Audrey Ruple, a veterinary epidemiologist and assistant professor of One Health Epidemiology in the College of Health and Human Sciences' Department of Public Health, with Bitzer, a Great Dane. (Purdue University photo/Rebecca McElhoe)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Almost 80,000 dogs have been nominated to participate in a new nationwide study on dog aging since registration began last fall, but there's still time for your dog to become part of the pack.
"We know from previous work done with dog owners that they are motivated to help their dogs live longer, healthier lives, but the response has been positively overwhelming," said Audrey Ruple, a veterinary epidemiologist and assistant professor of One Health Epidemiology in the Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences' Department of Public Health.
The Dog Aging Project will look at dogs from all breeds and mixes from across the nation. This is the first major longitudinal study involving dogs, and it's scheduled to last at least 10 years.
"Dogs are good models for humans," said Ruple, who is one of more than 40 scientists and researchers participating in the study. "They have similar genetics, share our environment, and they also have similar diseases and health issues. We will be asking, 'How do dogs age healthfully?' in order to help better understand how we can age healthfully, too."
Dogs of all age ranges, breeds and sizes are eligible to participate. Owners can go online
