Cat Nutrition
Canine cognitive skills: How intelligent is your dog? | Animal Welfare Magazine
Discover how canine cognitive skills are compared to those of a human child. Learn about dog intelligence and what research reveals about their mental skills.
How intelligent are our dogs? If you base your opinion on YouTube videos, it is easy to conclude that they are extremely intelligent. They do everything from surfing and skating, to hitting the buttons that produce sound to answer questions. They seem to be the equivalent of four feet humans in leather coats, at least sometimes. Let’s take a closer look at canine cognitive skills and discover how intelligent our dogs are!
How research on canine cognition has evolved
The scientific study of the greatest mental skills in dogs is a relatively recent phenomenon. In early 1900, Ivan Pavlov studied the dog’s ability to learn simple reflections. However, researchers were greatly delayed in the study of more complex canine cognitive skills. As recently as the end of the 1980s, there were practically no psychological laboratories specifically dedicated to studying canine cognition. Despite the little level of scientific research, people continued wondering how intelligent their dogs were. They questioned what dogs could understand and the limits of their ability to learn and solve problems.
Fast fact: The researchers finally changed the scientific climate around canine cognitive research. Today, approximately three dozen laboratories worldwide study the mental skills of dogs.
These include university laboratories in Duke, Emory, Arizona, Yale and Texas Tech in the United States, as well as laboratories throughout Europe, including Max Planck, Eötvös Lorend, Padua, Milan and Vienna, to name only a few.
With all this research dedicated to studying dog minds, have we achieved any important advance in our understanding how our best friends think?
Studies show that dogs are as intelligent as young children
Perhaps an advance, when it comes to our ability to evaluate the cognitive ability of dogs, arose in the early 1990s. At that time, I realized that a way of learning about the limits of canine mental skills was to use tests that researchers had already developed to evaluate babies and young children, and modify them for dogs.
The idea was simple: if a dog could pass the test, it clearly demonstrated that mental ability. In addition, many of these tests are described in terms of human mental age, which allows researchers to compare the cognitive skills of dogs with those of young humans.
This led some researchers to begin to think that canine cognitive skills could really imitate those of human children, which has led to a new interesting research.
My own initial studies that use this technique began when I looked at canine language learning. I started modifying MacArthur’s communicative development inventory. It contains several tests to evaluate the ability of language and communication in very young children, including the use of words and gestures.
Using only family dogs, which were not explicitly trained to understand language and gestures, I concluded that the mental capacity of dogs is equivalent to that of a human child from 2 to 2 and a half years. This means that the average dog can understand about 165 words, including hand signals and signals.
Fast fact: Additional work made me believe that smarter dogs could have mental skills similar to those of a child from 2½ to 3 years. This meant that they could learn at least 200 words.
At that time, I noticed that we really didn’t know how far we could push a dog’s abilities until we try to train it for the maximum understanding of human language.
Building canine vocabulary
If my estimates were correct, then it should be possible to train a bright dog to develop a vocabulary of several hundred words. A few years later, the researchers confirmed that a border collie called Ricco had a language capacity within that range. Ricco had been especially trained to expand his vocabulary.
Since then, several other researchers, such as retired psychologist John Pilley and his dog Hunter I have tried to see how much language a dog can learn.
Fast fact: We must not judge the typical linguistic capacity of our dogs through the achievements of a wise canine as the hunter. After all, we would not judge the average musical capacity of an human child based on Mozart’s achievements.
Canine cognition that goes beyond language
Given the results that suggest that the linguistic capacity of our dogs is more or less equivalent to that of a human child, researchers began to wonder if other canine mental skills were similar. After all, when we measure children’s intellects, we generally find synchronous development. For example, if a child’s vocabulary is at a level of 5 years, then his mathematical ability will also be at a level of 5 years, as well as his ability to write, memorize, draw and solve problems.
The researchers found that this was a good approach. For example, a human of 2 to 3 years can repeat the sequence of numbers from one to ten per memory. However, it generally understands the concept of counting well enough to list lots of three to five objects. The research has shown that this is exactly the range of elements that dogs can count.
Fast fact: In the formal recovery tests, the minimum number of items that a dog must be able to tell to do it well is three. This is so that I can remember how many ducks have fallen, in what order and where they are.
