The Lifestyle Link: How Home Environments Shape Your Dog’s Health and Happiness

Are dogs living longer these days? In short, yes! But what if there are other factors aside from improvements in veterinary medicine and nutrition and even the transition to more pets living inside, that could impact the longevity of your pet?  

According to recent data from the Dog Aging Project, five key factors that can impact the longevity and well-being of your pet’s life are neighborhood stability, total household income, social time with children, social time with animals, and the owner’s age.  

Neighborhood Stability and Owner’s Age 

Dogs in more stable households or with older owners were found to have fewer health issues. Surprisingly, older owners often had more mobile dogs, likely due to having more time for walks. These health benefits may also extend to the owners, with studies suggesting that interspecies companionship can reduce frailty among older adults. 

Interestingly, the positive impact of household stability on dog health was more pronounced in younger dogs. Additionally, factors such as the social environment, access to green spaces, and resource distribution within the household were linked to variations in dog health, mobility, and disease prevalence. This echoes human health disparities that can be correlated to individuals from lower-income neighborhoods.  

Total Household Income 

A dog's household income can significantly influence its health outcomes. Dogs from higher-income households may have better access to veterinary care, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment of health issues. However, this can also result in the identification of more diseases, as wealthier owners may be more likely to seek veterinary care for minor concerns and afford additional tests. Conversely, dogs from lower-income households may face financial constraints and adverse living conditions, potentially limiting their access to veterinary care and leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. 

These findings parallel human health disparities, where socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes. In the Dog Aging Project, measures of income and social connectedness were associated with better dog health. However, dogs from wealthier households had a higher prevalence of diagnosed diseases. This intriguing finding suggests that financial resources can increase the likelihood of disease detection, but doesn't necessarily indicate poorer health. 

This raises questions about the relationship between income, health, and the definition of "health" itself. While economic factors play a significant role in canine health, social factors also contribute to their well-being. Dogs, like humans, are social animals, and their interactions with other dogs and humans can impact their physical and mental health. 

Social Time with Animals 

A dog's social environment significantly impacts its physical and mental health. Recent studies have underscored the importance of social interaction for canine well-being. Dogs living with other dogs or regularly interacting with humans tend to be happier and healthier. This effect appears to be particularly pronounced in older dogs.  

Interestingly, dogs sharing a household with other pets reported higher health scores and fewer disease diagnoses than those with fewer companions. This suggests that the health benefits of social enrichment, such as reduced stress and increased physical activity, can outweigh the impact of financial factors. 

Social Time with Children 

Surprisingly, the presence of children in a household can have a mixed impact on dog health. While dogs in households with more children may experience fewer diseases, they often report poorer overall health. Several factors can explain this paradox. Firstly, the arrival of a child can significantly alter a dog's routine and environment. Reduced attention, fewer walks, and increased stress can negatively impact a dog's well-being. Secondly, the increased demands on time and resources in households with more children may limit the attention and care that dogs receive. 

It is important to keep in mind that environmental factors could have both direct and indirect effects on pet health. While we may not always be able to control these factors, we do have a say in the impact of nutrition on our pet’s lives. For example, BSM Partners’ Veterinary Services just published an article reviewing novel ingredients for pet food that could positively impact the pet’s longevity. Furthermore, pets who consume fewer calories and maintain ideal body weight have been noted to live longer and have better well-being than obese pets.  

Sometimes, our financial situation, the ability to grow a family, and the stability of our environment are beyond our control. However, the increasing lifespan of dogs is a testament to the advancements in veterinary medicine, nutrition, and our understanding of canine health. BSM Partners’ Veterinary, Nutrition, and Production Innovation Services can all be instrumental in providing pets with nutritious food and novel ingredients that have anti-aging properties. In combination with quality care and a loving environment, we can help them live longer, healthier, and happier lives. 

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates on all things happening here at BSM Partners.

About the Author

Dr. Stephanie Clark is a board-certified companion animal nutritionist, veterinary nurse and nutrition specialist, a pet owner, and a mother who had a baby during the formula shortage. She has spent the past almost two decades dedicating her career to the welfare of pets, livestock, and wildlife. She currently provides nutritional consultations for veterinary clinics and works in the pet food industry.