Background: With the growing interest in the health of companion dogs, their average lifespan has increased, leading to an increase in the proportion of elderly dogs. As elderly dogs are vulnerable to various diseases, there is a need for alternatives to predict the risk of major diseases in senior dogs, prevent them in advance, and manage their health effectively. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify candidate genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing primary angle-closure glaucoma, a major disease in elderly dogs, using the Axiom Canine HD Array and establishing foundational data. Methods: Samples from 95 dogs of 26 breeds from South Korea were analyzed using an SNP chip. Ultimately, two SNPs were selected. To assess the impact of non-synonymous SNP (nsSNPs), functional analysis of candidate genes, Hazard Assessment, and protein structure prediction were conducted. Sequencing for SNP validation involved samples from 95 dogs of ten breeds with reported domestic and international glaucoma cases. Results: The candidate gene TNS1 was associated with the integrin signaling pathway. The selected nsSNP was found to cause a mutation at the ninth position of the amino acid sequence, changing serine to leucine and resulting in alterations to the overall protein structure. Sequencing analysis results for SNP validation revealed differences in frequency among breeds. Conclusions: The identified SNP markers are potential risk prediction tools. Utilizing genotype frequency data by breed and individual could aid in disease management and contribute to advancements in the medical industry.

This study investigates the effects of a sulfur spa product on the skin and hair health of dogs. With the rise in environmental pollution and health threats to pet dogs, interest in natural, non-irritating skin care products for dogs has grown. The study involved 15 Maltese dogs divided into three groups: a control group only shampooed, a water group soaked in tap water post-shampoo, and a sulfur group soaked in sulfur-infused tap water post-shampoo. Measurements of skin moisture, oil, skin barrier, and pH were taken from the dogs' back and abdomen after 60 minutes of treatment over six weeks. Additionally, skin condition and hair cuticles were analyzed using microscopes. Results showed that the sulfur group had significantly higher skin moisture levels in both the back and abdomen compared to the control and water groups. While there was no significant change in skin oil levels and skin barrier, the sulfur group had the lowest skin barrier, indicating a potential reduction in trans-epidermal water loss due to the detoxified sulfur. The pH levels were within the alkaline range typical for dog skin, averaging between 5.7 and 6.5. Visual observations revealed a reduction in dead skin cells and improvements in skin cleanliness. Analysis of hair cuticles showed that sulfur positively impacts hair smoothness and elasticity.

Background: As the number of households raising companion dogs increases, the pet genetic analysis market also continues to grow. However, most studies have focused on specific purposes or native breeds. This study aimed to collect genomic data through single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip analysis of companion dogs in South Korea and perform genetic diversity analysis and SNP annotation. Methods: We collected samples from 95 dogs belonging to 26 breeds, including mixed breeds, in South Korea. The SNP genotypes were obtained for each sample using an Axiom™ Canine HD Array. Quality control (QC) was performed to enhance the accuracy of the analysis. A genetic diversity analysis was performed for each SNP. Results: QC initially selected SNPs, and after excluding non-diverse ones, 621,672 SNPs were identified. Genetic diversity analysis revealed minor allele frequencies, polymorphism information content, expected heterozygosity, and observed heterozygosity values of 0.220, 0.244, 0.301, and 0.261, respectively. The SNP annotation indicated that most variations had an uncertain or minimal impact on gene function. However, approximately 16,000 non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) have been found to significantly alter gene function or affect exons by changing translated amino acids. Conclusions: This study obtained data on SNP genetic diversity and functional SNPs in companion dogs raised in South Korea. The results suggest that establishing an SNP set for individual identification could enable a gene-based registration system. Furthermore, identifying and researching nsSNPs related to behavior and diseases could improve dog care and prevent abandonment.

This study aims to develop a multi-functional cage for dogs as a house to reduce their anxiety when they go out using cages. This study investigates the types and characteristics of cages and cage preference by surveying men and women in their 20s who use them. The cage product reviews are also analyzed. The research results are as follows: First, domestic dog cages are classified into crate, shoulder, cross (sling bag), backpack, carrier, and stroller types. The crate type is easy to clean and can be used as a house, but it is bulky and therefore inconvenient to carry when using public transportation. The shoulder type is a fabric material with good air permeability but has the disadvantage of being easily soiled. It can be used as a house and is light weight, making it convenient when using public transportation. Second, as a result of consumer research, respondents prefer the shoulder-type fabric over the crate-type plastic material. Third, from the shoulder-type product review, the shape stability, companion dogs’ psychological safety, the wearability of companions, and management convenience are derived. Fourth, based on the survey results, a multifunctional cage is developed taking into account the companion dog, companion person, and functional factors.

