Pies: Only dogs and humans have prostates

Evidence: 59 • authority: 88

Why Have Only Humans and Social Insects Evolved a Complex Division of Labor. Social species, those that have a complex division of labor, comprise a large proportion of the earth’s biomass. These social species – humans and social insects – are located at extreme points of the set of possible evolutionary paths. The queens of small social insects produce thousands of small larvae, whereas human females invest heavily in their children, who are born already with a very large brain. In spite of these and many other evident differences, social insects and humans have conquered the earth because they share two characteristics: a highly developed system of social cooperation, and a complex divis…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 92

The urethro-prostatic angle as a practical sonographic index for estimating prostatic size in dogs.. Introduction Prostatomegaly is a common condition in adult, intact dogs. Abdominal ultrasonography is currently considered the method of choice for assessing the prostate size using volume-based formulas. However, objectively defining an enlarged prostate remains challenging, even for experienced operators. This is mainly due to the wide variability in dog sizes and the partially intrapelvic position of the gland, which can limit its complete visualization. This study aimed to explore the reliability of a new, practical, and less operator-dependent parameter, the urethro-prostatic angle (UPa…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Non-surgical fertility control is the prevention of reproduction without the use of surgery. The most common form of sterilization in dogs and cats is surgical, spaying in females and castration in males. Non-surgical fertility control can either result in sterilization or temporary contraception and could offer a cheaper way to keep wild dog and cat populations under control. As of 2019, only contraceptives are commercially available. Research is ongoing into methods that could result in permanent suppression of fertility.

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

The dog (Canis familiaris or Canis lupus familiaris) is a domesticated descendant of wolves. Also called the domestic dog, it was selectively bred during the Late Pleistocene by hunter-gatherers. Dogs and the modern gray wolf share a common ancestor. Dogs were the first species to be domesticated over 14,000 years ago, before the development of agriculture, though genetic studies suggest the domestication process may have begun over 25,000 years ago. Due to their long association with humans, dogs have gained the ability to thrive on a starch-rich diet that would be inadequate for other canids. Dogs have been bred for specific behaviors, sensory abilities, and physical traits. Dog breeds va…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Aging in dogs varies from breed to breed, and affects the dog's health and physical ability. As with humans, advanced years often bring changes in a dog's ability to hear, see, and move about easily. Skin condition, appetite, and energy levels often degrade with geriatric age. Medical conditions such as cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, dementia, and joint conditions, and other signs of old age may appear. The aging profile of dogs varies according to their adult size (often determined by their breed): smaller breeds have an average lifespan of 10–15 years, with some even exceeding 18 years in age; medium breeds typically live for 10 to 13 years; and giant dog breeds have the lowest minimu…

Evidence: 59 • authority: 72

Dog behavior refers to the internally coordinated responses of individuals or groups of domestic dogs to internal and external stimuli. It has been shaped by millennia of contact with humans and adaptation to human lifestyles. As a result of this physical and social evolution, dogs have acquired the ability to understand and communicate with humans. Behavioral scientists have uncovered a wide range of social-cognitive abilities in domestic dogs. Dog behavior is influenced by a combination of physiological factors, environmental conditions, and human interaction, all of which play a part in the development of a dog's behavior and overall welfare.

Evidence: 58 • authority: 80

Ravens have social abilities previously only seen in humans

Evidence: — • authority: 38