Doggevity Research Initiative

Launched the largest longitudinal study of aging in companion dogs, tracking 50,000+ dogs to identify genetic and environmental contributors to lifespan and healthspan.

Dogs share an epigenetic aging clock with humans, with young dogs aging faster and older dogs aging slower — mirroring human development curves. Suggests shared biological mechanisms of aging.

Large-breed dogs age at an accelerated pace. For every 4.4 lbs (2 kg) increase in body mass, lifespan decreases by approximately one month — one of the strongest size-lifespan correlations in mammals.

25% caloric restriction in Labrador Retrievers extended median lifespan by 1.8 years (13%) and significantly delayed onset of chronic disease, including osteoarthritis.

Dogs with osteoarthritis fed EPA/DHA-enriched diets showed significantly improved mobility and reduced pain scores, supporting omega-3s as a core longevity supplement.

Fresh meat-based diets produce significantly different gut microbiome profiles in dogs compared to kibble, with fresh diets promoting a more diverse, health-associated bacterial community.

Dogs with higher daily step counts show lower resting heart rates and improved cardiac biomarker profiles, mirroring exercise-cardiovascular relationships in humans.

Over 34% of adult dogs in the US are classified as overweight or obese. Excess weight is associated with significantly reduced lifespan, increased joint disease, diabetes, and cardiac conditions.

Beagles receiving a combined enrichment program (antioxidant diet, behavioral enrichment, exercise) showed significantly better cognitive performance than controls, suggesting environmental factors delay canine cognitive decline.

CDS prevalence rises sharply with age: ~28% of 11–12 year old dogs and ~68% of 15–16 year old dogs show signs. Mental stimulation and early intervention are key protective factors.

Periodontal disease in dogs is strongly associated with heart, kidney, and liver disease. Dogs receiving regular dental care have significantly lower rates of systemic organ dysfunction.

A landmark pilot trial found that low-dose rapamycin improved cardiac function in middle-aged dogs, reducing age-associated heart muscle decline — a promising early result for longevity interventions.

Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of deaths in dogs over age 10. Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Bernese Mountain Dogs show disproportionately high cancer rates, with ongoing genetic research targeting these breeds.