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The Thinking Pets Program
A brown border collie mix sitting and posing for the camera in our cognitive lab.

Our Research

Our researchers have broad areas of interest including studies of behavior, cognition, neuroaging, naturally occurring pain, and olfaction. In addition to our non-clinical studies, we also conduct clinical research in partnership with external companies, such as those developing animal health technologies, to improve the everyday life for our furry friends.

To learn more about non-clinical research, clinical research, and our collaborators – explore the sections below.

Non-Clinical Research

  • Cognition and Neuroaging
  • Pain Management
  • Energy Expenditure
  • Olfaction
  • Human-Animal Interaction

Recently Completed Studies

A yellow lab mix sitting and smiling in our cognitive lab.

Check out the links below to learn more about recently completed studies by The Thinking Pets Program:

Do Dog Breeds Differ in Pain Sensitivity?

  • The purpose of this study was to determine whether breed differences in sensitivity exist. If dog breeds do have real differences in sensory thresholds, new approaches are needed to optimize pain management in a breed-specific manner.

Now Recruiting Healthy Dogs and Their Owners for an Odor Detection Study

  • The purposes of the study were two-fold: 1) determine if dogs can recognize their own scent and 2) determine the most effective canine urine cleanser, as evaluated by dogs and their owners through scent detection investigative tasks.

Clinical Research

  • Anxiety Management Technology
  • Pain Management
  • Sleep & Activity Patterns

Recently Completed Trials

A young Belgian Shepherd sitting imposingly in front of a building.

Check out the links below to learn more about recently completed trials by The Thinking Pets Program and the Behavioral Medicine Service:

Free Clinical Trial: Is Your Dog Anxious When Left Alone?

  • The BMS evaluated a non-pharmacologic anti-anxiety device for the improvement of canine separation anxiety in a national sample.

Curious About How Your Dog Sleeps?

  • The BMS monitored sleep and activity patterns of canine companions and their owners for two weeks.

Free Clinical Trial: Is Your Cat Anxious at the Veterinary Clinic?

  • The BMS evaluated a pharmacologic anti-anxiety treatment for the improvement of feline anxiety during travel and physical examination.

Additional Information

  • The Behavioral Medicine Service (BMS)
  • To check out more happenings with the BMS, click the link below:
Explore the BMS’s Clinical Trials 
  • The Clinical Studies Core (CSC)
  • The CSC facilitates research efforts within NC State and in collaborative opportunities, such as those with external companies mentioned above; many clinical research endeavors would not be possible without the support and hard work of the Clinical Studies Core.
  • To learn more about the CSC, click the link below:
Explore the CSC 
  • The Comparative Medicine Institute (CMI)
  • The CMI facilitates multidisciplinary research teams focused on promoting and translating scientific discoveries to their clinical/societal applications to improve the health of animals and humans.
  • To learn more about the CMI, click the link below:
Explore the CMI 
  • Translational Pharmacology & Physiology (TPP)
  • A program of the CMI, the TPP promotes a collaborative faculty network that facilitates and expedites pre-clinical research into approved animal health technologies, in areas such as pain physiology and management.
  • To learn more about TPP, click the link below:
Explore TPP 

Our Collaborators