Spending time with animals can do wonders for your health, which is why pet owners, particularly dog lovers, are statistically expected to live longer. However, while dogs can enhance the longevity of their owners, what can the owners do for their dogs?
The answer to this lies at the heart of a new collaboration between Tom Arrix, CEO and founder of Get Joy, and Dan Buettner, the mind behind the Blue Zones initiative. With the duo exploring the science of dog longevity in a newly released docuseries, we chatted to the pair about all things blue zones and canine healthspan.
Tom Arrix and Dan Buettner: Let’s Chat Dog Longevity
In this article, we will discuss:
- Our exclusive interview with Tom Arrix and Dan Buettner
- Why dog longevity matters
Get Joy: Better Health For Man’s Best Friend
In 2018, Tom Arrix’s life changed when his golden retriever and family dog Cooper was diagnosed with lymphoma. With this startling news, Arrix was forced to come to a harsh realization about his role as a dog parent,
“The three pillars of a dog’s longevity track are genetics, environment, and nutrition. I realized I wasn’t feeding Cooper the right foods, even though I thought I was doing the best I could as a pet parent.”
Following regular encounters with veterinary oncologists Dr. Lindsay Thalheim and Dr. Kendra Pope, Arrix came to understand the importance of fresh, whole foods for dogs. This led him to create Get Joy – a dog food brand that focuses on fresh ingredients for better canine quality of life.
According to Arrix, one in four dogs sadly get cancer, and over half of dogs in the U.S. are obese. Arrix emphasizes the importance of educating the masses about canine health in the same way in which we raise awareness about the health challenges that humans face.
Doggy Blue Zones
Renowned for work in identifying regions inhabited by the longest living and healthiest individuals on the planet, Dan Buettner knows a thing or two about longevity, and he’s even identified parallels between human and canine healthspan,
“When you boil everything down, longevity hinges on simple habits that you can sustain over a lifetime. For humans, dogs are a great way to engineer physical activity into daily life. Plus, there’s this beautiful symbiosis—when your dog is healthy, you’re healthier too.”
Aging on ‘Paws’ Docu-Series: A Deep Dive into Dog Longevity
The four-part docuseries, produced by Get Joy in collaboration with Dan Buettner, aims to educate and inspire pet owners. The episodes will translate Buettner’s human longevity findings into dog-friendly insights to better support the longevity of your furry pal.
“Many pet owners don’t know what they’re feeding their dogs. This series aims to change that, helping them make informed decisions. It’s about creating simple, effective habits for dogs and their owners,” explains Arrix.
The show’s episodes will address why dog longevity matters, the importance of pet nutrition, the significance of socialization, physical activity, and mental health, as well as practical and actionable tips for optimizing your dog’s life,
“Morning walks, sunlight exposure, and social interaction benefit dogs just as they benefit humans,” Buettner notes.
The Future of Dog Longevity
For Arrix, there’s no better time for the docuseries, which is available on Get Joy’s website and official YouTube channel,
“Longevity is on fire right now, but no one’s focusing on dog longevity. This is an untapped space, and we’re excited to share these insights.”
“The longevity industry has produced little in terms of proven results for humans or dogs. But the principles we outline in this series aren’t expensive or heroic—they’re simple and impactful. When we raise our dogs with these practices, we not only extend their lives but enrich our own.” – Dan Buettner
Watch the interview
View this post on Instagram
Watch Aging on ‘Paws’ Docuseries
The first two episodes of the docuseries are available to watch below.
Want to know more?
While dogs are considered man’s oldest friends, horses have been our faithful companions for years, being an essential part of history and a vital component during wars. Michelle Gillette, a certified functional medicine health and longevity coach, took to Instagram to highlight the benefits of spending time with horses.
