you">dog’s love language</a> as well.

Your dog will know you love him through the way you talk to him, look at him, and take care of him. You know your dog’s quirks better than anyone else. Does he seem to relax a little more when you’re around? Maybe you know the right place to scratch or know exactly when he wants to play. As long as you continue to care for and spoil your dog (just a little bit), he will absolutely know that you love him.

125_dog_licking_man_s_face.jpg

Does My Dog Know That I Love Him?

Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with disabilities with specific tasks regarding physical, psychiatric, intellectual, and sensory needs. Through the authority of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are allowed to access all public spaces, including those that generally bar animals from entering. They are also permitted to fly in the cabins of planes under the Air Carrier Access Act and are permitted to stay in no-pet housing by the Fair Housing Act. 
They are there to help an individual with a medical need and are not to be disturbed by other humans. A service dog often undergoes rigorous training so that they may help a person with everyday tasks such as walking, hearing, and opening doors. They may also be trained to detect and mitigate a medical episode. It is against the law to ask a person with a service dog about their disability, and it is illegal to pretend to have a disability to access an animal-restricted area with a dog.

124_brown_pitbull_service_dog_in_red_harness.jpg

woman in gray shirt holding jack russell terrier in lap

An emotional support animal is not trained in the same way as a service animal. Emotional support animals live with one person and travel with them for support relieving depression, anxiety, and certain phobias. They are not trained to respond to medical emergencies, but in order to be classified as an emotional support animal, they must be prescribed by a mental health professional for someone diagnosed with a psychological or emotional disorder. 
Emotional support animals are not limited to dogs and can be brought to work as an accommodation. They are not permitted in all public spaces such as restaurants and stores, like service dogs are permitted by law. Emotional support animals are not required to wear a vest or harness labeling them as such. Most airlines are no longer allowing them to accompany humans in the cabin of an aircraft. People with emotional support animals are not allowed to be discriminated against when applying for housing that otherwise prohibits pets, as stated under the Fair Housing Act.

124_animals_helping_people_unsplash_woman_in_gray_shirt_holding_jack_russell_terrier_in_lap.jpg

brown dog in therapy dog harness sitting on hill with trees

A therapy dog or animal is one that travels between people in locations such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities where people may benefit from the company of an animal. They have a human “teammate” who takes them from place to place. Therapy dogs have to be comfortable with new sounds and smells and be able to provide comfort to those they are visiting. They must be well-behaved in social situations and often undergo certifications before being allowed in public spaces to interact with people. Therapy dogs are usually certified by a nonprofit organization. 
Unlike service dogs and emotional support animals, therapy dogs are meant to be approached and touched by strangers, as this is therapeutic to humans. Therapy dogs help people who may not be able to have dogs as full-time pets. They have a calming presence and provide comfort to strangers. They often undergo training and licensing to be considered therapy dogs, but they do not have the same public rights to fly and enter other spaces like service dogs.

124_brown_dog_in_therapy_dog_harness_sitting_on_hill_with_trees.jpg

man in army uniform and hat squatting kissing black lab on head

Working dogs are different from service dogs because they are trained to perform specific tasks not connected to the needs of one person. Functions for working dogs include search and rescue, airport scent detection, <a data-sys-entry-uid="blt646931c2c8da0e70" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/can-dogs-smell-covid-19">disease detection</a>, and allergy alert. <a data-sys-entry-uid="blt039b9da000c2a47d" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/fido-and-feline-senses">Dogs’ noses</a> can pick up scents down to one part per trillion, making them stronger and more effective than any man-made device.
Search and rescue dogs perform rescues in the event of a natural disaster, as well as in treacherous snowy areas where skiers and snowboarders can get buried. They also assist officers in missing person cases by smelling an object and tracking down the owner’s scent. Dogs who work in disease detection and allergy alert work closely with a human supervisor to sense cancer or an allergen. Dogs have even been shown to sense early signs of a disease before laboratory tests can, including COVID-19 and certain cancers. Working dogs should also not be approached or touched on the job, as it can distract them from their jobs.

