The Current What can we learn about human aging from dogs?
Dec 10, 2025
Daniel Promislow, a senior scientist at Tufts University and co-founder of the Dog Aging Project, shares fascinating insights from a study of over 50,000 dogs. He explores how understanding canine aging can reveal secrets about human longevity. The conversation touches on the genetics of lifespan, the importance of a healthy 'healthspan,' and the ongoing clinical trials testing rapamycin's effects on dog health. Promislow also discusses the ethical dilemmas of pet care and the emotional bond between dogs and their owners, highlighting how dogs can serve as models for human aging.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Breed Size Predicts Dog Lifespan
- Larger dog breeds have substantially shorter lifespans than smaller breeds, with giants sometimes living only 6–7 years and toy breeds 15–16 years.
- Breed size strongly predicts lifespan and shapes study design and interventions in the Dog Aging Project.
Prioritize Healthspan Over Lifespan
- Focus on healthspan (years free of chronic age-related conditions) rather than just maximizing lifespan.
- Design interventions to delay disease onset so pets enjoy more healthy years, not merely longer ones.
Frisbee's Multi-Organ Decline
- Daniel described his dog Frisbee's decline with pancreatic failure, cataracts, cognitive issues, and osteoarthritis.
- That personal example illustrates common, multi-system problems older dogs face and motivates the research.