[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Dog Aging Project is powered by a diverse community of Pack members across several scientific cohorts. Each contributes unique and invaluable insights into how dogs age. From the Dog Aging Project Pack and Foundation Cohort to the Precision and TRIAD Cohorts, every group plays a critical role in advancing our research. This month, we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on the incredible Pack members in the TRIAD and Precision Cohorts, whose dedication is helping drive scientific discoveries.
TRIAD: Advancing the Science of Healthy Aging
The Test of Rapamycin in Aging Dogs (TRIAD) Cohort represents one of the most rigorous and impactful research journeys a Pack member can take part in. TRIAD, a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of the drug rapamycin, plays a critical role in advancing our understanding of healthy aging in companion dogs. TRIAD is our smallest study and involves a more extensive eligibility process to ensure the safety and well-being of participants. Dogs must meet strict criteria and complete a screening visit at a TRIAD clinical trial site (see map of sites) to determine eligibility. Participation in the TRIAD study involves a DNA assessment, biannual follow-up visits, and ongoing monthly monitoring completed by enrolled owners. Participation is voluntary, making their commitment to this groundbreaking work all the more meaningful.
*Please note that all dogs currently enrolled in the Dog Aging Project have already been evaluated for eligibility for the TRIAD clinical trial based on their health history. Ensuring that your dog remains up to date on preventive care and that you continue to upload annual medical records will allow us to continue to assess if your dog may be eligible.
Participant dedication has led to an exciting milestone: we’ve officially celebrated 55 TRIAD graduates! These incredible dogs and their humans committed three years to participating in the clinical trial, contributing valuable information and playing a vital role in moving aging research forward. We are deeply thankful for their time, care, and trust, and proud of everything they’ve helped make possible. Below is a collage of our special TRIAD graduates. Stay tuned for our May Pack Event to learn more, and read our blog post, “TRIAD Tails: Graduate Owners Share Their TRIAD Journey,” for a deeper look at the experiences behind this remarkable achievement. TRIAD is actively recruiting more older healthy dogs for the clinical trial, so we invite you to help us keep the momentum going by spreading the word to others to help make this a success.
Precision: Looking Under the Hood of Aging
The Precision Cohort plays a vital role in helping us better understand how canine biology and physiology change as dogs age. Participation begins with a DNA sample, followed by the collection of additional biological samples (Precision Sample Kit), including blood, urine, fecal, and hair, which is collected by their primary care veterinarians using kits we provide. To prioritize safety and comfort, smaller dogs may complete sample collection across two visits. Beyond these samples, Precision participants also contribute valuable real-world data by completing activities with their dogs, such as cognitive games and mobility assessments. Together, these efforts allow researchers to connect biological changes with everyday health and behavior, unlocking deeper insights into aging and longevity.
That long-term dedication has led to a remarkable milestone: we now have 173 Precision 5-Year Completers! These extraordinary dogs and their humans have spent five years completing annual sample collections and surveys, creating an invaluable dataset for science. Their consistent participation enables researchers to track biological changes over time, directly powering discoveries about aging, health, and longevity — including findings that show dogs and humans share key biomarkers of mortality. This level of commitment is rare and profoundly impactful. We are deeply grateful to our Precision 5-Year Completers for helping advance aging science for years to come. Below is a collage of our Precision Spotlights. Be sure to watch our Pack Event to learn more.
Thanks to the incredible response from our community, enrollment for the Precision Cohort is now closed, with a total of 976 dogs enrolled as of July 2024. Thank you for your overwhelming support!
Thank You, TRIAD Grads and Precision 5-Year Completers!
TRIAD and Precision participants have devoted years to these in-depth studies, and we deeply appreciate all the time, care, and commitment they’ve given along the way. Their dedication helps advance our goal of a future where dogs and their humans can live longer and stay healthier — together!
Be sure to watch our May Pack Event to hear from our team as we’re so thankful for these remarkable contributions. You can also learn more about how participants are making an impact in our Inside TRIAD and Inside Precision Blog Series.
*The May Pack Event video is available on YouTube! Join us and experience all the excitement—watch anytime you like.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog posts “One Study or Many? Cohorts in the Dog Aging Project” and “Inside Science: Consorting with Cohorts” to explore how our cohorts work together to advance science.
Jocelin Villarreal, Holley Ernst, Shelby Knowles, and Betsy Nixon
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Tags: General, Community Science, Inside Precision, Inside TRIAD