The Hidden Cause of Dog Aging: Chronic Inflammation Explained

What 53,000 Dogs Are Teaching Us About Longevity

In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, Dr. David Haworth speaks with Dr. Kate Creevy, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University and Chief Veterinary of the Dog Aging Project - the world’s largest long-term study of ageing in dogs. Together they explore what more than 53,000 dogs are teaching researchers about dog ageing, canine healthspan, lifestyle, genetics, nutrition, cognitive decline, heart health and longevity science. This episode is essential listening for dog owners, veterinarians, researchers and anyone interested in canine longevity, preventative pet health and the future of veterinary science. The conversation covers: * What the Dog Aging Project is and why it matters * Why 53,000 dogs are being followed over time * How lifestyle, diet, genetics and environment may influence dog ageing * Why cognitive decline and heart health are key ageing markers in dogs * What Rapamycin is and why it is being studied in canine longevity * How activity and social connection may support cognitive health in older dogs * How metabolomics may reveal biological patterns linked to ageing * How AI could help analyse veterinary medical records at scale With better data, better science and more personalised care, we can move closer to a future where dogs not only live longer, but enjoy more healthy, active and comfortable years. Dr. Kate Creevy: https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf40f2eea Dr. David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/ PANIO:⁠ https://panio.io/⁠ [https://panio.io/] Kate’s Recommendations: * Dog Aging Project:⁠ https://dogagingproject.org/⁠ [https://dogagingproject.org/] * The Hallmarks of Aging: 2013 and 2023 papers by López-Otín and colleagues (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/) * Canine Geriatric Syndrome research, including work by Brennan McKiernan, Natasha Olby and colleagues Chapters 00:00 – The Dog Aging Project and the Science of Canine Longevity 08:00 – What 53,000 Dogs Can Teach Us About Ageing, Lifestyle and Genetics 18:00 – Rapamycin, Fasting Biology and the Search for Longer Healthspan 25:50 – Lifespan vs Healthspan: What Really Matters for Ageing Dogs 32:30 – Why Dogs Are a Powerful Model for Human Longevity Research 43:55 – Diet, Activity, Social Connection and Cognitive Health in Older Dogs 50:50 – Metabolomics, AI and the Future of Veterinary Longevity Science — Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

The Hidden Cause of Dog Aging: Chronic Inflammation Explained

Most dog owners focus on how long their dog will live. But the real goal should be healthspan - the number of years a dog stays healthy, active, and pain-free. In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Dr. Heidi Lobprise, veterinary dentist, senior pet advocate, and author who has spent decades studying aging and longevity in pets. Together they explore how chronic inflammation accelerates aging, why dental disease is one of the most overlooked health threats in dogs and cats, and what pet owners can do to help their animals stay healthier for longer. Dr. Lobprise shares practical strategies for recognizing the early signs of aging, managing inflammation, and protecting your pet’s healthspan throughout their life. The conversation covers: * Why chronic inflammation accelerates aging in dogs * How periodontal disease affects overall health * The surprising connection between dental health and longevity * Why obesity and visceral fat increase inflammatory disease * The early signs that your dog is entering the senior stage of life * How to monitor your dog’s body condition and muscle health * The role of mobility, pain management, and exercise in aging dogs * How mental stimulation helps protect against cognitive decline * Why extending healthspan matters more than simply extending lifespan With the right care and awareness, pet owners can help their dogs live longer - while maintaining the quality of life that truly matters. Dr. Heidi Lobprise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-lobprise-a161684/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-lobprise-a161684/] David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/] PANIO: https://panio.io/ [https://panio.io/] Heidi’s Recommendations: Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/ [https://dogagingproject.org/] Grey Muzzle Organization: https://www.greymuzzle.org/ [https://www.greymuzzle.org/] Chapters 00:00 – Why Chronic Inflammation Accelerates Aging in Dogs 03:10 – When Dogs Become “Senior” and What Changes 07:20 – Obesity, Metabolism and the Inflammation Cycle 11:30 – Why Dental Disease Is a Major Health Risk 16:40 – Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs 21:10 – Monitoring Body Condition and Muscle Loss 26:20 – Early Signs of Aging Most Owners Miss 31:10 – Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health in Dogs 36:30 – Managing Mobility, Pain and Osteoarthritis 41:30 – Practical Longevity Tips for Dog Owners 46:50 – Resources for Learning More About Dog Aging — Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

The 4 Pillars of Dog Longevity (From a Vet With 40 Years Experience)

