About the Dog Aging Project
The Dog Aging Project is an innovative initiative that brings together a community of dogs, owners, veterinarians, researchers, and volunteers to carry out the most ambitious canine health study in the world. Our work is centered on two fundamental goals: understanding how biology, lifestyle, and environment influence aging and intervening to increase healthspan, the period of life spent free from disease.
Our team of 40+ researchers, led by Dr. Daniel Promislow and Dr. Matt Kaeberlein at the University of Washington and Dr. Kate Creevy at Texas A&M, has built a collaborative, open data research platform that harnesses the power of community science, allowing dog owners to participate in scientific research efforts. The Dog Aging Project is supported by U19 grant AG057377 from the National Institute on Aging, a part of the National Institutes of Health, and by private donations.
About the Health and Life Experience Survey
The Health and Life Experience Survey is the foundation for all research conducted by the Dog Aging Project. Available through an individualized research portal, the Health and Life Experience Survey consists of ten sections and asks 200+ questions about lifestyle, environment, behavior and health. Upon completion of the Health and Life Experience Survey, enrolled dogs become members of the research cohort called the Dog Aging Project Pack.
Owner ContactDog Demographics
Physical Activity
Environment
Dog Behavior
Diet
Medications and Preventives
Health Status
Owner Demographics
Additional Studies
As of Dec 31 2020, the Dog Aging Project Pack has 27,541 members.
About this Shiny app
The Dog Aging Project is an open data project. This user-friendly dashboard provides a dynamic overview of all variables included in the Health and Life Experience Survey. Use the sidebar to navigate to each section of the Health and Life Experience Survey and learn more about the Dog Aging Project Pack.
Complete and de-identified data about the Dog Aging Project Pack are available publicly through the Terra cloud computing platform at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The variables summarized here can be directly cross-referenced to the full dataset in Terra. The data presented here are updated regularly. Please refer to the date at the top of the dashboard navigation panel for the most recent data upload.
This Shiny app was built by Yunbi Nam in Shiny, an R package used to build interactive web apps.
About the Owner Contact Instrument
The Dog Aging Project is a longitudinal research study. Dogs of any age can be enrolled in the project. Once they join, our team strives to maintain a lifelong, collaborative relationship with the owner as well as the dog's primary care veterinarian. The Owner Contact Instrument is one of multiple instruments that we use to stay in contact with our participants.
Survey Questions: Owner Contact
All Participants
| Characteristics | No. (%) of subjects (N=27542) |
|---|---|
| Number of people in household | |
| 1 | 5536 (20%) |
| 2 | 15135 (55%) |
| 3 | 3606 (13%) |
| 4 | 2323 (8%) |
| 5 | 656 (2%) |
| 6 | 217 (<1%) |
| 7 | 46 (<1%) |
| 8 | 15 (<1%) |
| 9 | 4 (<1%) |
| 10 | 1 (<1%) |
| 11 | 1 (<1%) |
| 12+ | 2 (<1%) |
| Number of adults* in household | |
| 1 | 5808 (21%) |
| 2 | 17972 (65%) |
| 3 | 2702 (10%) |
| 4 | 869 (3%) |
| 5 | 156 (<1%) |
| 6 | 25 (<1%) |
| 7 | 7 (<1%) |
| 9 | 2 (<1%) |
| 10+ | 1 (<1%) |
| Number of children* in household | |
| 0 | 23350 (85%) |
| 1 | 2266 (8%) |
| 2 | 1486 (5%) |
| 3 | 336 (1%) |
| 4 | 88 (<1%) |
| 5 | 13 (<1%) |
| 6 | 1 (<1%) |
| 7 | 1 (<1%) |
| 8 | 1 (<1%) |
| Primary address occupancy status | |
| Own | 23458 (85%) |
| Rent | 3586 (13%) |
| Other | 498 (2%) |
| Secondary address | 2698 (10%) |
Subset of Participants who have a secondary address
* There are respondents who did not answer questions since these questions are optional even if they have a secondary address.
About the Dog Demographics Instrument
The Dog Aging Project is open to all dogs, young and old, purebred and mixed breed, intact and altered. The breadth of diversity represented by the members of the Dog Aging Project Pack is part of the power of the dataset, which includes owner-reported information from the Dog Demographics Instrument. For many cohort members, this information is validated through veterinary electronic medical records and genetic assays.
Survey Questions: Dog Demographics
All Dogs
* Staying in 'other' locations indicates whether dog stayed two weeks or more in a location other than primary or secondary residence over the past six months.
Subset of Dogs who stayed in other locations
* Staying in 'other' locations indicates whether dog stayed two weeks or more in a location other than primary or secondary residence over the past six months.
