Scientists seek answers to the canine aging process and lifespan

By Kim Campbell Thornton

How long do dogs live? I think we can all agree that it's not nearly long enough. Canine lifespans vary from as short as 6 to 8 years for certain giant breeds to an astounding 20-plus years for some tiny dogs. Owners of small and medium-size dogs can generally expect their companions to live 10 to 15 years.

Diet, good care and genetics all play a role in the length of a dog's life, but two researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle are hoping to learn more about how dogs age, as well as whether the aging process can be delayed and the lifespan lengthened. The Dog Aging Project (DAP), headed by Daniel Promislow, Ph.D., and Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D., plans to track 10,000 dogs in homes around the United States to get a sense of how genetic and environmental factors affect aging in dogs.

As dogs -- and humans and other animals -- age, organs and tissues break down, increasing the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease and more. Age is a greater risk factor for these diseases than diet, weight and exercise.

"The big picture behind what we're trying to do is to understand the aging process so we can delay the onset and progression of all these diseases," Dr. Kaeberlein says. "It's sort of a fundamental shift from the traditional medical approach, which is to wait until dogs -- or people -- are sick, and then try to treat the disease."

The dogs in this observational study will include many different breeds in different environments: short-lived dogs, long-lived dogs, dogs in wealthy households and dogs in more modest households. The researchers will look at not just how long the dogs live, but also at how environmental factors affect them as they age.

Included in the DAP will be a smaller study, with up to 36 pet dogs in the Seattle area. It will look at whether a drug called Rapamycin -- used to prevent organ transplant rejection in humans -- can slow aging, extend canine lifespans and improve quality of life. The drug has been shown to increase lifespan in many different organisms, Dr. Kaeberlein says, as well as improve cognitive, cardiac and immune function in animals such as mice.

"There's been accumulating evidence over the past several years that not only do they live longer, but that the aging process itself is slowed down," he says.

Of the 46 dogs whose owners have expressed interest in enrolling them in the Rapamycin study, only 26 dogs so far have met the criteria to be included: at least 6 years old, weighing at least 40 pounds and with no pre-existing conditions. Among them are golden retrievers, a greyhound, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds and mixed breeds.

In both studies, dogs are good subjects because their shorter lifespan allows scientists to see results in a decade or less.

"If we had a large enough sample size, we could know in three years -- certainly in five years -- the extent to which Rapamycin improved healthy aging in dogs," Dr. Promislow says. "And for a longitudinal study of age, where we want to follow dogs throughout life and understand the genetic or environmental factors that affect aging and disease in dogs, you can do that in a decade. That's not possible in that timeframe in people."

The eventual results could have implications for humans, but the dog-loving scientists say their research is about more than that.

"We're both determined to find ways to improve the quality of life for dogs," Dr. Kaeberlein says. "This is not just about finding something that will help people. It might be good for dogs and their owners."

Q&A

Essential oils can

be toxic to pets

Q: I've been using an essential oil diffuser in my home, and I'm wondering if the oils are safe for use around my pets. Can inhaling the scents harm them? What about topical use? -- via email

A: Essential oils are extracted from plants, usually by distilling flowers, leaves, wood, bark, roots, seeds or peel. Some people use them medicinally, by inhaling them or applying them to the skin.

Pet owners who are interested in holistic remedies sometimes use essential oils to fight flea infestations or soothe hot spots or other skin conditions. It's important to use these oils cautiously around pets, however. They are powerful and can be toxic or even fatal if misused. Cats are especially at risk because their livers aren't able to metabolize certain drugs and toxins, including essential oils such as melaleuca (tea tree oil), pennyroyal, D-limonene and linalool.

According to my colleague Sharon Gwaltney-Brant, DVM, a toxicology specialist who spoke on this subject at a veterinary conference, the most common signs seen in pets who have essential oils applied to the skin are loss of coordination, muscle weakness, depression and behavior changes. Small dogs have become temporarily paralyzed when owners applied melaleuca oil down the spine as a topical flea treatment. Cats improperly exposed to the oils can develop liver failure. Pets who lick or ingest the oils may vomit or have diarrhea or suffer mouth burns. Inhaling the oils can not only irritate your pet's sensitive nose, but can also cause aspiration pneumonia. Pet birds have an extremely delicate respiratory tract, and you should never use scent diffusers or scented candles in their presence.

In essence, it's important to be careful when using these products. Never let pets lick them off your skin, and always check with your veterinarian before using essential oils on or around your pets. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Coat color may affect

cats' temperament

-- Does your calico have cattitude? Science says: Yes. According to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, calico and tortoiseshell cats are more likely to be assertive in their interactions with humans. In other words, they don't hesitate to hiss, chase, bite, swat or scratch to get their point across to owners and veterinarians. The information, acquired by surveying more than 1,200 cat owners and published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, confirmed that cats who come in those patterns can have spirited temperaments. Some call them "difficult"; we like to think of them as, uh, forceful communicators. Want a more laid-back cat? Choose one with a solid-colored coat.

