Call for participants for a first of its kind study on dog aging
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WHAT: In the first major longitudinal study involving dogs, scientists will study the factors surrounding dog aging. The Dog Aging Project will look at dogs from all breeds and mixes from across the nation. Participation is voluntary, and there is no cost to participate.
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PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Researchers hope to find out more details on how factors like an individual’s genome, proteome, microbiome, demographics and environmental factors such as chemical exposures and noise pollution impact health and longevity. A goal of the study is to not just improve the health and longevity of dogs, but also extend those findings to improve human health.
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TYPES OF DOG PARTICIPANTS: Dogs of all age ranges, breeds and sizes are eligible to participate. (Dog nominated to participate so far have included nine dogs that are 24 years old, and nine other dogs that are 23 years old.)
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HOW TO REGISTER YOUR DOG FOR THE STUDY: Owners can go online for more information and to register their dogs.
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LEVEL OF COMMITMENT: Following enrollment in the study owners will complete surveys about their dog’s health and lifestyle. Dogs must go through their regular annual examination with their veterinarian. And, if a dog is assigned to a specific study group, owners may be sent a kit for the veterinarian to collect blood, urine or other samples during the annual visit.
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WHO IS PAYING FOR THIS STUDY? Funding for the Dog Aging Project comes from the National Institute of Aging, a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as from private donations.
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Researcher and Lead Contact: Dr. Audrey Ruple, veterinary epidemiologist and assistant professor of One Health Epidemiology in the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences’ Department of Public Health, 765-496-0414, aruple@purdue.edu, @audreyruple
Photo: Dr. Audrey Ruple, Dog Aging Study and veterinary epidemiologist, Photo credit: Dog Aging Project
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