Expert Highlights Urgent Need for Canine Consent Education to Combat Rising Dog Bites, Unveils Breakthroughs in Feline Health Research

A recent episode of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation" featured a comprehensive discussion with renowned animal behavior consultant, radio host, and author Steve Dale, alongside co-hosts Zazie Todd, PhD, and Kristi Benson. The interview delved into two critical areas of companion animal welfare: the escalating issue of dog bites, particularly concerning children, and groundbreaking advancements in feline health research spearheaded by the EveryCat Health Foundation. Dale introduced his new children’s book, "Ask the Dog," which advocates for understanding canine body language and respecting a dog’s autonomy, a concept increasingly recognized as vital for preventing human-animal conflicts.

The Rising Tide of Dog Bites and the Imperative of Canine Consent

Steve Dale commenced the discussion by drawing attention to alarming statistics regarding dog bites in the United States. He noted that dog bite numbers, and especially fatalities, are currently at a record high, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This concerning trend is not merely a reflection of increased pet ownership but represents a disproportional rise, signaling a deeper societal challenge in human-canine interactions. Insurance claims related to dog bites have also surged, leading to significant economic repercussions across various sectors.

Dale emphasized that children are disproportionately affected by severe dog bites. Their smaller stature places their faces within easy reach of a dog, and their natural inclination to hug or approach animals without fully understanding canine communication makes them particularly vulnerable. This vulnerability underscores the urgent need for effective educational tools, which led Dale to author "Ask the Dog."

"Ask the Dog": Teaching Children to Speak Canine

"Ask the Dog," illustrated by Shelby Koehler, is Steve Dale’s first children’s book. It introduces young readers to Morgan, a character who learns from her mother how to interpret dog body language and ascertain whether a dog is receptive to interaction. The book’s central message challenges the conventional wisdom of merely asking a dog’s owner for permission to pet, advocating instead for the crucial step of "asking the dog" itself.

Dale explained that the inspiration for the book arose from a personal experience where a dog’s clear, albeit subtle, signals indicated it did not wish to be petted, despite its owner’s invitation. He argued that dogs, as sentient beings, possess the inherent right to decline interaction, and humans must learn to recognize and respect these boundaries. This concept of "consent" in human-animal interactions is a cornerstone of modern positive reinforcement training and ethical animal handling.

Kristi Benson and Zazie Todd echoed this sentiment, highlighting that many traditional methods of approaching unfamiliar dogs, such as extending a hand directly to a dog’s face, can be misinterpreted by the animal as a threat or an invasion of space. They advocated for allowing the dog to initiate contact and demonstrating clear, enthusiastic interest before any interaction occurs. Dale further elaborated that dogs are often incredibly tolerant of human actions, but this tolerance should not be mistaken for consent, particularly when it comes to actions like hugging. He firmly stated that "National Hug Your Dog Day" should be reframed as "National Love Your Dog Day," acknowledging that while humans derive comfort from hugs, dogs, being non-primates, often perceive them as restrictive and uncomfortable.

Broader Societal and Historical Context of Dog Bite Prevention

The implications of rising dog bite incidents extend beyond individual trauma. Dale warned of potential societal setbacks, including increased homeowners’ insurance premiums for everyone, regardless of pet ownership, and a resurgence of breed-specific legislation (BSL). He highlighted his past involvement in successfully fighting against BSL in Chicago and expressed concern that escalating bite numbers could undermine progress in promoting responsible pet ownership and combating breed discrimination. Furthermore, the American Psychological Association reports a rise in cynophobia (fear of dogs), directly linked to increased bite incidents, impacting public perception and interaction with dogs.

Historically, significant strides in dog bite prevention have centered on two key areas: the importance of early socialization for puppies, pioneered by researchers like John Scott and John Fuller in the 1950s and 60s, and initiatives like the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Dog Bite Prevention Week. While these efforts have been crucial, Dale argued that they are no longer sufficient to address the current crisis. The "Ask the Dog" approach seeks to fill this gap by empowering both children and adults with the knowledge to interpret canine signals, thereby fostering safer and more respectful human-animal relationships.

Pioneering Feline Health: The EveryCat Health Foundation

The conversation transitioned to equally vital developments in feline health, focusing on the transformative work of the EveryCat Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding cat health studies globally. Steve Dale, a long-serving board member for over two decades, emphasized that nearly everything known about feline health today, from vaccines to disease treatments, has benefited from research supported by the foundation.