Precise combinations of probiotics can be useful in dog nutrition, treatment and care. Also, host specificity must be considered in order to increase the effectiveness of probiotics. In this study, Lactobacillus acidophilus HY7032 and Lactobacillus reuteri HY7506 were used, which were isolated from feces of healthy dogs through the verification of pH, bile salt tolerance, and antibacterial activity. In addition, the selected strains were confirmed for activity in immune cells. Briefly, L. acidophilus HY7032 and L. reuteri HY7506 enhanced oxidative burst and phagocytosis of innate immune cell activities in peripheral blood. In addition, beagle were administered vancomycin 50 mg and polymyxin B 100 KU for 7 days, and then 107 CFU of L. acidophilus HY7032 and L. reuteri HY7506 were orally administered for 3 weeks to confirm the effect of improving hair quality. Also, compared with the placebo group, the health improvement effect including stool pattern were confirmed. These results imply that the microflora imbalance caused by antibiotics can be gradually improved through the intake of probiotics. Through this study, it was confirmed that L. acidophilus HY7032 and L. reuteri HY7506 are good probiotics that contribute to the welfare and health of companion animals and have the effect of improving hair quality.

최근 한국 사회는 반려견을 키우는 인구가 빠르게 증가하고 있다. 한국 사회의 주거환경 특성상 소형 견종을 반려하는 가정이 많은데, 시츄, 말티즈, 푸들 등이 이에 해당한다. 이들 견종은 흐르는 눈물 과다로 인한 문제를 겪는 대표적인 견종이다. 이를 개선하기 위하여 현재 시중에는 이미 다양한 제품이 나와 있으나 그중 몇 가지 제품에서 타일로신이 발견되어 논란이 되었다. 타일로신은 설사 위장장애 등의 부작용을 야기하여 수의사의 처방이 필요한 항생제이다. 이 때문에 한약재(Compound A, Compound B)을 활용하여 부작용이 없는 안전한 보조제를 개발하고자 한다. 실험에 참여하는 반려견의 몸무게에 비례하여 2주간 보조제를 복용하고 눈물검사키트를 사용하여 전과 후를 비교하고 육안으로 확인되는 변화를 관찰한다. 실험 결과 전체적으로 흐르는 눈물의 양이 감소하였고, 부가적으로 발견한 효과로 눈물양이 부족하거나 과다한 반려견의 눈물양이 정상화된 것을 발견할 수 있었다.

Providing dogs with a natural diet consisting of raw, natural food is recommended for optimum health and longevity. We are aimed to provide the available knowledges about the recommended natural food and home made recipes of natural diets through literature review. As the results, we reviewed the efficacy, nutrients composition, daily feeding dose, recommended natural foods, home made recipes of natural diets etc. All-natural diets are also called raw diets or barf diets (BF). The common theme of these diets is that they feed raw human grade ingredients. While the actual contents will vary in some cases, depending on the health needs of a particular dog, the quality of the food products does not change. Everything is raw and human grade ingredient. Conclusionally, natural provides nutritionally sound and species appropriate diets to be fed to dogs at any stages of life varied through the correct corresponding portions from puppies to seniors, during pregnancy and lactation. It is also suitable for any breed from toy to giant. There is strong research based evidence highlighting the benefits of natural diets diet free of contaminants seen in many foods today for companion dogs.

Many people know the benefits of massage for people, especially if they have had an injury. It can also be a very relaxing experience. It the same way, dogs can benefit from pet massages. The owners can choose to do the massage thyself. Some of the benefits of massaging dogs were included to help him recover after an injury or strain, to be calm an excitable dog, to enhance blood circulation and other body functions, to restore and maintain muscle tone, also taken a chance to bond with dogs, to increase trust, and to provide relaxed effects. We are aimed to provide the available knowledges about the health-beneficial functional massage techniques for the companion dogs through literature review. As the results, we reviewed the massage techniques like as stroking, effleurage, wringing and kneading etc. Massages can improve a number of physical body functions like as blood circulation, gastrointestinal functions, relaxing, muscular stretching, immune activation, human animal bonds in dogs. Also, dog massages could induce the decrease of stress, depression and the palpation of the disease of dogs.

This study investigated the effects of dietary Ptecticu tenebrifer powder and canned mixtures on protein digestibility by different breeds of companion dogs (15 Bichons, 15 Malteses, 15 Chihuahuas and 15 Poodles). The mixtures were divided into Diet A, Diet B, Diet C, Diet D, and Diet E, which were supplied from five farms. Twenty-five grams each was mixed with 100 g of each canned food, and a total of 125 g was measured for each breed of dog. The result of component analysis of the mixtures showed the highest protein contents rather than dry matter, crude ash or crude fat. There were statistical significances (p<0.05) in all mixed feeds fed to bichon, maltese, chihuahua and poodle dog. Overall, protein digestibility by the breeds of dog ranged from 87.44% to 97.18%. Result of breed of dog comparison revealed that Diet E by poodle dog had the highest protein digestibility, and the lowest protein digestibility was observed in Diet C by Maltese. In conclusion, the use of dietary Ptecticu tenebrifer powder and canned mixtures did not only increased protein digestibility by different breeds of dog but also maintained normal manure properties.