124_man_in_army_uniform_and_hat_squatting_kissing_black_lab_on_head.jpg

cat lying on black spotted white couch looking up left

Yes, and technically any animal can be an emotional support animal. Dogs are the most common emotional support animal, followed in popularity by cats. Some people have rabbits, birds, horses, ferrets, and other animals for various reasons. Only a licensed mental health professional like a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist can write an official document for an emotional support animal. It is important that your emotional support animal be well-behaved in public places. Airlines are placing new restrictions on emotional support animals because people have tried to pass non-registered animals to avoid additional airline fees. Check emotional support animal policies with the airline before flying with your animal.

124_cat_lying_on_black_spotted_white_couch_looking_up_left.jpg

woman hugging brown dog in blue shirt on street

Therapy dogs must be able to handle many different people and unpredictable situations. They must be calm and approachable to virtually any person. Regular check-ups are also mandatory to make sure they are healthy while visiting people in various places. In order to be allowed in public spaces as a therapy dog, they may need to be registered with a therapy dog organization. The American Kennel Club has a list of organizations you can register a therapy dog through, as well as their own certification process.

124_woman_hugging_brown_dog_in_blue_shirt_on_street.jpg

124_service_dog_with_harness_laying_on_beach.jpg

Working Nine to Five: Animals Helping Humans

Many people believe the term “hypoallergenic” means an animal does not shed, making them better for people with allergies. Hypoallergenic dogs and cats still shed hair (if they have it), but they produce less dander, making them better for people with allergies. It’s important to note that all mammals produce dander, so none are completely allergy-free and people react differently to various breeds.

Pet allergies and asthma are caused by reactions to dander and saliva in pets. Dander is the dead skin that flakes off of any kind of animal when they scratch or groom. It is light and can float through the air in microscopic particles that can cause an allergic reaction in humans. Additionally, the dander is usually coated in saliva from the animal grooming itself, making allergic people more sensitive.

Cats groom themselves more often than dogs do, on average, releasing more hair and dander from their skin into the air. They have been known to cause more allergies than other domestic animals and male cats release more saliva than female cats. Cats with darker hair have been shown to produce more dander than cats with lighter coats, and older cats more than kittens.

brown poodle clean hair laying on bed looking at camera

Poodles have been recommended by veterinarians for people with allergies. Their coats are thick and curly, preventing a lot of dander from reaching the air. Poodle hair should still be brushed frequently to prevent matting and knotting, but extensive grooming can be taken care of by a professional to avoid additional dander in your home. Portuguese water dogs are similar to poodles, but their hair grows at a slower rate making trimming a less frequent need. They should also be brushed daily, if possible, especially after playing outside.

114_brown_poodle_clean_hair_laying_on_bed_looking_at_camera.jpg

Kerry blue terriers also have thick curly hair that can trap dander better than some other dog breeds. They do not shed, and their coat is soft, thick, and wavy. A smaller dog like a Bichon frisé still has the curly hair that blocks some dander, but is smaller than the average poodle and Kerry blue terrier. Their white coat will show dirt and debris more easily than some other breeds, and they should be brushed and bathed regularly.

114_white_bichon_frise_smiling_with_collar.jpg

sphynx cat laying in sun with black harness

The Sphynx cat has long been thought to be an option for people with allergies. Sphynx cats don’t have any hair, but they require frequent bathing to prevent oil buildup, as well as cleaning of their large ears. Sphynx cats are known to be very loyal and affectionate.

114_pink_sphynx_cat_laying_in_sun_with_black_harness.jpg

balinese cat blue eyes in front of concrete wall

Some people have recommended the Cornish and Devon rex cat breeds for people with allergies. Both are short-haired cats with big personalities. The Cornish rex requires more frequent bathing to prevent buildup of oils, similar to a sphynx. They are both very affectionate and playful, and have large ears that should be cleaned frequently. 

Siberian and Balinese cats have long hair, but they are known to secrete less protein in saliva than other breeds, making them more accommodating for allergies. The Javanese cat has a slightly shorter coat than Siberian and Balinese cats, and it doesn’t matt.

114_balinese_cat_blue_eyes_in_front_of_concrete_wall.jpg

Smaller animals like hamsters and gerbils may not necessarily be better for allergies. Rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs still produce dander, but they are usually secluded in a cage, meaning their dander stays in that location primarily. Depending on the severity of the allergies, a small mammal may be able to live in the same house with someone with allergies, but that person may not want to handle the animal or clean the cage.

