Domestic Dogs (Canis Familiaris): Difference between revisions

The biology of aging in dogs varies significantly across breeds, offering insights into how genetic diversity influences aging. Studies on canine aging also help in understanding age-related diseases and their progression. Comparative analyses of morbidity and mortality between humans and dogs have shown significant similarities in the effects of age on disease risk, especially in neoplastic, congenital, and metabolic causes of death.

Research into the canine genome has identified various genetic factors that contribute to their longevity. These findings are crucial for understanding the genetic basis of aging and developing interventions to extend healthy lifespan. The history of intense breeding in dogs for specific traits has resulted in a species with considerable genetic variation among breeds, which is valuable for studying genetic influences on longevity and disease.

Factors such as diet, exercise, and living conditions play a significant role in the longevity of dogs. These aspects offer valuable insights into how lifestyle choices impact aging and healthspan. Dogs' exposure to diverse environments, often mirroring those of humans, makes them ideal for studying the impact of environment on aging.

Studies have shown that dogs exhibit multimorbidity with age, similar to humans, and that specific chronic conditions in dogs are associated with an increase in comorbidity number. This similarity suggests that companion dogs may provide an ideal model to study multimorbidity and comorbidity in humans.

Current studies have limitations, such as reliance on data from veterinary teaching hospitals, which may not represent the general canine population. There is a need for more detailed data from canines representing a full diversity of ages, breeds, comorbidities, and environments. Future longitudinal studies of aging in dogs could provide more accurate insights into human morbidity and mortality.