Dog owners are asking a question that sounded strange a few decades ago: can I make my dog live longer? Dr. Jerry Klein, the AKC’s chief veterinarian, took it on this week, and his answer comes down to habits you can start today.
Klein points to the Dog Aging Project, a long-running study based at the University of Washington and Texas A&M and funded by the National Institute on Aging. It follows tens of thousands of companion dogs. Our earlier look at blood markers of longevity covers the research side.
What this means for your dog
Start with weight. Obesity has been linked to a lifespan roughly 2.5 years shorter, and the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention suggests at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day, adjusted for breed and age. Consistency matters more than intensity. Dogs that sit all week then go hard on weekends tend to get hurt.
How you feed matters too. Klein warns that expensive food is not automatically better. Look for an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the bag. Raw diets can carry bacteria such as salmonella, and home-cooked meals without veterinary guidance often miss the mark on protein, fat, and micronutrients.
Two findings stand out. Adult dogs fed once a day had lower odds of gastrointestinal, dental, and orthopedic problems, though puppies and dogs with medical conditions still need multiple meals. A 2023 study also linked social connectedness to fewer owner-reported diagnoses, which echoes our piece on how chronic conditions shorten a dog’s life.
Rapamycin, a drug studied for anti-aging, is sometimes prescribed off-label, but the FDA has not approved it for that. For now, a lean body, steady exercise, and good company do most of the work. The full AKC piece is worth a read.