Apr 18, 2025 Dog Longevity and Birthdays
A year ago, in May 2024, Tales of WellBeing included an article about dog longevity, which concerns many of us who live with canine companions. The article celebrated the 15th birthday of Pukka, a Labrador residing with his owner, Ted Kerasote, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Like many dog owners, Ted was troubled by the relatively short lives of companion dogs. He embarked on a journey to learn more about dog longevity and to find a Labrador breeding line known for producing long-lived dogs.
Ultimately, Ted acquired Pukka and wrote a remarkable book titled Pukka’s Promise, detailing his investigations into dog longevity and his search for a suitable breeding line. Bruce Fogle, a veterinarian practicing in London and a well-known author of pet-related books, remarked, “Anyone who reads Pukka’s Promise can’t help but become a better dog person. I’d like it to be compulsory reading for all practicing veterinarians and veterinary students.”
On March 18, 2025, Ted Kerasote shared a heartfelt update on Pukka’s 16th birthday on Facebook.
“Today is a very special day, Pukka’s 16th birthday, an event for which I’m extremely grateful. Grateful that he has had such a long rich life, that we’ve gotten to spend so many years together, and that what I’ve learned from him about giving dogs long and healthy lives has helped other people and their dogs to enjoy more years together.
“Not many dogs reach sixteen years old. For a seventy-pound, purebred, Labrador Retriever to reach that age is remarkable, as the average lifespan for the breed is twelve years. This isn’t to say that Pukka hasn’t had his health issues during the last year. He has dealt with a lower spine impingement, which has compromised his gait, and megaesophagus, the inability of the esophagus to push food down to the stomach.
“The two biggest game changers for Pukka have been toe-up booties to prevent him from knuckling his paws as he walks and a daily dosage of sildenafil to increase the motility of his esophagus. I hope to fully explain these protocols and others that I’ve used in a new book about how to give dogs happier and healthier lives as they age. For now, though, time to celebrate!”
Pukka’s birthdate is known, and he celebrates his birthday on March 18. Ted’s birthday is celebrated a day earlier, on March 17. Abby, the Rowan family’s rescue dog, also has her birthday on March 17, which is St. Patrick’s Day. While Abby’s actual birthdate is unknown, we estimate that she was born sometime in the spring of 2018. March 17 seems like a fitting day to celebrate her birthday, especially since the abundance of green clothing and beer associated with the holiday ensures that her special day will never be overlooked!
We strongly agree with Ted that dogs deserve longer, healthier lives. Another colleague who shares this belief is Dr. Daniel Promislow. Currently based in Boston at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging, he was one of the co-founders of the Dog Aging Project in Seattle. This project has since given rise to the Dog Aging Institute, a nonprofit established in March 2024 to continue funding research into dog longevity, healthy aging, and insights it can provide for human healthy aging.
The research also addresses important questions regarding dogs, such as the effects of sterilization on their lifespan and health. This topic has been a significant issue in the realm of dog well-being. Dr. Promislow and two co-authors published a paper in 2013 in the PLoS Journal detailing what they have learned about the long-term health impacts of sterilization on dog lifespan as part of the Dog Aging Project.
For those who own pet cats, a 2022 PLoS paper indicates that sterilization of male and female cats is associated with longer lifespans.
Wellbeing International wishes Pukka, Ted, Abby, and the Dog Aging Institute continued joyful birthday celebrations on St. Patrick’s Day, filled with green!
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In the last issue of Tales of WellBeing, dog parent Laura Gosse celebrated the 18th birthday of Mason, her family’s West Highland Terrier. We are sad to announce that Mason died on April 4th surrounded by his loved ones.