Recently, scientists have used dog studies as models to understand aging and what humans can learn from it.
According to ABC 7, scientists don’t just want to understand aging. For some, these dog studies could help humanity learn how to reverse aging. Researchers have studied small organisms, such as worms and mice, to understand how aging can be delayed and lifespan prolonged, leading to renewed hope that aging can be reversed. However, because dogs are larger mammals and share the same environment and lifestyle as humans, they offer a more relevant subject for research.
Dog studies help us learn about people
National Geographic writer Fran Smith told ABC7 that, “dogs are great models for figuring out why humans decline over time”. A key player in this scientific pursuit is The Dog Aging Project. Amazingly, the project is currently examining 40,000-plus dogs over a 10-year period to identify biological, environmental, and genetic factors that promote healthy longevity. Notably, the project has gained the support of many reputable institutions, including Princeton University.
Rapamycin, a drug that can delay aging and prolong life, is being tested on a small subset of dogs enrolled in the study. Meanwhile, scientists are also testing gene therapy to promote healthy aging and longer life in dogs.
The studies also help guide dog ownership
Many Dog studies have shown that diet and exercise play an important role in healthy longevity. Specifically, some research has shown that vegan and plant-based diets can protect your dog’s gut health. Besides diet, physical activity also protects against cognitive decline later in life, and can even help alleviate anxiety. With this information, scientists are developing drugs and diets that will help dogs live longer, healthier lives.
There are over 77 million dogs in the United States. Many of them have loving owners who share their homes with them. Indirectly, this also means that many of the same factors that lead to cognitive decline in humans affect dogs. By sharing homes, workplaces, and lifestyles, dogs have inadvertently become the best model for studying how our environments affect us. Additionally, it helps us understand how these same spaces affect our dogs’ health.