-- Endangered rhinos have some new best friends: anti-poaching dogs. One of them is Larry, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois employed in Swaziland, a country in southern Africa where rhinos are at high risk from poaching gangs. Larry and other dogs, including bloodhounds and foxhounds, track and apprehend poachers and scent out rhino horns and ammunition smuggled through airports. Anti-poaching dogs and their handlers also work to protect rhinos in South Africa's Kruger National Park and Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservatory. Elephants and gorillas benefit, too, from the approximately 100 dogs who help to protect African wildlife.

-- When Annabelle slipped down an icy embankment in Orange, Massachusetts, and became trapped in some brush, her pal Jacques did the sensible thing: He called the police. Officers had been trying to catch the west Highland white terriers, who had escaped after their owner was taken to the hospital, but they couldn't get close to them until Jacques ran up to an officer and barked, then led him to Annabelle. Officers were able to use a ladder to rescue her, and brought them in until they could be reunited with their owner. Thank goodness for "Lassie" reruns. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Studies of canine longevity could have benefits for dogs and humans. Mouse, a 6-year-old husky-shepherd mix, is participating in the Dog Aging Project's Rapamycin study. Photo credit: John Benavente Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The genes that dictate a cat's coat color and pattern may also be linked to temperament. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 1

Moving cross-country with cats? Ten tips to help the journey go smoothly

By Kim Campbell Thornton

A road trip with a dog is a classic experience, but you don't hear so much about traveling with cats. Felines can be fine traveling companions, though, especially if you prepare them beforehand and take some common-sense precautions to keep them safe and happy. Here's our expert advice on taking cats for a ride -- whether your destination is a day away or on the other side of the country.

-- If you have a few weeks or months before the big move, begin now to accustom your cat to his carrier. Leave it out in the house for him to explore, and make it extra-appealing by placing treats or catnip toys inside for him to find. You may also want to feed meals in it, leaving the door open. If you see your cat napping in the carrier, lavish him with praise, treats or a nice head scratch.

-- Accustom your cat to car rides that don't involve going to the veterinarian. Start with short trips down the street or around the block and right back home. Always make sure the ride is comfortable, with the carriers resting on a level, stable surface. Gradually increase the distance of the trips, with occasional stops for a treat such as a tiny bite of your hamburger at a drive-through or other special treat.

-- Feline pheromone sprays or wipes can enhance a carrier's allure and may help your cat relax when he's in it.

-- Tranquilizers are usually not a good idea, but if you have an anxious cat, talk to your veterinarian about chewable nutritional supplements that can have a calming effect. If your cat shows signs of motion sickness, such as drooling or vomiting, he may benefit from a prescription for Cerenia, an anti-nausea medication.

-- Plot your trip based on the location of pet-friendly hotels. Even if a website says a particular hotel or chain permits pets, call beforehand to confirm that cats are welcome.

-- Stock up on disposable litter boxes. Annette Maxberry-Carrara, who has moved around the world with various cats, recommends buying one for every stop until you reach your destination and using "crystal" litter, individually bagged for each stop. "It's lighter than clay, cuts the stink in the hotel room or car and absorbs liquid quickly," she says. "Toss the whole thing when you leave the hotel."

-- Feed your cat at least an hour before departure every morning so he has a chance to use the litter box before you set out. "Cats generally eat and drink less while traveling," says JaneA Kelley, who moved from Maine to Seattle with her three cats, ages 17, 13 and 1 year. "That gave my cats all the opportunity they needed until we stopped 8 to 10 hours later."

-- On the road, keep your cat in his carrier. It's safer for him and for you.

-- At hotels, take the cat in first -- in his carrier -- place it in the bathroom and close the door. Then you can bring in other items from the car without fear that the cat will bolt. "Try to make a corner of the hotel room as cozy as possible for the cat, with his carrier, familiar food dishes and litter box," says former Cat Fancy editor Debbie Phillips-Donaldson.

-- Plan ahead for your arrival. Terry Albert, who moved her cats from Seattle to San Diego and back again, says, "I'm probably the only person who ever checked luggage with an unwashed litter box in a trash bag so the cats would have something that smelled like home when we got to the new place."

