The History of Dogs and Current Best Care

Dogs have been man’s best friend for thousands of years. From wolves to Labs, there are so many breeds to choose from. And while the history of dogs and their care is fascinating, the best thing about being a dog owner is taking care of your pup in the present day. We’ll walk through everything you need about dog history and caring for your four-legged friend to ensure they stay happy and healthy.

History of dogs

Scientists and geneticists have extensively studied canines to pinpoint the exact time in history when the first dog first walked the Earth. Archaeological findings and DNA analysis establish the Bonn-Oberkassel dog as the first uncontested instance of a dog. In 1914, a right mandible (jaw) was unearthed during mining for basalt in Oberkassel, Germany. Initially, misidentified as a wolf, the Bonn-Oberkassel dog was interred beside two humans approximately 14,220 years ago.

However, other hypotheses argue that dogs may be older. Many scholars assume that dogs and wolves began to diverge in Southeastern Asia approximately 16,000 years before the present. When humans were still hunter-gatherers, the ancestors of the dogs we know and love today may have first appeared in the territories of modern-day Nepal and Mongolia.

Additional evidence implies that approximately 15,000 years ago, early dogs left Southern and Central Asia and scattered over the world following the migration of humans.

Paleolithic dogs are believed to have originated from hunting sites in Europe. These canines initially appeared approximately 12,000 years ago and had distinct morphological and genetic characteristics compared to the wolves in Europe at the time. A quantitative examination of these canine fossils revealed that their skulls resembled those of the Central Asian Shepherd Dog.

While the Bonn Oberkassel dog is the first dog we can all agree was a dog, dogs may be significantly older. However, unless additional evidence is discovered, it will be challenging to determine when dogs diverged from their wolf predecessors.

When did dogs become popular as pets?

Even more significant disagreement exists on the chronology of the evolution of dogs and humans. Most academics and canine geneticists think that hunter-gatherers initially tamed dogs between 9,000 and 34,000 years ago, which is such a broad range of time that it is practically useless.

Recent research implies that humans initially domesticated dogs between 6,400 and 14,000 years ago when an initial wolf population divided into East and West Eurasian wolves, which were tamed independently and gave rise to two unique dog populations before becoming extinct.

This independent domestication of wolf populations supports the hypothesis that dogs were domesticated twice.

Dogs that remained in East Eurasia may have been domesticated for the first time by Paleolithic humans in southern China, whereas other dogs followed human tribes to European countries. According to genetic studies, the mitochondrial genomes of all current dogs are most closely connected to European canids.

According to studies, the emergence of agriculture had a substantial impact on dog domestication. This is supported by the fact that, unlike wolves, modern dogs possess genes that enable them to break down starch.

Origins of the human-canine relationship

Due to the unique nature of the human-canine relationship, it has been intensively investigated. This special bond dates back to when people first began living in communities.

According to a theory of early domestication, the symbiotic, mutualistic relationship between the two animals began when humans moved into colder Eurasian regions.

Comparable to their wolf relatives, Paleolithic dogs possessed shorter skulls, larger braincases, and broader muzzles. The shorter nose eventually led to fewer teeth, which may have resulted from human attempts to breed aggression into dogs.

The ancestors of the contemporary dog reaped numerous benefits from living with people, including increased safety, a consistent food supply, and advanced reproductive opportunities. The upright gait and enhanced color vision of humans aided in detecting predators and prey at greater distances.

It has been theorized that humans in the early Holocene, approximately 10,000 years ago, would have selected wolf puppies for traits such as tameness and human friendliness.

During the last Ice Age, these puppies matured into hunting companions, pursuing and retrieving wounded animals as their human bands established throughout Europe and Asia. Additionally, the dog’s enhanced sense of smell greatly aided the hunt.

In addition to helping humans hunt, dogs would have been beneficial around the camp by cleaning up leftover food and providing warmth by huddling with people. Australian Aborigines may have used phrases such as “three dog night” to describe nights so cold that three dogs were required to save a person from freezing to death.

These canines were esteemed members of hunter-gatherer tribes. As they were viewed as superior to other breeds of dogs at the time, they were frequently given appropriate names and regarded as family members.

