Petsavers, the charitable research organization, is calling for owners of older dogs to get involved with a new citizen science project.
The project called Old Age Pets is aimed at helping veterinary professionals and owners provide the best care for their animals.
Owners are being asked to provide a photo or video and a brief description that captures what it is like to live with and care for an older dog.
Dr Carri Westgarth, a senior lecturer in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool, has been awarded a citizen science grant from PetSavers to run the project.
She plans to use the information gathered to help develop a ‘Canine Ageing and Wellbeing’ tool for use in veterinary practice, helping veterinary professionals and pet owners work together for the greater benefit of senior dogs.
“Dogs are living up to twice as long as they did 40 years ago and there are implications for senior dogs’ healthcare and wellbeing,” said Dr Westgarth.
“As life expectancy increases, so does the amount of time the dog may spend in poor health. It may be difficult for us to distinguish between the signs of serious age-related diseases and normal age-related changes in our dogs.”
Photographs, videos and comments can be uploaded before the July 10 deadline via bit.ly/PetSaversOAPsPhoto