Q&A

Secondhand smoke

affects dogs, cats

Q: My boyfriend smokes. I know that smoking around pets isn't good for them, but he says that as long as he doesn't smoke near them, there won't be any harmful effect. -- via email

A: You are right to be concerned about the effects of secondhand smoke on your pets. There's a direct link between pets living in a smoking environment and a higher risk of health problems. And your boyfriend is wrong to think that stepping outdoors or into another room is enough to offset the risk.

An ongoing study by the University of Glasgow found that while cats whose owners smoked away from them had a reduced amount of smoke taken into their body, the cats were not altogether protected from exposure. The same study found that a gene that acts as a marker of cell damage was higher in dogs living in smoking homes than those in nonsmoking homes.

Professor Clare Knottenbelt, professor of small animal medicine and oncology at the university's Small Animal Hospital, says, "Our findings show that exposure to smoke in the home is having a direct impact on pets. It risks ongoing cell damage, increasing weight gain after castration and has previously been shown to increase the risk of certain cancers."

Cats are especially at risk, possibly because they take in more smoke from grooming themselves. Veterinarian Victoria Smith, who is investigating the links between passive smoking and lymphoma, a cancer of the blood cells in cats, says, "Our work so far has shown that cats take in significant amounts of smoke, and even having outdoor access makes very little difference."

For his own health and that of your pets, encourage your boyfriend to stop smoking. If he won't, make a rule that he can't smoke in or around your home. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Dogs at risk may benefit

from canine flu vaccine

-- It's flu season for you, but what about your dog? Does he need a flu vaccination? Canine influenza isn't common, but it's making an appearance in some parts of the country, including a recent outbreak in Austin, Texas. The H3N2 virus is a newer infection, making dogs more susceptible, but a vaccine is available for dogs at risk. If your dog spends a lot of time with large numbers of other dogs -- at dog parks, boarding kennels or dog shows, for instance -- is already sick or has a weak immune system, or will be traveling to areas where there is an outbreak, ask your veterinarian if the vaccine is right for your dog.

-- An online database created to track animals who are taken in by shelters and rescue groups is up and running. Shelter Animals Count, which has on board organizations including the University of Wisconsin and University of Florida Veterinary Schools, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and Maddie's Fund, will help animal welfare organizations large and small accurately count the numbers of animals entering and leaving shelters, share and compare data and improve their efforts to save animals' lives and prevent pet homelessness.

-- Captain Cat? Bailey, a sealpoint Siamese with a yen for adventure, sails the bounding main with his humans, Louise Kennedy and her partner, James. The seafaring feline blogs about his life on their sailboat, Nocturne, and has clawed his way to literary fame with his book, "Bailey Boat Cat: Adventures of a Feline Afloat." The Museum of Maritime Pets even named him an Ambassador at Sea. Like any good sailor, Bailey is skilled at climbing ropes and ladders. He also enjoys watching seagulls and other birds, as well as dolphins, and snacking on the occasional fish that mistakenly lands on board. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Cats may be better long-distance travelers than you think. Many curl up and sleep the whole way. Photo by JaneA Kelley; used by permission. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Sailor cat Bailey enjoys bird watching, sunbathing and fishing. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 3

Fitness training for your dog (or cat) includes balance work, stretching, tricks and aerobics

By Kim Campbell Thornton

The holidays are over, you're back at work or school and you're still enthusiastic about your New Year's resolution to get in better shape. I think most of us commit to some version of that resolution every year: to exercise more, take up a new activity, eat right. Include your pet in that fitness resolution, and you'll improve his health, performance and longevity, says veterinary sports medicine specialist Cindy Otto, DVM.

My cavalier Harper and I started a little early with this resolution when we attended a working dog fitness class last November, led by Dr. Otto. The exercises we learned are often taught to working dogs and canine athletes to help them stay agile and teach them body awareness, but any pet can benefit.

"I think pet dogs benefit even more because often they're bored to tears, they're fat and they don't have anything to mentally stimulate them," Dr. Otto says. "I think the whole process, especially training and working with your dog, changes your relationship."

A pet workout isn't that different from one you might do for yourself. It includes a warmup, stretching, balance exercises for core power, strength training and a cool down. You can take a fitness class with your dog or learn some simple strategies to work with him on your own, using equipment you may already have or can build easily.

A warmup is as simple as walking your dog around for a few minutes to get the blood flowing (especially if he has been crated for any length of time), some active stretches such as downward dog (a play bow) and a counter stretch such as "frog dog" for groin muscles. A trick such as "wave" or "high five" is a good stretch for limbs and shoulders. Complete the warmup with some sits and downs and a rubdown to get the blood flowing.

Balance exercises to build a strong core (think "pupilates") include sitting up on the hind legs; walking a plank -- a board placed atop two balance discs so it's a little wobbly when the pet crosses it; or standing on single or multiple balance discs. Core exercises can also be as simple as having your pet stand or walk on a sofa cushion or inflatable bed.