Subset of Dogs who are un-spayed females
Subset of Dogs who are un-spayed females and have had at least one estrus cycle
Subset of Dogs who are un-spayed females and have been pregnant
Subset of Dogs who are spayed females
Subset of Dogs who are spayed females and have experienced an estrus cycle prior to being spayed
Subset of Dogs who are spayed females and have had at least one estrus cycle
Subset of Dogs who are spayed females and have ever been pregnant
Subset of Dogs who are un-neutered males
Subset of Dogs who are un-neutered males and have sired any litters
Subset of Dogs who are neutered males
Subset of Dogs who are neutered males and have sired any litters
Subset of Dogs who are purebred
Subset of Dogs who are mixed breed
About the Physical Activity Instrument
The questions in the Physical Activity Instrument capture seasonal variation in activity level, activity type, and the physical spaces in which activity occurs. For some cohort members, many of these owner-reported values are validated with activity monitors as part of additional studies.
Survey Questions: Physical Activity
All Dogs
Subset of Dogs who have at least one month with moderate weather
Subset of Dogs who spend time outdoors in moderate weather
Subset of Dogs who have at least one month with hot weather
Subset of Dogs who spend time outdoors in hot weather
Subset of Dogs who have at least one month with cold weather
Subset of Dogs who spend time outdoors in cold weather
Subset of Dogs who walk on leash outside the house
Subset of Dogs who walk off leash outside the house
Subset of Dogs who get additional physical activity
Subset of Dogs who swim and spend time outdoors in moderate weather
Subset of Dogs who swim and spend time outdoors in hot weather
Subset of Dogs who swim and spend time outdoors in cold weather
Subset of Dogs who swim
About the Environment Instrument
The questions in the Environment Instrument focus on the dog's living space, including water sources, heating sources, and the kinds of materials with which the dog comes into contact. In Terra, these owner-reported values are paired with zipcode-specific, environmental data obtained from public databases.
Survey Questions: Environment
All Homes
* Urban area is inside the city. Suburban area is outside of the urban center and inside a neighborhood. Rural area is outside of the city and suburbs, and often on a sizable lot or acreage.
Subset of Homes that have secondary heating fuel source
Subset of Homes that have secondary cooking fuel source at home
Subset of Homes where owners know what types of pipes are in home
Subset of Homes that have wood burning fireplace
Subset of Homes that have gas fireplace
Subset of Homes that have wood flooring types
Subset of Homes that have carpet flooring types
Subset of Homes that have tile flooring types
Subset of Homes that have linoleum flooring types
Subset of Homes that have laminate flooring types
Subset of Homes that have other flooring types
Subset of Homes that have a staircase with more than 8 stairs that dog uses regularly
Subset of Homes where dogs regularly lick, chew, or play with toys
Subset of Homes where dogs sleep in a different location during the day
Subset of Dogs who have ingested a hazardous material either inside or outside the home
Subset of Homes that have other animals in home or on property
Subset of Homes that have a yard used by dog
Subset of Homes where dogs have access to the yard
Subset of Homes where the yard is treated to control weeds
Subset of Homes that is treated to control insects and pests
Subset of Dogs who consume feces
Subset of Dogs who drink from outdoor water sources
Subset of Dogs who interact with other animals in neighborhood
Subset of Dogs who interact with other humans in neighborhood
Subset of Dogs who are taken to dog parks
Subset of Dogs who are taken to spaces meant for recreational activities
Subset of Dogs who are taken to work
Subset of Dogs who are taken to daycare center
About the Dog Behavior Instrument
The Dog Behavior Instrument is a modified version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment & Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), a standardized behavioral evaluation tool for dog owners/guardians that was developed and validated by Yuying Hsu and James Serpell in 2003. This instrument collects data on canine behavioral traits such as excitability, aggression, fear, affection, and trainability. These variables provide baseline information. Other validated survey instruments supplement and extend the Dog Behavior Instrument.
Hsu, Y., & Serpell, J. A. (2003). Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring behavior and temperament traits in pet dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 223(9), 1293-1300.
Survey Questions: Dog Behavior
Section 1: Excitability
Some dogs show little reaction to exciting events, while others become highly excited at the slightest novelty. By checking a number on the following 5-point scale (0=Calm, 4=Extremely excitable), please indicate your own dog's recent tendency to become excitable in the following circumstances.
Section 2: Aggression
Most dogs display aggressive behavior from time to time (e.g., barking, growling, baring teeth, snapping, etc.). By checking a number on the following 5-point scale (0=No aggression, 4=Serious aggression), please indicate your own dog's aggressive behavior in the following circumstances.
Section 3: Fear and Anxiety
Dogs often show signs of anxiety or fear when exposed to particular sounds, objects, persons or situations (e.g., crouching or cringing with tail tucked between the legs; whimpering or whining, freezing; trembling; or attempting to escape or hide). Using the following 5-point scale (0=No fear, 4=Extreme fear), please indicate your own dog's recent tendency to display fearful behavior in the following circumstances.
Section 4: Separation-related Behavior
Some dogs show signs of anxiety when left alone, even for short periods of time. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of anxiety when left, or about to be left, on its own?