Once we accept that we can compare a dog’s mind with that of a child from 2 to 3 years, we can begin to explore other aspects of a dog’s mental life. In humans, for example, a systematic development of emotions and emotional expression takes place.
While a very young child can feel pleasure, pain, anger, disgust and love, complex social emotions such as guilt, shame or pride require a child to be almost four years old. So, if you want to know if your dog feels guilty after having committed some transgression, your best estimate is that it does not. This is the way in which the most recent scientific data seems to be pointing out.
So how intelligent our dogs are?
First, we must limit our conclusions to mental and intellectual canine cognitive skills. In terms of social awareness, given their interest in sex, domain and social interactions, dogs are more as human teenagers when it comes to mental functioning.
However, recent research suggests that dogs have cognitive skills similar to those of humans from 2 to 3 years, especially for language, problem solving and concept formation. This means that if you are raising a problem or teaching your dog that would be too difficult for a human child to solve or learn, it is likely to be beyond your dog’s ability. Mentally challenging your dog is important for your happiness and well -being, just make sure the activity is within its intellectual reach!
Chaser – Canine Savant
Based on careful and controlled investigation, perhaps the most talented dog linguistically to date was chaser, a border collie owned by a retired psychologist, John Pillay. Chaser had a vocabulary of around 1,000 words, which is the equivalent of what we could expect from a 3 and a half year old child.
Chaser not only understood individual words, but also understood concepts and categories such as “ball”, which can include several elements of different sizes and textures.
However, chaser skills were not easy; They required a lot of training, with Dr. Pilley often spent four or more hours a day working with the dog. Therefore, its research seems likely to exceed the upper limits of what a dog can be trained to understand.
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Stanley Coren is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at British Columbia University. He is a award -winning behavior researcher and a member of the Royal Society of Canada. He has written books about human-canine dog behavior and interactions, and has received the Maxwell Excellence Medal of the Association of Dogs Writers of America for his book born in Bark. Your new book is Does dogs dream?
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Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants are nutrients that prevent or slow damage caused to their cat’s cells by free radicals. Antioxidants are vital for their cat’s immune system and it is believed to reduce their risk of diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer and cognitive deterioration. The examples used in cats include vitamins E and C, selenium and beta -carotene.
So how do you make sure your cat is getting enough? Keep reading to get everything you need to know about antioxidants in cats, from how they work to what foods contain them.
What are antioxidants?
His body produces ‘free radicals’ during everyday metabolic processes. While free radicals have some useful functions, too many cell damage or death. Free radicals are linked to multiple diseases in cats, as well as premature aging. In addition to being naturally produced, things such as pollution, cigarette smoke, infections and exposure to toxins can increase free radicals in their cat’s body.
Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, protecting against their harmful effects.
Your cat’s body must maintain the correct balance of free radicals and antioxidants to avoid damage. When free radicals exceed antioxidants, it leads to ‘oxidative stress’, which can be harmful to their health. That is why guaranteeing that your cat has enough antioxidants in your diet is important.
When fighting free radicals, antioxidants slow down or avoid cell damage, protecting the body of their oxidative stress cat. This reduces the effects of premature aging and protects your cat against diseases related to cell damage, including cancer.
What are the benefits of antioxidants in cats?
It is shown that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system and reduce the risk of many health problems. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Antioxidants reduce the risk of their cat from many health conditions, such as:
Antioxidants and your cat’s immune system
We also know that antioxidants increase their cat’s immune system, protecting them from a wide range of possible diseases.
A recent study on the Effect of dietary antioxidants on free radical damage in dogs and cats He concluded that “cats fed with an antioxidant mixture, including vitamin E, vitamin C and β-carotene, have improved immune health as observed through reduced signs of oxidation and decreased cell decomposition.”
Complete research on Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants He found a greater immune response to vaccination in cats fed with a diet supplemented with antioxidants, compared to cats without antioxidant supplement.
They also found that immune cells themselves were stronger and less fragile in cats fed with a diet rich in antioxidants compared to those of a standard diet. This could improve them in the fight against disease and infection.