Most dog owners want their dogs to live longer - but true longevity isn’t just about lifespan. It’s about healthspan, the years a dog stays healthy, active, and free from disease. In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Dr. Kevin Toman, a veterinarian with over 40 years of clinical experience and a deep interest in functional health, preventative veterinary medicine, and longevity science. Together they explore the real drivers of dog longevity, from diet and obesity to early diagnostics, supplements, and emerging longevity therapies like rapamycin. Dr. Toman shares the practical strategies dog owners can use today to help their pets live longer, healthier lives — many of which cost little or nothing to implement. The conversation covers: * The four pillars of canine longevity * Why obesity may be the biggest driver of reduced lifespan in dogs * How early diagnostics and preventative care can extend dog healthspan * The surprising truth about popular supplements that don’t work * Evidence-based supplements that may help joint health and aging * How exercise, lifestyle, and environment impact dog longevity * The science behind rapamycin and emerging longevity drugs for pets * Why aging itself may be the root cause of many diseases in dogs Even small changes to diet, exercise, and preventative care can make a meaningful difference to your dog’s healthy lifespan. Kevin Toman: https://helpingpetslivelonger.com/ [https://helpingpetslivelonger.com/] David Haworth: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/⁠ PANIO: ⁠https://panio.io/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 – How Small Changes Can Help Dogs Live Longer 01:30 – Meet Dr. Kevin Toman (40 Years in Veterinary Medicine) 02:00 – The Three Biggest Drivers of Dog Longevity 04:30 – Why Obesity Shortens Dogs’ Lifespans 07:00 – Early Detection and Preventative Veterinary Care 09:00 – The Problem With Ultra-Processed Dog Food 12:00 – Simple Diet Changes for Better Canine Healthspan 14:00 – The Four Pillars of Dog Longevity 17:30 – Exercise, Lifestyle and Preventing Joint Damage 20:00 – Mental Stimulation and “Sniffy Walks” 22:00 – Why Dental Health Is Critical for Dog Longevity 26:30 – Supplements That Don’t Work (According to Science) 29:00 – Evidence-Based Supplements for Dogs 32:30 – Curcumin and Anti-Inflammatory Longevity Strategies 37:30 – Rapamycin and the Future of Dog Longevity Science 41:30 – Longevity Drugs and Emerging Veterinary Research 45:00 – Is Aging Itself a Disease? — Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

The Epigenetic Clock: How Lifestyle Choices Permanently Modify Your Dog’s Health

Most dog owners think about their dog’s age in years. But what if a dog’s biological age told us far more about their health? In this episode, we explore how epigenetics and biological age testing could transform preventative pet health. By analysing small changes in DNA, scientists are beginning to understand how fast a dog is truly aging - and whether they may be at risk of disease before symptoms appear. This emerging field of dog aging science could allow veterinarians and pet owners to intervene earlier, helping improve dog healthspan and longevity through smarter, preventative care. Andria Beal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andria-beal/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andria-beal/] David Haworth: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/⁠ PANIO: ⁠https://panio.io/ EpiPaws: https://epipaws.com/ [https://epipaws.com/] Andria Beal’s Recommendations: Peter Attia - Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity Chapters 00:00 – How Biological Age Differs from Chronological Age 01:10 – Why Dog Longevity Is About Healthspan, Not Just Lifespan 03:20 – What Epigenetics Reveals About Dog Aging 06:10 – Can a Cheek Swab Measure Your Dog’s Biological Age? 09:00 – Predicting Disease Risk Before Symptoms Appear 12:20 – How Epigenetics Could Transform Preventative Pet Health 16:00 – What Dog Aging Science Can Teach Us About Longevity 19:30 – Personalised Health Strategies for Dogs 22:30 – The Future of Predictive Veterinary Medicine 25:00 – How Early Intervention Could Extend Dog Healthspan -- Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

Why Whole Foods Could Improve Your Dog’s Healthspan | Dog Longevity Podcast

Most dog owners want their dogs to live longer - but longevity isn’t just about lifespan. It’s about healthspan, the years a dog stays healthy, active, and thriving. In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Marisa Hoskins, certified canine nutritionist and founder of Puppy Gang Fresh Foods. Together they explore how canine nutrition, preventative pet health, and whole foods can help support a longer, healthier life for dogs. The conversation covers: * The science behind dog healthspan and longevity * Why ultra-processed pet food became the norm * How whole foods and fresh ingredients may improve dog health * Simple diet changes that can support canine longevity * The connection between human nutrition and dog aging science * Why prevention is the future of veterinary innovation Even small changes to your dog’s diet can make a difference. Marisa Hoskins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-hoskins/ David Haworth: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/⁠ PANIO: ⁠https://panio.io/ Marisa Hoskins Recommendations: The Forever Dog: https://foreverdog.com/ 00:00 – Why Preventative Pet Health Matters for Dogs 02:00 – From Rescue Dog to Canine Nutrition Company 05:00 – The Problem with Ultra-Processed Dog Food 08:30 – Whole Foods and the Science of Dog Healthspan 12:30 – Can Whole Foods Improve Dog Longevity? 16:00 – How to Transition Your Dog to a Healthier Diet 20:00 – Best Whole Foods for Canine Nutrition 24:00 – Raw vs Cooked Diets for Dogs 27:00 – Exercise, Lifestyle, and Dog Aging 31:00 – Personalised Nutrition and the Future of Pet Health 33:30 – The Future of Preventative Veterinary Medicine — Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.