J Vet Sci.  2025 Oct;26(S1):S199-S219. 10.4142/jvs.25202.

Anti-aging strategies for dogs: current insights and future directions

• Lim JR
• Yoon JH
• Han HJ

• KMID: 2573858
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4142/jvs.25202

Abstract

Importance
With the increasing lifespan of dogs, there has been a rise in the incidence of age-associated diseases. Despite various anti-aging strategies having been investigated in humans and rodents, their application in dogs remains relatively limited. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the aging process and anti-aging strategies for dogs.
Observations
Aging is a process characterized by the gradual accumulation of biological damage, which leads to chronic diseases and functional impairments. Senolytics and senomorphics ameliorate the aging process by targeting senescent cells or their secretome. Immune-based therapies target senescent cell antigens, which include monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, and vaccines. Lifestyle interventions, such as maintaining hydration, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and microbiome modulation, also help modulate the aging process. Current studies on aging dogs, such as the Dog Aging Project, aim to investigate the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence the onset of age-related diseases in dogs. These approaches highlight the complex nature of aging and suggest potential senotherapeutics that could improve the health outcomes of aging dogs.
Conclusions and Relevance
This review outlines current and emerging strategies in anti-aging research for aging dogs. Progress in this field will facilitate the development of targeted interventions to prevent and manage age-related diseases. These interventions have clinical relevance in improving early diagnosis, guiding therapeutic decisions, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life of older dogs.

Keyword

Companion animal; lifespan; senescence; senolytics; senomorphics