Cat antioxidant sources
While antioxidants are found in many plant -based foods, meat -based sources are more appropriate for cats, such as fish, shellfish, lean meat and poultry. Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Strictly speaking, antioxidants are not specific ingredients, but substances that have antioxidant properties, generally among other benefits. Examples of substances that are known to have antioxidant effects on cats include:
- Vitamin E (may appear as Tocoferol)
- Vitamin C (can appear as ascorbic acid)
- Carotenoids, such as beta -carotene and lutein
- Selenium
- Taurine
Antioxidants can be found in ingredients based on meat base. While your cat can tolerate small amounts of plant -based options (such as sweet potatoes, blueberries, pumpkin, green leafy algae), meat, fish and eggs offer a more appropriate option to boost their antioxidant levels.
Read our 9 main antioxidant foods to combat diseases for cats to learn more about the best foods rich in antioxidants for cats.
How to give antioxidants to your cat
The safest way to ensure that your cat is to obtain the optimal amount of antioxidants is to feed them a balanced and complete diet, appropriate for their life and health stage. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Now you know how important antioxidants are, you will want to make sure your cat gets enough. There are three main ways to guarantee this: Verify your cat’s diet meets AAFCO standards, choose a diet with additional antioxidants or give your cat an additional supplement.
Antioxidants in regular cat food
The good news is that all the diets that are complete and balanced, as established by the FEED American Control Officials Association (AAFCO)It must contain adequate amounts of essential micronutrients. This includes some with antioxidant properties, such as vitamin E, selenium and bullfighting.
So, if your cat receives a complete and balanced diet appropriate for your life stage, you may be sure that you will already receive a healthy dose of antioxidants. To verify if your cat’s food meets the AAFCO standards, look for the “AAFCO statement” in the packaging.
Specialized diets rich in antioxidants
While all pet food approved by the AAFCO will meet the minimum nutritional requirements, some diets go further.
Recognizing the benefits of antioxidants, many specialized diets contain added antioxidants. These include diets designed to handle health conditions, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems.
With the greatest risk of oxidative damage in older pets, high quality diets designed for higher cats or those with cognitive impairment (dementia) should also contain high levels of antioxidants.
Antioxidant supplements
If you want to increase your cat’s antioxidant intake, you can also consider using a supplement. These come in capsules, liquids, dust, chews and tablets.
Most cat supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other ingredients, instead of only ingredients with antioxidant properties. Unfortunately, in most countries, supplements are not as regulated as other medications. This means that they can be sold without manufacturers having to demonstrate that the product contains what it says, it is effective or safe.
What happens if your cat does not have enough antioxidants?
Your cat needs enough antioxidants to combat harmful free radical levels in your body. We know that the activity of natural antioxidants is reduced as their cat ages, which makes them more susceptible to oxidative damage and disease. So, antioxidants are even more important for our major cats.
Diets that do not contain enough antioxidants, especially vitamin E, bullfighting and selenium, can lead to poor immune health and greater susceptibility to aging, cancer and disease.
The safest way to ensure that your cat receives the correct level of antioxidants is to feed them a commercial diet that is complete and balanced. Choosing a specific diet for your life stage, such as a diet for older people, will also take into account the greatest need for antioxidants in major cats.
What are the risks of antioxidants in cats?
Diets approved by AAFCO with antioxidants are tested for safety and nutrition, but each cat is different. Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Commercial diets containing antioxidants that are approved by the AAFCO (or the PET Food Safety Agency in your country) are considered safe. They are tested to make sure they contain the levels of nutrients they claim, and these levels must be within the safe ranges. Although, of course, not all diets will agree with each individual cat.
The main risk of antioxidants in cats comes with the supplementation of the complete existing diet of your cat, since it is difficult to know if they could be getting too much. As mentioned above, in most countries, supplements are not well regulated. This means that companies are generally not obliged to prove that supplements contain what they say or demonstrate that they are safe.
Antioxidant toxicity in cats
Like most things in life, you can get too good. While antioxidants can certainly increase their cat’s health and well -being, high levels can be dangerous. Antioxidant toxicity is rare in cats, but can be seen in cats fed with excessive supplements or diets that are not properly balanced, such as diets cooked in the home.
For example, high levels of vitamin A (generally observed in cats fed with a diet rich in liver or cod liver oil) can cause vomiting, anorexia, muscle pain and neurological symptoms, as well as serious changes in your cat’s bones. Excess vitamin E has been related to bleeding problems in cats, while Selenium toxicity in animals It has been shown that it causes damage to the muscle, the heart, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys.
