Scientists Seek Secrets to Longer Lives in Aging Dogs
Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo Portuguese dog, poses for a photo with his Guinness World Record certificates for the oldest dog, at his home in Conqueiros, central Portugal, Saturday, May 20, 2023. (AP Photo/ Jorge Jeronimo, File)
Scientists who are studying how to help people live longer and healthier lives are increasingly focusing on an unexpected subject: dogs. A large research effort known as the Dog Aging Project has enrolled more than 50,000 pets. Researchers monitor many aspects of the animals’ lives, including what they eat, how much they exercise, their bloodwork, and even brain scans.
Dogs experience many of the same illnesses that affect humans as they grow older, but they age much faster. Because of this shorter timeline, scientists say dogs can help them test ideas about aging much more quickly than studies involving people, which could take decades to produce results.
The early results from the project resemble patterns already seen in human aging studies. For example, dogs that live with other dogs appear to become ill less often. In contrast, dogs that are mostly inactive have a much higher risk of developing a dementia-like decline as they age.
Researchers studying donated dog brains have also discovered strong similarities with human Alzheimer’s disease. The brains show comparable signs, including shrinkage and the presence of beta amyloid plaques, which are also linked to Alzheimer’s in people.
These similarities are encouraging scientists to test potential treatments. One drug under study is rapamycin, which has been shown to extend the lifespan of mice. Researchers are now examining whether it can safely slow cognitive decline and extend the lives of dogs. Early findings suggest that dogs treated with the drug had fewer brain cells connected to inflammation.
Some scientists believe the medication could eventually have similar effects in humans. Celine Haliou, the founder of the biotech startup Loyal, says studying dogs may be the fastest way to better understand how human aging works. Her company is currently testing three different drugs aimed at slowing aging in older dogs.
Researchers are also examining how genetics affects lifespan among different breeds. Even among large dogs, life expectancy can vary widely. A Great Pyrenees typically lives about 11.5 years, while a Giant Caucasian Shepherd of similar size lives just over five years on average.
Because dogs share many aspects of human life, including the same homes, air, water, and sometimes even food, scientists believe they can provide valuable clues about human health and aging.
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