Scientists have claimed that dogs have evolved their face reading
skills to detect their owners' moods, it has been reported.
The researchers maintain the animals look for signs of anger,
irritation or happiness in a person's face in the same way as
humans do, according to the Daily Mail.
It adds the team from the University of Lincoln believe canines
may have evolved their skills in order to avoid an "unwelcome"
kick.
The findings were reported in the New Scientist magazine and
show that like humans, dogs tend to shift their face to the
left when meeting unfamiliar people in order to gaze at the
right side of the face, which is said to be more expressive.
Doctor Kun Guo, who led the team of researchers, said the left
face bias has evolved in domestic dogs in order for the animals
to detect human emotions.
Meanwhile, it was reported by the Barnet and Potters Bar Times
this week that the town's council had advised pet owners to consider
the effect bonfire night has on their animals.
Most unusual pet names announced
The world's most unusual pet names have been revealed, according to
a source.
Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) has conducted research involving 4650,000
animals to uncover the strangest monikers, reported the Chicago Tribune.
The search found Edward Scissorpaws as the most unique name for a
cat, with Sir Lix a Lot and Optimus Prrrime also making the top three.
Buddah Pest, Snoop Kitty Kitty, Miss Fuzzbutt and 80 Bucks all featured
prominently in the rundown, the news provider added.
The top ten was completed by Sparkle Monkey, Rosie Posie Prozac and
Toot Uncommon.
Meanwhile, Rush Limbark was awarded the title of most unusual name
for a dog, the news source continued.
Sirius Lee Handsome, Meatwad, Admiral Toot and Sophie Touch and Pee also
made the top ten.
The winners were decided by VPI employees who voted on the ten strangest
names collected by the research.
In other pet news, it was recently claimed by James Morrisey, a vet New
York's College of Veterinary Medicine of Cornell University, animals can
take on the worries of their owners due to dogs, cats and birds being
"very good at picking up on stress", reported MSNBC.com.
Pet owners 'unaware their animals are overweight'
Many pet owners are unaware their beloved companions are overweight,
it has been claimed.
According to the Pet Food Manufacturers Association, some people
are also oblivious to the damage weight problems can cause their pets,
with the effects of overeating including a shortened life span, diabetes
and arthritis.
"Pets have a similar calorie equation to humans – if their
food energy intake exceeds the energy they require, they put on weight,"
a spokesperson for the association commented.
However, she added it is simple to help animals lose weight, suggesting
people take their canine or feline companions for some exercise or
reduce their food intake.
These comments follow recent research by Sainsbury's Finance which
highlighted that more than 40 per cent of the cats and dogs which
visit UK vets are overweight.
A quarter of dogs are considered to be obese as were 19
per cent of cats, while 21 per cent of dogs and 20 per cent of cats were
deemed slightly overweight.
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