Side effects of antioxidants in cats
Even at the correct levels, all supplements can cause side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea. They also have the potential to interact with medication, including herbal remedies. Therefore, always consult your veterinarian before starting your cat in a supplement.
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Cats.com Use high quality credible sources, including peer -reviewed studies, to support statements in our articles. This content is reviewed and updated regularly to obtain precision. Visit our page about us to learn about our standards and meet our veterinary review board.
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Feline immunocompetence, aging and the role of antioxidants – Wsava 2001 – Vin. (North Dakota).
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Giri, A., Ranjan, P. and Bharti, VK (2021). Selenium toxicity in domestic animals. Selenium pollution in water51–72.
While dogs have many attributes, their resistance can also be amazed. A recent case of regeneration of the dog’s jaw that involves a three -month -old French bulldog has shown the remarkable capacity of these animals to heal and regenerate. This story not only highlights the wonders of medical intervention, but also the innate power of nature to repair.
A difficult diagnosis
Imagine to bring a playful puppy home, just to discover that it has been diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. For this young French bulldog, the initial biopsies revealed a worrying mass in his mouth. Fortunately, the exhaustive clinical staging did not indicate signs of metastases, and the condition seemed located. The owners faced a discouraging decision, but with the guidance of their veterinarian, they opted for a subtotal mandibulectomy, a procedure that involved eliminating part of the jaw where the tumor was.
The power of healing
Eight weeks after surgery, the puppy returned for a tracking appointment. During the exam, something extraordinary was observed: the palpable bone had been reformed in the area where the jaw was eliminated. This unexpected development was confirmed through computerized tomography, revealing a complete regeneration of the left mandibular body. The surprise and the joy of witnessing that healing cannot be exaggerated. This remarkable process demonstrates the incredible vitality of the dog and the capacity for natural regeneration after surgical intervention.
Why does this matter for dog parents
Understanding dogs healing capabilities is vital for all guardians. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of regular veterinary care and monitoring after surgery. It reinforces the need for surveillance in recovery monitoring and the potential of surprising results. The knowledge that dogs can regenerate and adapt is encouraging and empowerment for those who take care of them.
A resilience lesson
The trip of this French bulldog is more than a clinical case; It is a resilience reminders in the face of adversity. When a beloved partner faces serious health challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. However, stories like this inspire hope and highlight the importance of adequate medical care and a support environment.
As science evolves, the possibilities of healing and regeneration in pets expand. This case opens doors for greater research on regenerative medicine, not only benefits veterinary practices, but also advances our understanding of healing in all animals. The implications could lead to better treatments and results for many dogs that face similar challenges.
In the end, witnessing the history of regeneration of the dog jaw not only touches the heart but also ignites a sense of astonishment about the abilities of nature and medical science. Each dog has a story, and this leaves us with a powerful message: hope and healing are always available.
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Animal Wellness is the Journal of Health and Natural Lifestyle of North America for dogs and cats, with a reader of more than one million every year. AW presents articles by some of the most recognized experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health issues, to articles on training, physical state and emotional well -being.
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Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box is designed with a touch screen system, an application that monitors your cat’s bath habits and several safety sensors.
However, it is also one of the most expensive automatic sandboxes on the market. Is it worth the technological characteristics, or the Purrclean is too expensive? In this impartial review, I will discuss my experience and help you decide if it is the right choice for you.
Qualifications
- Ease of cleaning – 3/5
- Smell control – 3.5/5
- Appearance – 4.5/5
- Construction – 4/5
- Price – 3/5
General score: 3.1/5
Why trust cats.com
I tried the Purclean automatic sand box for about six weeks in my home in several caps. Although I have seven cats, only three are small enough to use most self -employment boxes comfortably.
During the tests, I noticed my cat’s reactions, as well as my own practical experience with the product. The things I consider when checking an automatic sand box include the ease of use, collection skills and if the machine is easy to clean deeply. I also try large amounts of fluids to see if the sand box can handle large groups.
I also look for what other people think about the product and the brand, since what works for me will not work for everyone. I want to know how the sand box works in a variety of conditions so that you can provide the best possible recommendation.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box and instant
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew is a pet product company with a focus on intelligent technology and convenience for pet parents. Its application, instachew infinity, is at the forefront of its advertising.