Section 5: Attachment and Attention-seeking
Most dogs are strongly attached to their people, and some demand a great deal of attention and affection from them. Thinking back over the recent past, how often has your dog shown each of the following signs of attachment or attention-seeking?
Section 6: Training Difficulty
Some dogs are more obedient and trainable than others. By checking the appropriate boxes, please indicate how trainable or obedient your dog has been in each of the following situations in the recent past.
Section 7: Miscellaneous Behaviors
Dogs display a wide range of miscellaneous behaviors in addition to those already covered by this questionnaire. Thinking back over the recent past, please indicate how often your dog has shown any of the following behaviors.
About the Diet Instrument
The Diet Instrument collects data on food types, treat types, supplements, changes to diet, and canine eating behaviors. These variables provide baseline information. Other validated survey instruments supplement and extend the Diet Instrument.
Survey Questions: Diet
All Dogs
* Free feeding is the practice of filling up bowl when empty or always having food available.
Subset of Dogs whose primary component is not grain-free
Subset of Dogs whose primary component has been changed in the past 12 months
Subset of Dogs who have secondary component of diet
Subset of Dogs whose secondary component is not grain-free
Subset of Dogs whose secondary component has been changed in the past 12 months
Subset of Dogs who eat treats at least occasionally
Subset of Dogs who take any supplements at least daily
Subset of Dogs who take any supplements less often than every day
Subset of Dogs whose appetite changed in the past 12 months
Subset of Dogs whose weight changed in the past 12 months
About the Medications and Preventives Instrument
The Medications and Preventives Instrument collects data on vaccinations, grooming, preventive treatments, and dental care. These variables provide baseline information and supplement information about specific medical conditions collected by the Health Status Instrument.
Survey Questions: Medications and Preventives
All dogs
Subset of Dogs who have undergone any dental procedures
Subset of Dogs who have had a routine dental cleaning
Subset of Dogs who have had a dental extraction
Subset of Dogs who are ever professionally groomed
Subset of Dogs who are ever groomed at home or a self-grooming facility
Subset of Dogs whose owners use products for flea and tick control
Subset of Dogs whose owners use heartworm prevention
About the Health Status Instrument
The Health Status Instrument collects detailed health histories from participants. Some questions ask about general health conditions. Others ask about health conditions that occur in specific body systems. For specific diagnoses, information about date of diagnosis, treatment, and on-going medical follow-up is provided.
Survey Questions: Health Status
All Dogs
* 'Diagnosed conditions' reports respondents who answer "Yes" to one or more questions whether the dog has ever been diagnosed with any of the specific diseases/disorders.
The following summary table, Diagnosed Conditions, reports the statistics of the specific diseases/disorders.
The following summary table, Diagnosed Conditions, reports the statistics of the specific diseases/disorders.
Subset of Dogs who have been hospitalized for more than 24 hours
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder(s)
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with condition(s)
Respondents are asked to answer whether the dog has ever been diagnosed with the condition. Here we do not consider statistics from the congenital disorder related questions.
Congenital Disorders
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the bones of body or limbs
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the heart
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the eyes
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the reproductive system
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the skin
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the mouth or oral cavity
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the ears
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the kidneys or urinary tract
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the respiratory tract
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the neurologic system
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the liver
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the endocrine system
Subset of Dogs who were born with congenital disorder affecting the blood or lymphatic system
Diagnosed Conditions
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with skin disorders
Subset of Dogs who have experienced trauma
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with dental or oral disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with infectious or parasitic diseases
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with orthopedic disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with eye disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with ear, nose, and throat disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with ingestion of toxic or controlled substances
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with kidney or urinary disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer or tumors - areas of body
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with cancer or tumors - types of cancer
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with cardiac disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with neurologic disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with liver or pancreas disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with respiratory disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with endocrine disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with reproductive system disorders
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with immune‐mediated diseases
Subset of Dogs who have been diagnosed with hematopoietic (blood or lymphatic) diseases
About the Owner Demographics Instrument
The Dog Aging Project is a comprehensive investigation of dog health. That means we want to study all dogs from all kinds of homes. Demographic information about participating dog owners is de-identified and analyzed to identify gaps in participation. Equity is a core value of the Dog Aging Project. We believe that our science is stronger when we include people from diverse backgrounds.
Survey Questions: Owner Demographics
All Participants
About the Additional Studies Instrument
The Additional Studies Instrument allows respondants to indicate their level of interest in participating in supplementary studies conducted by the Dog Aging Project.
Survey Questions: Additional Studies
All Participants
From the second to the last characteristics, respondents are asked to answer how likely they would be to consider participating in a specific study or any possible future studies.
* 'VEMR ineligible' includes people who do not have a primary care veterinarian that provides dog's medical care or do not give consent to share records with us.
* 'VEMR ineligible' includes people who do not have a primary care veterinarian that provides dog's medical care or do not give consent to share records with us.