Back to Blog

Announcing the Groundbreaking BIOME9 1000-Dog Longevity Study

We’re thrilled to introduce the BIOME9 1000-Dog Longevity Study, a pioneering research project that will explore the connections between the canine gut microbiome and long-term health. This exclusive study, led by our renowned team of experts, could select your dog as one of the participants in this landmark research.

September 17, 2024 • 3 min read

Bushra Schuitemaker

Lead Microbiologist

A New Era in Canine Health Research

Our scientific team, led by Canine Microbiologist Dr. Bushra Schuitemaker and Vet Head of Veterinary Science & Nutrition Dr. Joe Inglis, has meticulously reviewed data from the BIOME9 Health Questionnaire. We are now selecting dogs to participate in this exciting study. This project, conducted by BIOME9 Labs in collaboration with our esteemed scientific partners, aims to deepen our understanding of the canine gut microbiome and its critical role in promoting long-term health and longevity.

Using our state-of-the-art InvisibleHealth® AI platform, we will analyse the gut microbiome of a carefully selected group of 1,000 dogs, paving the way for new insights into canine health.

What This Means for You and Your Dog

As a participant in the Longevity1000 study, your dog will receive a research-level BIOME9 GutDiscovery® test kit and a comprehensive health report at a special research rate of £75—a 50% discount off the standard price. You will also benefit from a complimentary follow-up consultation with one of our experts to discuss your dog's results.

Most importantly, by joining this study, you’ll be contributing to groundbreaking research that could enhance the quality and length of life for countless dogs by fostering a healthy gut microbiome.

The Link Between Canine Longevity and the Gut Microbiome

Research, including from our GutDiscovery® microbiome tests, has shown that the microbiome of puppies differs significantly from that of senior dogs. However, the ageing dog microbiome remains underexplored, and our study seeks to fill this knowledge gap. We aim to determine whether strategies to maintain microbiome diversity in ageing dogs could delay the onset of immunosenescence and support longer, healthier lives.

Scientific evidence indicates that as dogs age, their microbiome diversity tends to decline. Our findings show that senior dogs (7+ years) have, on average, 6% less microbiome diversity than younger dogs. Maintaining this diversity is crucial for resilience against pathogens and for overall health. A diverse gut microbiome can help prevent infections and support healthy ageing. By being proactive in managing your dog’s microbiome, especially as they age, you can contribute to their long-term well-being.

Study Goals and Recruitment

The BIOME9 Longevity Study aims to recruit 1,000 dogs, ranging from 6 months to 15 years old, divided into the following age brackets:

Puppy (0-12 months)
Adolescent (12-18 months)
Adult (18 months to 7 years)
Senior (7+ years)

Dogs of all health statuses are welcome as we seek to identify the microbiome composition associated with each age group. Keep an eye on your inbox to see if your dog has been selected to join this vital research effort. By participating, you’ll gain valuable insights into your dog’s gut health while contributing to future advances in canine wellness.

Anticipated Outcomes and Hypotheses

We expect to observe notable differences in microbiome diversity across age brackets, with higher diversity in puppies compared to senior dogs. We also anticipate a significant increase in Fusobacterium levels over time, with this bacterium’s relative abundance doubling every two years in healthy gut ecosystems. Additionally, our study aims to identify other indicators of a mature and stable canine microbiome, which will help refine our AI algorithms focused on age-specific gut health.

Our Mission: Extending Canine Lifespans

At BIOME9, our goal is to give dogs the longest, healthiest lives possible. Through this innovative research, we aim to unlock the secrets of the canine gut microbiome and its role in promoting longevity, ensuring that our beloved pets enjoy many happy, healthy years by our sides.

References

^[1] Hughes, G.M., Leech, J., Puechmaille, S.J., Lopez, J.V. and Teeling, E.C., 2018. Is there a link between ageing and microbiome diversity in exceptional mammalian longevity?. PeerJ, 6, p.e4174.

^[2] Pilla, R. and Suchodolski, J.S., 2020. The role of the canine gut microbiome and metabolome in health and gastrointestinal disease. Frontiers in veterinary science, 6, p.498.
^[3] Ma, X., Lazarowski, L., Zhang, Y., Krichbaum, S., Smith, J.G., Zheng, J., Cao, W., Haney, P.S., Wilborn, R.R., Price, S.B. and Singletary, M., 2024. Associations between memory performance and Bifidobacterium pseudolongum abundance in the canine gut microbiome. Iscience, 27(5).

Ready to start your BIOME9 journey?

Order GutDiscovery® test kit & personalised health report

Frequently asked questions

The microbiome is the name given to the collection of microbes, mostly bacteria, but also fungi and protozoa, that exist within your dog’s gut. It is a diverse and complex microbial community which can directly affect health and wellbeing. We know that 90% of a human’s body cells are microbes, with only 10% being human cells – it’s just that human cells are markedly larger than the microbes. It’s similar for our four-legged friends. Testing the microbiome gives us an idea of exactly which bacteria are present in your dog’s gut and this can help indicate existing or future health problems.
A healthy diversity within the microbiome has been found to be an accurate indicator of overall health and wellbeing. If your dog appears healthy, but has an imbalance in their microbiome, then this could be an indicator of a potential future health issue. If your dog has any existing health complaints, then improving the health of their microbiome can help to improve immune system health and overall wellbeing, as well as improving disease symptoms.
Testing and treatment have the potential to help with a whole range of different health complaints. The immune system is very closely associated with the gut, so any imbalance in the microbiome can influence immune system health, overall vitality and wellbeing. Our supplement recommendations are also tailored to your individual dog, with specific ranges designed to help with gastrointestinal inflammation, joint problems, allergies and skin complaints, to name a few.
All you need to do is order a kit online and fill in our questionnaire about your dog and their general health. We will then send the kit out to you by post. You then just need to collect a sample and return it to us, again by post. Once the test is performed, we will email the results directly to you.
You do not need to get your vet’s permission to test, or talk to them about performing the test beforehand. We do recommend that you pass on a copy of your test results to your regular vets, as it may help them in understanding your pet’s current health, and any future complaints they may have.