Dogs were also frequently utilized as pack animals. Earlier than 9,000 years ago, domesticated dogs in what is now Siberia may have been carefully bred as sled dogs, assisting the migration of people to North America.

The contemporary Siberian Husky breed standard specifies that these dogs must weigh between 20 and 25 kg for optimal thermoregulation.

Studies indicate that humans have created emotional relationships with their canine companions since the late Pleistocene epoch, when it may have appeared that dogs were just valued for their use (c. 12,000 years ago).

Humans domesticated and bred dogs

Dogs were domesticated in the Middle East. The earliest evidence of dogs being tamed can be found in Sumerian pictographs, dating back to 3500 B.C., as well as Egyptian hieroglyphics depicting dog breeders and handlers.

Dogs were bred to be more friendly and loyal, making them more suitable for human companionship than wolves or jackals roamed the region then. They also had a stronger bond with humans because they could understand their language and respond appropriately when called upon by their masters – something no other animal could do without serious training first.

What is the best care for a pet dog?

Regular veterinary exams and vaccinations

Regular veterinary exams and vaccinations are essential for your dog’s health. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you how often to have your pet vaccinated, but here are some general recommendations:

  • Rabies vaccination should be given once a year unless your dog has been recently exposed to rabies or other diseases that pose a threat of infection.
  • Distemper and parvovirus vaccinations are recommended every two years. These vaccines protect against these viruses in dogs and cats alike, so they must be given throughout their lifetime and at least annually (this is particularly true for kittens; see below).

Spaying or neutering your dog

Neutering and spaying your canine are the most important things you can do for your dog. Spaying prevents unwanted litters, which can lead to many health problems for many dogs. Neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies, which can also cause many health problems for many dogs. Both procedures reduce testosterone levels in dogs, which is why they’re also called “spay/neuter”. Spaying and neutering will help prevent disease in both males and females and reduce aggression in male dogs by decreasing the amount of testosterone available to them.

Keeping your dog in a fenced area or on a leash when outside

It would help to keep your dog in a fenced area or on a leash outdoors. If your canine is not kept on a leash, it can get into fights with other dogs and be injured or killed. Also, if the animal gets away from you while chasing wildlife or cars, it could be hit by one of those moving objects and seriously injured or even killed.

Providing nutritious food regularly

Providing your canine with a balanced diet is essential for its health. Your dog should be fed the same amount of food daily so they don’t become overweight or underweight.

Dogs need to eat protein-rich foods such as meat and vegetables to maintain muscle mass and prevent disease. They also need fat in their diets because it helps keep them warm during cold weather and improves circulation when exercising outside (such as running). Carbohydrates are also essential for dogs’ bodies because they provide an active pet’s energy!

Dogs are very friendly and trustworthy pets.

Dogs are very friendly and trustworthy pets. They are great companions, loyal, playful and can be trained to do many things. Dogs have been around since ancient times when they were used for hunting or protecting villages from wild animals. Dogs were also used as watchdogs to keep intruders out of your home, but now they serve as loyal friend who loves you unconditionally!

Conclusion

Dogs are very loyal and loving pets. They will always be there for you with love and affection, even if they cannot understand what’s going on in your life. Dogs are among the best companions for people willing to care for them properly.

BuddyPress: Suggestions for creating sub-profiles for pets?

Hi all!

I would like to set up an online platform for tracking rescue animals post-adoption. The general idea would be for human members on a BuddyPress site to be able to create pet profiles, then post updates on those pet profiles, and eventually pass off control of the pet profile to the new owners, who could continue to post updates and presumably pass off the profiles again if the pets change hands multiple times. Before I go too deeply down any rabbit holes, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions or if something functionally like this already exists?

Are there and good ways of modifying a version of the BuddyPress plugin to use it to power the pet profiles? My first thought was swapping out every instance of “buddy” with “pet” in the code before uploading the plugin, and then figuring out how to allow human BuddyPress accounts to control “PetPress” profiles.