114_brown_and_white_guinea_pig_in_grass.jpg

If you do have a pet that produces dander around the house, you can make it a little bit easier on the person with allergies by bathing your pet frequently. <a data-sys-entry-uid="blt8ccecbac83979c57" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/hair-or-fur-caring-for-different-types-of-coats-on-dogs">Using the right brush for your dog’s hair</a> can catch dander and hair before it gets released around the home. You can also vacuum, dust, and clean the walls on a regular basis to remove dander from common household surfaces. Washing your furniture and clothing, as well as the pet’s furniture may also be helpful. Be sure to use <a data-sys-entry-uid="bltd5c4dae16b745a94" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/do-it-yourself-safe-natural-cleaning-products-for-pets">pet-safe products</a> when cleaning and keep your pet away from harsh chemicals.

baby petting balinese cat laying in grass parents behind

The person who has allergies should spend some time with the pet before you bring them into your home. Allowing whoever has allergies to interact with the animal before committing could save the heartbreak of having to return the animal if allergies/asthma are too severe. You should do your best to educate yourself on the breed and their dander and coat tendencies before deciding to adopt. Talk to your allergist and a veterinarian to make the most educated decision for you. Allergies and animals vary, but you have the power to learn and make the best choice for your family.

114_baby_petting_balinese_cat_laying_in_grass_parents_behind.jpg

woman in blue long sleeve fleece covering nose with tissue

114_woman_in_blue_long_sleeve_fleece_covering_nose_with_tissue.jpg

What’s the Best Kind of Pet for Someone with Allergies?

brown and white dog laying on pavement head up towards camera

Doctor dogs, as some call them, are used to detect ovarian cancer, stomach cancer, malaria, antibiotic-resistant microbes, and other diseases. They can even warn people about potential diabetic attacks because they can detect smells from the human breath that are associated with dropping or low blood sugar levels. Dogs are trained for these tasks by introducing them to a sample of sweat, urine, or saliva from someone who has a disease, and teaching them to paw at the ground or sit when they smell it. Humans release airborne volatile organic compounds in sweat and saliva that dogs identify and associate with diseases, making the canines expert disease detectors.

094_brown_and_white_dog_laying_on_pavement_head_up_towards_camera.jpg

Dogs have <a data-sys-entry-uid="blt039b9da000c2a47d" data-sys-entry-locale="en-us" data-sys-content-type-uid="blog_entry" sys-style-type="link" class="embedded-entry" type="entry" href="/learn/article/fido-and-feline-senses">300 million olfactory glands</a>–294 million more than humans have in their noses. Scientists are seeing potential for canines to be used in COVID-19 detection in airports before people have the chance to infect others in smaller spaces like airplanes. Some dogs have already participated in studies where they have been trained to detect volatile organic COVID-19 particles from sweat or saliva samples. In a test in Lebanon, dogs identified 100% of people with negative results and 92% of positive results of people screened in the airport.

Using canine disease detectors may be faster and cheaper than using COVID tests. COVID swab tests take thirty minutes or longer to show results, but dogs pick up scents immediately. Tests in New York, Lebanon, and France have shown promising results for dogs smelling COVID-19 volatile organic compounds in airports. The dog detection method is not enough to replace official COVID swab tests yet and should be used as a complimentary method until further data is acquired.

094_covid_rapid_test_viles.jpg

This type of detection could be beneficial in low-income areas or developing countries where tests may not be readily available. The dogs could also be useful for identifying positive cases in asymptomatic patients, and sensing early signs. In the study in Lebanon, the dogs identified the virus before a test did, indicating they may be able to smell earlier stages that swab tests can’t even pick up. Additionally, the CDC considers the risk of animals spreading the COVID-19 virus to be low, so a dog screening people in an airport probably won’t spread the virus to humans or other animals.

The unanimous conclusion from all studies performed on dogs’ ability to smell COVID-19 is that more data is needed. The trials thus far show promising results, but larger sample sets are required before completely replacing swab tests with detection dogs.

Lifestyle

Benefits of Bringing a Pet to the Office

Does Owning a Dog Make You More Attractive?

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs

Working Out with Your Dog

6 Ways Your Dog Says ‘I Love You’

4 Values Dogs Can Teach Kids

Is It a Good Idea to Let My Indoor Cat Outside?

How to Help Your Dog Cope with the Loss of a Family Member

Are Dogs Good for Relationships?

Can Dogs Understand Emotions?

The Best Toys for Cats

Dry Nose? Warm Nose? What Does It Mean?