We all know dogs are our loyal companions, but it turns out they thrive when they have furry friends of their own. A recent study from the Dog Aging Project reveals that a dog's social network plays a crucial role in their health, surpassing factors like finances, household stability, and even the age of their owner. This initiative aims to unravel the mysteries of dog aging, exploring how genetics, lifestyle, and environment impact their well-being.
In the largest survey of its kind, over 21,000 dog owners shared details about themselves and their pets, including physical activity, environment, behavior, diet, and medications. From this wealth of information, researchers identified five key factors linked to a dog's well-being: neighborhood stability, household income, social interactions with children, social interactions with other animals, and owner age. Among these, social interactions with animals emerged as the strongest predictor of good health, outweighing financial considerations by fivefold.
This finding may surprise dog owners, especially in the U.S., where spending on pets averages $730 per year according to Forbes. Lead author Bri McCoy emphasized, "Like many social animals, including humans, having companionship is crucial for a dog's health."
The Dog Aging Project continues to delve into questions surrounding canine health, but McCoy highlights the primary message from this study: "Building a strong social network is beneficial for the dogs in our homes."
This conclusion mirrors research on human health, where social determinants like education, food security, housing, and access to healthcare significantly impact health equity. Co-author Noah Snyder-Mackler notes, "Our study underscores the strong connection between the social environment and health outcomes, mirroring what we know about humans."
So, if your dog could use some four-legged friends, here are five ways to help them build relationships:
- Take them to a nearby dog park or dog-friendly beach.
- Arrange playdates or walks with other dog owners.
- Attend dog-friendly public events in your area or explore activities listed on BringFido.com.
- Enroll your dog in a doggy daycare for socialization.
- If you have the capacity, consider adopting a pet sibling from a local animal shelter.