Researchers issue ‘call to action’ for data on more diverse range of dog owners
Virginia Tech’s Audrey Ruple and Courtney Sexton, already deeply involved in data collection and analysis for dog health and connections to humans through the Dog Aging Project, are imploring fellow scientists to cast the net even wider for data on the shared environments of humans and dogs in a perspective piece that appears this month in the journal Science.
When Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Your Dog? Insights from the Dog Aging Project
The Dog Aging Project surveyed 2,570 dog owners to understand the circumstances surrounding their pets' end-of-life decisions. Over 85% chose euthanasia, often to relieve suffering. This study highlights the importance of considering both lifespan and health span in dogs' lives.