The company sells a range of dogs and cat products, including pet cameras, travel equipment and the intelligent Purclean self -limited sand box.
This automatic sand box reached the market in 2020 and includes a lot of technological and safety features that include its touch screen, application connection and 12 sensors to detect when your cat is inside or near the box.
Purrclean Smart Smart Authemaning Box Characteristics
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
Instachew focuses its intelligent technology, and especially its application, by announcing this product. I found the convenient and simple touch screen, but the application is less. Several users, including myself, had trouble connecting it to the sand box. Some also seemed confusing to use.
Once connected, you can configure a cleaning schedule, collect or empty the sand box, monitor your cat’s sand habits and more.
Another main characteristic of the Purrclean is its large number of safety sensors. In addition, the drum revolves from side to side when taking out and has no door. So, even if all these sensors fail, your cat would not get stuck inside.
The machine works silently, presents an air purification system to control the smells and has a large waste container located at the bottom of the sand box.
Although instachew focuses on the owner’s convenience, this sand box is not the easiest to clean deeply. We will discuss this more in depth below.
What we like:
- Easy to use touch screen
- Shoops in silence
- Weighs cats and monitors your sand habits
- Made with 12 cat safety sensors
What we didn’t like:
- Not made for large cats
- Difficult to clean
- The drum is difficult to insert again after configuration and cleanliness
- The application is difficult to connect and send excessive notifications
What did our trial cats think?
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
The Smart Purrclean Self -Equipment Sand box was difficult to configure from the beginning. It cost me a lot to remove the drum to configure the machine, in addition to putting it back in its place later. You have to lift it while pressing it at the right angle, which can be a challenge.
I was satisfied with the touch screen in the sand box, which works well and is easy to use. However, I spent a lot of time trying to connect it to the application. In the end, I had to follow the problem solving steps in the instruction brochure, which worked!
This sand box is quite small, but most automatic sand boxes are. Only my smaller cats would use it. The sand box sends notifications every time a cat approaches the sand box, which seems unnecessary. Emerging windows quickly become annoying in a small space, or if the box is in an area of the highly treated house.
That said, I like that the sand box sits when cats are close. Actually, it has a dozen safety sensors, and it is always good to see that a product prioritizes security, especially with other products in the market that have security problems.
The last problem I had was when it was time to deeply clean the machine. In addition to the battery problems, the inner eyeliner seems to be stuck. If you need to be cleaned, you must deal with the complete and bulky drum instead of simply remove the eyeliner itself.
In general, I liked this sand box and recommend it for small cats if it were not for the price. Personally, I think there are many cheaper automatic sand boxes in the market with similar characteristics, including application compatibility. Some of them are even easier to clean deeply!
Katelynn Sobus / Cats.com
What do customers from the Purrclean smart box think?
Positive reviews
“This product was exactly as described. I was in the order of setback, so it was a bit late in shipping, but I received it only a couple of days after the original delivery date. My cats love and I would recommend it to anyone other than people with multiple cats.” April Stuckless Review at Amazon (May 17, 2023)
“This sand box for intelligent cleaning cats is absolutely life! Automatically takes out the garbage, keeping everything clean and smell free with a minimum effort on my part. My cat took it immediately, and I have noticed a big difference in how fresh the room is maintained.” Shams Review On Chewy (August 16, 2024)
Reviewers agree that the sand box is convenient and works very silently. Several say it works better than their old sand box for folders, and some point out that the smell control works very well for them.
Negative reviews
“It is not large enough for a normal size cat. They enter and cannot turn around to urinate the opening and the front.” Sherry Review in Chewy (May 15, 2024)
“I had great hope for this automatic sand box for cats, but it turned out to be a great disappointment. The construction feels cheap and the application is even worse. It is barely synchronized with the sand box and the few characteristics of” hands -free “that just work.” Catty on Chewy
The complaints of the most frequent customers include problems with the application that connects or operation, the volume of the machine and the input or the drum are too small. Some reviewers had problems with the drum stuck in the shipment, which meant that they could not eliminate it to configure the sand box. Others pointed out that the deodorization system did not work well or that the urine leaked from the drum.
Similar automatic sandbox marks
Looking for other sandbox brands similar to the Purrclean? Check out some of our other sandbox reviews.
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