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Scientists explain ‘puppy dog eyes’
Dogs and wolves were exposed to humans for two minutes, during which the dogs raised their inner eyebrow more and at higher intensities than wolves.
Rapid evolution results in extra muscles around eyes 

Dogs have evolved to have new muscles around their eyes to help them communicate better with humans, new research shows.

Led by the University of Portsmouth, a team of UK and US experts compared the anatomy and behaviour of dogs and wolves.

Findings published in PNAS suggest that the facial musculature of both species are similar, except for above the eyes.

A small muscle, which is absent in the wolf, allows dogs to intensely raise their inner eyebrow. This inner eyebrow raising - dubbed the AU101 movement - triggers a nurturing response in humans. It makes the dog’s eyes appear larger, giving them a more ‘baby-like’ look, and is also similar to a human facial expression that indicates sadness.

During the study, dogs and wolves were exposed to humans for two minutes, during which the dogs raised their inner eyebrow more and at higher intensities than wolves. Previous research also found that dogs moved their eyebrows significantly more when humans were looking at them.

Lead anatomist Professor Anne Burrows, from Duquesne University, remarked that the evolution of these new muscles happened “remarkably fast”.  

It is thought this can be directly linked to dogs’ enhanced social interaction with humans. Researchers believe the muscles could be the result of humans’ unconscious preferences influencing selection during domestication.

The AU101 movement elicits a caring response from humans, giving dogs that move their eyebrows more a selective advantage over others, which would reinforce the trait for the future. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.