Traditional laboratory animal models have expanded our knowledge of animal and human diseases, but with their limited genetic variability and relatively sterile environments, findings have not always translated to the real world. Veterinary cases are increasingly recognized as being more evolutionarily and ecologically relevant. For example, the Dog Aging Project, based in the US, is a large longitudinal study which includes biobanking. Veterinary cancer biobanks have also been developed in Australia and overseas.
Dogs share the same environment as humans, and with their shortened lifespan are an excellent model of the aging process. Dog health and welfare is also influenced by the same factors important to human health and welfare: genetics, environment and socioeconomic status. Social determinants of health that influence the human guardian, such as lack of money and transport, will also affect the health of their dog if they do not have money to go to a veterinarian when the dog is sick, or have no transport to get the dog there. A One Welfare approach recognizes that the welfare of humans, animals and the environment are all connected and interact with each other.
This presentation will focus on how using a One Welfare approach expands our understanding of how dogs and humans influence the health and welfare of each other. These interactions can be captured using both quantitative and qualitative data. Having a dog has been linked to improved human health, but this is not always the case. The burden of care that can occur when people care for a dog can reach a level it negatively affects the health of the caregiver. If people are not supported this can result in an earlier decision for euthanasia of the dog, and complex grief for the guardian. This presentation will also briefly cover some ethical issues associated with veterinary biobanking, such as confidentiality, timing of euthanasia and consent.