Biological signals that predict lifespan appear in dogs ^{CEFR B1}

New research from the Dog Aging Project reports that the biological signals linked to human lifespan also appear in dogs. Kate Creevy, chief veterinary officer for the Dog Aging Project and a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, said the molecules that are risky or protective in dogs are very similar to those in people. The work is supported by the WoodNext Foundation and appears in The Journals of Gerontology.

Researchers used blood samples and detailed owner surveys from a long-term community science study. They examined thousands of metabolites at once to find broader patterns rather than single molecules. These measurable signals are called biomarkers. A biomarker does not always cause an outcome, but understanding why it is present can point toward possible causes.

To test relevance to humans, the team compared dog results with five large published human studies that used similar metabolite methods and found similar patterns linked to earlier or later death. Dogs are useful models because they share environment, diet and activity with people and have shorter lifespans, about 12–13 years, which lets researchers observe outcomes faster. The Dog Aging Project depends on owners who volunteer samples and information. Creevy said the findings are a starting point to explore causes and possible targets to improve health, and she recommends maintaining a healthy diet, healthy body weight, and preserving mobility and cognitive health for dogs.