Markers of biological age in dogs.

Abstract

As human life expectancy continues to rise, ageing and age-related diseases have become critical societal challenges, driving extensive research across genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and behavioral sciences. In this context, domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) offer a unique model for ageing research due to their shared environmental exposures with humans, diverse genetic profiles, and relatively short lifespans. This review aims to identify potential biomarkers of ageing in dogs, facilitating a deeper understanding of age-related mechanisms and supporting the evaluation of interventions designed to promote healthy ageing. We present a research of peer-reviewed literature on age-related variations of various parameters across multiple biological systems, including epigenetic, telomere, immune, metabolic, and cognitive markers in dogs. Our findings highlight several robust biomarkers, such as DNA methylation-based epigenetic clocks, telomere attrition, CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio, hematological markers (e.g., globulin levels), and cognitive function scores. These biomarkers demonstrate strong parallels with human ageing processes, particularly concerning genomic and epigenetic alterations. However, challenges remain, including breed-specific variability, body size differences, and inconsistent evidence regarding inflammageing markers, such as pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite these limitations, indicators of chronic inflammation (e.g., anemia of chronic disease and elevated globulins) are evident in older dogs. Future research directions include the standardization of biomarker protocols for dogs, the development of longitudinal studies to track dynamic age-related changes, and further exploration of emerging biomarkers, such as those related to microbiome composition and oxidative stress.