The study is part of the Dog Aging Project, a large community-science research effort started in 2018 and funded by the National Institute on Aging and private donations.
The researchers used statistical tools to analyze factors in the dogs’ social environments obtained from surveys completed by dog parents.
Scientists not involved in the study pointed out that not all dogs respond similarly. “Some dogs may find social interactions stressful,” said Clara Wilson.
– Having children in the household had a negative impact on a dog’s health. – Dogs in wealthier households were diagnosed with more diseases than those in less affluent homes.
The researchers did not specifically look at the effect of breeds — they did not have enough detail on individual breeds — or exercise, Snyder-Mackler said.