Research into canine longevity has accelerated significantly in recent years, with major projects like the Dog Aging Project tracking thousands of dogs. Understanding what promotes long, healthy dog lives has direct welfare implications.
Dog longevity research has practical welfare implications for every dog owner. The factors associated with longer, healthier lives — appropriate nutrition, regular exercise, dental care, veterinary access and avoiding obesity — are all within the control of committed owners. The research also highlights structural inequities: dogs owned by lower-income households have shorter lifespans on average, partly due to reduced veterinary access. Affordable veterinary care and owner education programmes can help close this gap. Understanding what promotes longevity helps frame preventive care as an investment in the dog's wellbeing rather than a cost.