Overview
- Researchers reported a new epigenetic “clock” derived from blood DNA methylation in 104 Labrador retrievers that maps canine biological age to human-equivalent years.
- The formula produces a non-linear curve that shows very fast aging in the first months and years of life and then a marked slowdown compared with the traditional one-year-equals-seven rule.
- Under the study’s mapping a one-year-old Labrador corresponds roughly to a 31-year-old human and a two-year-old dog to roughly a 42-year-old human, with aging slowing thereafter.
- A major caveat is that the data come only from Labradors, so breed, size, sterilization, genetics and care could produce different methylation patterns and aging curves in other dogs.
- Veterinary authorities including UNAM say owners should use life-stage signs such as teeth, eyes and behavior for care decisions while researchers expand samples and validate the clock for broader use.