I’m so-so at when it comes to coding my own stuff, so I would really appreciate any insight or advice from anyone who may have more experience!

Thanks!

@pixieblitz

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The benefits of owning a cat which you must know

The benefits of owning a cat which you must know

Owning a cat may be highly rewarding. In fact, research shows that viewing cat clips is sufficient to increase your productivity. They are lovable, and a simple purr or cuddling up close to you may evoke pleasant feelings and have relaxing benefits. Owning a cat undoubtedly has psychological advantages.
Cats are good for both physical and mental health, and they may also provide their owners with emotional support.
Although your feline pals might not be gentle with your furniture, cats can be wonderful companions and improve people’s quality of life.

Why cats are wonderful pets?

One of the reasons why so many people appreciate having cats as pets are their adaptability. Whether you live in a huge home or a small apartment, cats are excellent pets and offer all the pleasure and play of larger animal friends. Some of the main advantages of having a cat are as follows:

Cats require little attention:

Perhaps the most enticing aspect of cats is that they require less care and money than dogs, who require more exercise, training, regular cleaning, and treats and attention. Cats are also ideal for urban or apartment life. They don’t require a lot of room to explore and enjoy; finding their way around your kitchen’s crevices will keep them engaged for several hours.

They are calm:

Cats often meow if they are hungry, but you seldom have to be concerned about being startled awake or sidetracked from your work by one. They are therefore the perfect pet if, for example, you work from home or have kids who snooze during the day.

They are self-reliant:

While cats are perfectly capable of amusing themselves, they will also be available to amuse you when you need them. Most animals don’t require or desire constant care, and cats never give you their guilt-inducing baby looks.

They keep pests out of your home:

Undoubtedly already know that cats enjoy catching mice and rats. But they also act as natural bug killers, providing the type of home security that Venus flytraps often promise but seldom provide. Many cats take great pleasure in getting rid of insects like house flies and spiders, almost as if they were being rewarded for it.

They live a long time:

The hardest aspect of pet ownership is saying goodbye to your cherished friend. Even though you’re still higher possible to outlive a cat, you’ll get to spend more time with them since they live longer—up to 20 years, in actuality.

The advantages of owning a cat on your health

There are many health advantages to keeping a pet, but there are certain advantages that apply only to cats. They can:

Reduce your anxiety and tension:

Owners of cats are aware of how one hour of caressing or playing with their cat can make a terrible day better. Scientific studies have also demonstrated that a cat’s purr may reduce blood pressure and soothe the nervous system.

Boost the condition of your heart:

There is evidence that people who own a cat have decreased rates of heart disease and stroke.

Reduce allergies:

One of the most prevalent allergies, cat hair, is something you frequently hear about. A kid, meanwhile, is much more likely to build an immune system that can fight not just cat allergies but other types of allergens as well if they are exposed to cats throughout their first few years of life.

Reduce loneliness-related sensations:

Cats make excellent pets for companions. They provide a level of unconditional affection that is comparable to (and occasionally exceeds) that of many human companions and companions.

How Different Generations Treat Their Pets

How Different Generations Treat Their Pets

ManyPets: Leesa Davis, 2/17/2022

Since the beginning of 2020, the coronavirus has caused a surge in pet ownership in American households. Many people turned to pets to offset their loneliness as a result of social distancing guidelines. The number of people who chose to adopt pets skyrocketed during this time, and millennials took center stage as the largest pet-owning generation, surpassing baby boomers. Millennials tend to view their pets as “starter children.” For many millennials, this means spending more money than the average on their pets, taking them to a pet day care, throwing doggie parties for their “fur babies,” and of course posting their best-dressed pets on social media.

 

Baby boomers love their pets, and dogs have particularly become their empty-nest fillers. The baby boomer generation is from the era when dogs and cats slept in the backyard, not necessarily in a plush bed. Generation X views its pets as part of the family, but also feels its pets deserve companionship. It’s not unusual for this generation to have multiple pets.

 

ManyPets compiled data insights from several national surveys to break down the differences in how millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers treat their pets. The data explore how pet ownership changed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, along with spending habits. Generations are defined as follows: baby boomers born in 1964 or earlier, Gen Xers born between 1965-80, and millennials born between 1981-96.