Landmark Discoveries in Feline Nutrition and Disease Treatment

The foundation’s impact is exemplified by several landmark breakthroughs:

• Taurine Deficiency and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): In the 1960s, a devastating heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy was prevalent in cats. Dr. Paul Pion, then a veterinary student, theorized that a lack of taurine, an amino acid cats cannot produce themselves, was the culprit. The EveryCat Health Foundation funded his research, which proved this hypothesis. Consequently, adequate taurine levels became a mandatory inclusion in commercial cat foods worldwide, virtually eradicating DCM caused by dietary deficiency. This stands as a testament to the power of targeted research in preventing widespread animal suffering.

• Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): For decades, FIP, a severe and often fatal disease caused by a mutation of feline coronavirus, was a death sentence for kittens and cats. The EveryCat Health Foundation consistently funded Dr. Niels Peterson and other researchers at the University of California, Davis, and internationally, to unravel the mysteries of FIP. Their persistent efforts culminated in a pivotal meeting in 2017/2018, where a global consensus declared FIP "treatable." This breakthrough brought tears to the eyes of hardened veterinarians, who had long grappled with the inability to save FIP-diagnosed cats.

  Remarkably, the research on FIP had unforeseen implications for human health. As FIP is caused by a coronavirus, the treatments developed for cats proved instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic. The antiviral drug Remdesivir, effective against FIP in cats, was identified as a potential treatment for human COVID-19 patients. Steve Dale had the privilege of discussing this "One Health" connection directly with Dr. Anthony Fauci, highlighting how feline research directly contributed to saving human lives. Subsequent, more affordable and easier-to-administer drugs for FIP in cats also emerged from this foundational work.

  

• Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Steve Dale initiated the "Ricky Fund" through the EveryCat Health Foundation after his own cat, Ricky, succumbed to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a common and often fatal heart disease in adult cats. This fund catalyzed research into HCM, leading to a significant breakthrough just a few years ago. An Irish company, building on the foundation’s funded studies, developed Felisin 1, a treatment for preclinical HCM. Conditionally approved by the U.S. Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, this drug offers hope for preventing the progression of a disease that is a leading cause of death in indoor adult cats before they reach their senior years.

Addressing Modern Feline Health Challenges and Future Outlook

The EveryCat Health Foundation continues to tackle pressing feline health issues. Recent initiatives include the "O’Malley Fund," launched by incoming board chair Kara Burns, which targets diabetes and hyperthyroid disease. Diabetes in cats, often linked to obesity, presents challenges with insulin resistance and high treatment costs. The O’Malley Fund aims to find better treatments and preventive strategies. Similarly, hyperthyroid disease, increasingly common in older cats living longer lives, is another focus area, with research exploring prevention rather than just treatment.

Beyond these specific diseases, the foundation has funded extensive research into high blood pressure in cats, the nuances of feline diabetes, early spay/neuter protocols (demonstrating that pediatric spay/neuter can be performed safely and effectively in cats much earlier than traditionally thought), and behavioral studies on outdoor and community cat populations.

Zazie Todd acknowledged the profound personal impact of this research, noting that her own cats have benefited from advancements in treating conditions like diabetes and hyperthyroidism. The breadth of the foundation’s work underscores the continuous evolution of veterinary medicine and the interconnectedness of animal and human well-being, reinforcing the "One Health" principle.

Conclusion: Fostering a Healthier Coexistence

The insights shared by Steve Dale, Zazie Todd, and Kristi Benson highlight a dual imperative for fostering a healthier coexistence with companion animals. On one hand, there is an urgent need for widespread education on canine consent and body language, particularly for children, to mitigate the alarming rise in dog bites and its multifaceted societal consequences. Tools like "Ask the Dog" represent a proactive step towards building safer human-canine relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

On the other hand, the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery, exemplified by the EveryCat Health Foundation, continues to revolutionize feline medicine. From preventing widespread nutritional deficiencies to transforming fatal diseases into treatable conditions and even contributing to human medical advancements, these efforts underscore the profound value of investing in animal health research.

For those interested in Steve Dale’s work and his newsletter, information is available at stevedale.tv. To learn more about the vital research and initiatives of the EveryCat Health Foundation, visit everycat.org. Steve Dale also recommended "Bicycle Diaries" by David Byrne, a book offering a unique perspective on cities through the lens of a cyclist. This comprehensive discussion serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to understand, protect, and advocate for the well-being of the animals who enrich our lives.