The Dog Aging Project: How genes and environment shape healthy aging in pet dogs
Official title: The Dog Aging Project: Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Healthy Aging in Companion Dogs
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11420287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large, long-term study using pet dogs to understand why some dogs stay healthier longer and what factors in their genes and environment influence aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $6,074,921 |
| NIH project number | 1U19AG092282-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Owners of adult dogs (likely middle-aged to senior) who are willing to participate long-term and provide health data and samples.
✕Less likely to help
Owners of dogs with severe unrelated conditions or those unwilling to commit to long-term participation may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project follows thousands of pet dogs over years to identify genetic and environmental factors that affect healthy aging. By collecting data from dogs and their owners, researchers aim to uncover mechanisms that could translate to human aging and inform potential interventions. The study leverages a translational dog model because dogs share our environment and disease risks, yet have shorter lifespans that allow faster learning about aging processes. Results could guide future strategies to promote healthier aging in people and dogs alike. Participants would contribute health information and samples over time to help map aging trajectories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal factors that promote healthier aging in both dogs and humans and identify targets for interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous dog aging projects have shown that canine aging data can reveal insights relevant to human aging, with growing evidence supporting cross-species applicability.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Promislow, Daniel Edward — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Promislow, Daniel Edward
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.