 

Pet Ownership Across the Generations

  • Millennials: 32% of all pets
  • Generation X: 24% of all pets
  • Baby Boomers: 27% of all pets

In a survey conducted by American Pet Products Association in December 2020 and March 2021, millennials became the leading pet-owning generation, followed by baby boomers, and then Gen Xers coming in third. For baby boomers, many have grown children and owning a pet can help them feel as though they are becoming parents again. Members of younger generations, such as millennials, are waiting longer than previous generations to start families and as a result, tend to treat their pets as their children. Millennials and Gen Xers spend more money on their pets, especially when it comes to veterinary care.

 

Which Pets Does Each Generation Prefer?

  • Millennials: Dogs: 61%, Cats: 29%, Fish: 9%, Birds: 5%, Hamsters: 4%, Rabbits: 3%, Reptiles or amphibians: 2%, Other: 3%
  • Generation X: Dogs: 52%, Cats: 41%, Fish: 14%, Birds: 9%, Hamsters: 4%, Rabbits: 3%, Reptiles or amphibians: 5%, Other: 5%
  • Baby Boomers: Dogs: 37%, Cats: 29%, Fish: 6%, Birds: 2%, Hamsters: 0%, Rabbits: 0%, Reptiles or amphibians: 1%, Other: 1%

Based on an online survey conducted by TD Ameritrade between April and May 2020, one thing is for certain—each generation has a thing for dogs, with all three generations opting for canine companionship as their preference when it comes to pet ownership. Being a dog owner comes with a variety of physical and mental health benefits, from improving mood to even lowering blood pressure, making them a popular pet choice. Cats, the second-most-popular pets among the generations, have similar health benefits, although a link between cat ownership and a reduced risk of heart attacks was only found in cat ownership—not dog ownership.

 

How Much Do Members of Each Generation Spend On their Pets Every Year?

  • Millennials: $1,195
  • Generation X: $1,100
  • Baby Boomers: $926

Being a pet owner definitely comes with a price. A survey conducted by LendingTree in August 2021 showed American pet owners spend an average of $1,163 per year on their furry family members. The funds are spent on food, treats, and even toward social media content. The survey also found that 45% of pet owners would have to take on debt to cover an unexpected purchase, such as a medical expense, of $1,000 or more. For those who participated in the survey, 98% spend an average of $86 per month on their pet and 8% are currently in debt for pet expenses.

 

What Share Pays for a Monthly Pet Supplies Subscription Box?

  • Millennials: 10%
  • Generation X: 7%
  • Baby Boomers: 3%

Many people underestimate the costs associated with being a pet parent. With the popularization of subscription services across a variety of industries and supply chains, it’s no surprise subscription boxes have found their way into the pet world. Luxury accessories and toys have continued to be a large cost associated with pet ownership, with millennial pet owners particularly leaning into the trends. Millennial cat owners spend $915 per year on their pet and are willing to spend up to $2,000 if their pet were to get sick.

 

40% of millennials also spend money on their pets for social media posts (for instance, for props or outfits). 21% of Gen Xers spend money on social media posts, and 8% of baby boomers spend money on social posts for their pets. A survey conducted by LendingTree in 2021 found that baby boomers are least likely to go into debt for their pets and generally spend less on their furry companions than other generations. Pet food and treats accounted for the majority of spending among pet owners with $42 billion worth of sales in 2020.

 

Nearly Everyone Agrees: Pets Are Our ‘Fur Babies’

  • Millennials: 75% agree
  • Generation X: 80% agree
  • Baby Boomers: 75% agree

Millennials have clearly proven they are pet lovers, with 7 in 10 owning their own fur babies — 61% being dog pet parents, while 29% own a cat. Millennials view their pets more as children and are the generation most likely to splurge on luxury items for their furry companions. Baby boomers view their pets more as extended family members, while Gen Xers believe their pets can find companionship with other pets. Compared to other generations, Gen Xers are likely to own two dogs.

Visit Source: ManyPets