Sandi Shrager is a research scientist and project manager at the University of Washington’s Collaborative Health Studies Coordinating Center.
"I’ve been owned by Malamutes most of my life, and am a breeder/owner/fancier, as well as the head of the health committee of the Alaskan Malamute Club of America."
The Dog Aging Project is the most ambitious study of canine health ever undertaken. The goal is to understand how genes, lifestyle, and environment influence aging.
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health, the $23 million project is a joint undertaken of the University of Washington and Texas A&M University. Dozens of PhDs, veterinarians, analysts, data scientists and others across the US are tracking -- at last count -- almost 26,000 dogs for the next 10 years.
Starting with a series of questionnaires for each new participating dog, the researchers will collect data on diet, exercise, living conditions, health and similar matters. In learning how dogs age, develop illnesses --or don't -- researchers hope to discover how to help dogs live longer, healthier lives.
As valuable as those insights, what they learn about dogs will help science better understand how humans can age healthfully and live longer.
There is no cost to participate. All breeds and mixes are welcome. Purebreds are especially encouraged to join. To participate or learn more about the project, go to DogAgingProject.org.
Click here to watch the recorded webinar. Note: The recording begins approximately 5 minutes into the presentation.
The Dog Aging Project - Main site for information and enrolling.
"Old Dogs, New Research and the Secrets of Aging" -- New York Times article about canine research and dog aging.
"Why dogs can teach humans about healthier ageing" -- Horizon magazine article about canine aging and how the research may help address human age-related illnesses.