"Dogs need core strength to keep their spine and pelvis healthy and happy," Dr. Otto says. "A lot of dogs end up losing their lives because of hind end weakness. Bad hips and bad backs are big causes of euthanasia."

Balance work doesn't take long. Spend three to five minutes daily practicing these exercises with your pet. If your dog has a long back or doesn't have good control, be cautious and go slowly with difficult exercises such as "sit pretty."

Another important aspect of fitness is what's known as proprioception, or body awareness. Learning to back up, fitting all four feet in a box and spinning in both directions are all skills that can help to build this ability.

Exercises for building strength and proprioception include walking up hills or walking sideways up hills. Backing up a hill strengthens the rear end while backing down a hill strengthens the front end. Other good strength exercises are "pushups" -- repeated sits and downs -- rolling over in both directions, crawling and trotting through the rungs of a ladder on the ground.

"Fit dogs have muscle tone," Dr. Otto says. "Just being thin isn't enough."

To find a class, do a web search for "fitness class for pets." You can find classes for puppies, seniors and people and pets of all fitness levels.

Q&A

Shedding or hair loss:

What's the difference?

Q: My cat seems to be losing a lot of hair. He even has a couple of bald patches. What is the problem? -- via Facebook

A: It's normal for cats to shed, of course. Hairs grow and then fall out on a regular basis, adorning our "fur-niture" (that's why they call it that), floors and clothing. Sometimes cats spontaneously lose a lot of hair when they are nervous or afraid. Stress activates their arrector pili muscles, attached to the hair follicles, causing the cat to suddenly lose hairs that have been in the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. That's a harmless condition, although it may leave your hands and clothing extra furry, but if your cat is starting to get bare patches, it's time to see your veterinarian. Any time you can see skin, hair loss is not normal.

Cats can lose fur from scratching or chewing at themselves. Known as traumatic hair loss, it's usually related to itchy skin caused by allergies or fleabites. Cats with traumatic hair loss are often allergic to substances in the environment, such as pollens or to ingredients in their diet.

Occasionally, cats can experience spontaneous hair loss from endocrine diseases such as Cushing's or from certain forms of cancer, such as lymphoma or liver or pancreatic cancer.

To diagnose the problem, your veterinarian will need to perform a physical exam. If the cause isn't obvious -- fleas, for instance -- blood work and possibly a skin biopsy can help to pinpoint the problem. If your cat has an endocrine disease or allergies, your veterinarian can prescribe medication or a change in diet. These types of conditions usually respond well to treatment.

If medical causes are ruled out, seek the advice of a veterinary behaviorist. Your cat may have a compulsive disorder that's causing him to pull out his fur. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pacemaker gives dog

new leash on life

-- A 7-year-old bulldog named Joe is the first canine recipient of a state-of-the-art pacemaker, a small device that helps to control abnormal heart rhythms. The human-grade pacemaker, implanted by Auburn University veterinarian SeungWoo Jung, stimulates more of the heart than older models more commonly used in dogs. Older-style pacemakers regulated only the heart's bottom chamber, while newer models regulate top and bottom chambers. Manufacturers have made the devices available to veterinary cardiology programs at low or no cost.

-- Max and Bella top the list of most popular pet names of 2015, followed by Charlie and Buddy for male dogs and Lucy and Daisy for females. The trend toward human names for pets has been going strong for several years (last year, 49 percent of pet lovers chose "people" names for their dogs and cats), but pop culture is a force as well. "Star Wars" fans are naming pets Chewbacca, Yoda and Wicket, not to mention Luke and Leia. And who wouldn't name a Lab Boba Fetch? "Harry Potter" aficionados name pets Luna or Dobby as well as variations on the scarred wizard himself: Harry Pawter or Hairy Potter, anyone?

-- When foxes nearly wiped out a colony of fairy, or little, penguins on Australia's Middle Island, the flightless birds were rescued by an unusual savior: a Maremma sheepdog named Oddball. The uninhabited (except by penguins) island was invaded by foxes, who crossed to it from the mainland during low tide and feasted on the tiny penguins, which stand only 8 to 12 inches high. A chicken farmer suggested that his Maremma, a guardian breed, be used to protect the birds. That was 10 years ago, and the experiment was a success -- the fairy penguin population has risen to 200. Currently, two dogs named Eudy and Tula patrol Middle Island, and a new puppy is in training to start work this year. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: Dogs and cats can benefit from "core" and strength training. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Dogs as diverse as briards and Brussels griffons are named after the "Star Wars" character Chewbacca, said to have been inspired by George Lucas' big, furry Alaskan malamute. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2