Science
Explore the science behind canine health in our Science Section. Dive into evidence-based insights on reproduction, diagnostics, and everyday wellbeing — from understanding the dog gestation period and early pregnancy signs to exploring oral health, digestion, and preventive care. Informed by veterinary expertise and relevant scientific publications, we share the “how” and “why” behind the products we develop, helping you make confident, science-backed choices for your dog’s health throughout life.
Science
Pregnancy detection in dogs is an essential aspect of reproductive management for breeders, veterinarians, and pet owners alike. One of the most reliable indicators of pregnancy in dogs is the hormone relaxin. Unique to pregnant dogs, relaxin plays a crucial role in gestation and can be used as a diagnostic marker to confirm pregnancy. Understanding the function of relaxin and the various ways to detect pregnancy in dogs can help ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and her developing puppies.
Early socialization is crucial for a puppy's behavioral development and long-term adaptability. Breeders play a key role during the sensitive period (3-14 weeks), introducing puppies to diverse experiences like human interaction, environmental stimuli, and positive reinforcement. Programs like Puppy Culture enhance this process through structured protocols such as Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), problem-solving activities, and gradual stress exposure.
Sub-fertility poses a common challenge in canine reproduction, with sperm quality being a primary concern. To address this, researchers explored the use of micronutrients and additives to enhance sperm quality, focusing on a polyphenolic mix derived from Pinus taeda lignin (PTHL). The study involved 40 male dogs, half of which received PTHL supplementation for 90 days while the other half served as a control group.
Assessing thyroid function in dogs is complex due to various factors affecting hormone levels. Age, breed, physical activity, and medications can influence thyroid hormone concentrations. Additionally, sex hormones, particularly in the estrous cycle, may impact thyroid activity. This study aimed to explore these interactions, focusing on female German Shepherds.
Neonatal mortality is a significant concern in veterinary medicine, and the APGAR scoring scale, commonly used in human medicine since the 1950s, offers a potential solution. This scoring system evaluates the viability of newborns based on five criteria: heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Low APGAR scores indicate newborns that require immediate attention and care.
Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a common concern in veterinary practice, particularly in small animals like dogs and cats. It occurs when the mother or fetus encounters obstacles during the birthing process, leading to potential health risks for both. Understanding the causes and management of dystocia is crucial for ensuring successful outcomes for mother and offspring.
Just like humans, dogs can experience morning sickness during pregnancy. While it might not be as commonly discussed, morning sickness in pregnant dogs can pose challenges for both the expecting mother and her caregivers. Recognizing the signs, understanding the causes, and implementing appropriate management strategies are essential for ensuring the well-being of the pregnant dog and her developing puppies.
This article explores the factors that influence the development of the gut microbiota in puppies from birth to weaning. While it's commonly believed that bacterial colonization starts at birth, recent studies suggest that puppies may already harbor bacteria before birth, potentially influenced by their mother's microbiota. Factors such as the type of birth, maternal microbiota, and diet of the mother play crucial roles in shaping the gut microbiota of newborn puppies, which can affect their survival and health.
Sperm cryopreservation, i.e. freezing, is crucial in reproductive biology, but it can affect sperm quality. This study analyzed the effects of cryopreservation on the sperm of five healthy male dogs to understand which sperm structures are affected and apoptosis markers.
With the increasing popularity of certain dog breeds, cesarean sections are becoming more common. Cesarean delivery, whether planned or emergency, is prevalent, especially among breeds prone to dystocia. Here is what you should know about canine fertility after cesarean sections compared to natural births.
Inflammatory diseases of the reproductive tract in female dogs are a prevalent issue in veterinary practice, often leading to significant health complications. Research aimed at understanding the relationship between female health status, cycle phase, age, and genital tract bacterial flora has been ongoing for years, although findings from different studies have often been conflicting.
Low birth weight is a significant risk factor for neonatal mortality across various species. However, defining low birth weight in canines is challenging due to considerable size variability between breeds. Understanding which puppies are at higher risk of neonatal death is crucial for implementing appropriate care strategies. In this study, data from over 6,000 puppies from different breeds were analyzed to identify factors influencing neonatal mortality and establish breed-specific birth weight thresholds for risk assessment.