5 ways we’re advancing science to help dogs live happy, healthy lives

The unconditional support dogs offer us may have been particularly valuable for some of us during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. On National Dog Week, we celebrate our companions’ role in our health and wellbeing, as well as the many ways in which our researchers, In partnership with veterinarians, data scientists and experts from across Mars Petcare, are advancing science to help dogs live healthy, happy lives.

Dogs' unconditional support

mixed breed dog standing up on back legs

Here are just a few ways our best friends can stand by us when we need them most:

They can support our mental health (notably veterans and seniors)
They can keep us active, especially as we age
Diabetic alert and seizure response dogs can keep us safer and help keep life-threatening situations from escalating
They can help young people cope with academic stress
They can make a tough day at the office better

How we're giving back, through science

We’re advancing science to help veterinarians prevent and predict disease and offer personalised, efficient care so dogs can live healthier lives.

Because we want to catch diseases early, we’re harnessing the power of data to build diagnostic tools that will predict illnesses. Allowing veterinarians to move from disease detection to disease prediction gives both vets and owners the chance to identify tailored care plans earlier rather than later.
We’re improving our understanding of the danger pet obesity poses and have developed evidence-based puppy growth charts so puppies can start on the right path for their adult life.

With more than half of all pets in the US and UK considered overweight or obese, pet obesity is one of the biggest health challenges our pets face today. By analysing 20 million body weight measures at different ages from over 6 million dogs, our researchers worked with veterinarians from Banfield Pet Hospital to create growth standards that can track healthy growth in female and male puppies across 5 size groups.
Gum disease is one of the most common health issues veterinarians diagnose, and it’s linked to other serious health conditions. We’re learning more about the bacteria in dogs’ mouths so we can slow down the development of gum disease.

Our research has also shown that a good oral care routine (regular tooth brushing, dental chews and veterinary checks) can help prevent dental disease in miniature schnauzers.
Data scientists at our Institute teamed up with the Pet Insight Project to develop an algorithm that calculates personalised food portions for each and every dog wearing a Whistle Fit activity monitor.

Every dog is unique. With pet obesity on the rise, it’s crucial that owners adapt daily food quantities depending on their pups’ activity levels, age, breed, weight and dog food brand.
Mars Petcare’s diagnostic laboratory, Antech, offers the first non-invasive diagnostic test for inflammatory bowel disease so dogs can get personalised treatment plans, faster.