The Dog Longevity Podcast

What does it take to compete at one of the highest levels of motorsport, and what can elite performance teach us about health, resilience and longevity?In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Formula 3 racing driver Alex Powell about his journey from karting in the Caribbean to competing on the pathway towards Formula 1.Alex began racing as a child, moved across the world to pursue the sport, and joined the Mercedes junior programme at just 11 years old. He shares what it was like growing up under the pressure of elite motorsport, sacrificing a normal childhood, and learning to perform when every race can shape the direction of your career.The conversation also explores one of the biggest setbacks of Alex’s career: being released from the Mercedes Junior Programme after seven years. Rather than ending his ambitions, the experience forced him to become more proactive, resilient and responsible for his own future.David and Alex also dive into the health and performance side of professional racing, including sleep, cardiovascular training, strength work, simulator sessions, concentration, heart-rate monitoring and regular physical testing.For most of the racing season, Alex says his health is closely monitored. He prioritises at least eight to eight and a half hours of sleep, uses wearable technology to track recovery, combines cardio and gym work with extensive simulator training, and undergoes regular medical and physical assessments.And, of course, there’s Mickey.Alex shares the story of his miniature schnauzer, who has been part of the Powell family for nearly a decade, including Mickey’s habit of escaping from the family home and returning as if nothing had happened.The conversation ultimately draws an interesting parallel between elite athletes and our pets: if we measure, monitor and optimise human performance so carefully, should we be thinking more proactively about the health of our dogs too?Alex explains that the level of care he applies to his own health has shaped how he thinks about Mickey’s wellbeing, and why he wants the same proactive approach for the dog he considers part of his family.The conversation covers:How Alex Powell started racing at seven years oldWhat it takes to progress through the Formula 1 feeder systemThe sacrifices required to pursue professional motorsportLife inside the Mercedes Junior ProgrammeHow Formula 3 drivers train away from the racetrackWhy sleep and recovery are critical for elite performanceAlex’s relationship with his miniature schnauzer, MickeyWhy Alex believes dogs deserve the same proactive approach to healthHis ambitions to reach Formula 1 by the end of the decadeAlex also answers a series of rapid-fire questions covering his favourite circuit, dream road car, racing superstitions, motorsport heroes, and which Formula 1 driver he would trust to look after Mickey.Alex Powell: @alexpowellracingDavid Haworth: / david-haworthPANIO: https://panio.io/ | https://www.instagram.com/panio.ioChapters00:00 – Alex Powell’s Journey From Karting to Formula 307:12 – Sacrifice, Moving to Europe and Growing Up in Motorsport11:03 – Mercedes, Pressure and the Biggest Setback of Alex’s Career19:54 – Mickey: The Dog Behind the Racing Driver24:38 – How a Formula 3 Driver Trains, Sleeps and Recovers28:14 – Simulator Training, Performance Data and Mental Focus35:52 – Formula 1 Ambitions, Racing Rituals and What Comes Next—Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

Could light play a bigger role in your dog’s health than we realise?In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Jackie Jolie, founder of AnimaSol and an equine and canine physical therapist, about red light therapy, photobiomodulation, circadian biology and the role our environment may play in animal health and longevity.Jackie spent nearly two decades working with performance dogs and horses before becoming deeply interested in light biology and developing full-body red and near-infrared light therapy devices for animals.Together, Jackie and David explore both the promise and the limitations of red light therapy. They discuss what photobiomodulation (PBM) is, how red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with tissue, and why light-based therapies are increasingly being explored for recovery, mobility, pain support and general wellbeing.The conversation also goes deeper into circadian rhythm and the everyday environment dogs share with us, including natural daylight, artificial lighting, darkness, sleep and time spent indoors.Importantly, David and Jackie also examine where evidence ends and hypothesis begins, why complementary therapies can be difficult to study, and why improving quality of life is different from claiming to cure an underlying disease.The conversation covers:What red light therapy and photobiomodulation actually areHow red and near-infrared light interact with the bodyWhy circadian rhythm may matter for dogs as well as humansThe difference between targeted veterinary lasers and full-body red light devicesHow photobiomodulation may support recovery, mobility and comfortWhy natural light, darkness and sleep are interconnectedThe scientific challenges of studying complementary therapiesHow to separate promising biological mechanisms from unproven health claimsWhy movement and quality of life matter so much as dogs ageHow Jackie developed AnimaSol’s light therapy technology for dogs and horsesJackie Jolie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/equisol222/AnimaSol: https://www.animasol.life/Dr. David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/PANIO: https://panio.io/Jackie’s Recommendations:AnimaSol: science, case studies and educational resourcesQuantum Biology Collective: podcast and educational resources on light, water and quantum biologyChapters:00:00 – From Animal Physical Therapy to Red Light Therapy06:35 – Does Photobiomodulation Actually Work? The Science and the Evidence15:23 – Light, Health and Why Science Should Stay Open-Minded27:05 – Are We Making Health and Longevity Too Complicated?34:10 – Circadian Rhythm, Sleep and Creating a Healthier Light Environment38:11 – How Red Light Therapy for Dogs Actually Works43:04 – Recovery, Mobility, Quality of Life and Where the Limits Are—Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Some topics discussed in this episode represent emerging research, hypotheses or the personal views and experiences of the guest. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

What makes a pet supplement actually work?In this episode of The Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Colin Topham, founder of Alchemy Pet, about the science behind pet supplements, bioavailability, gut health and the future of natural pet wellness.Together they explore why not all supplements are absorbed equally, how advanced delivery systems such as microencapsulation may improve ingredient effectiveness, and why manufacturing methods can make a major difference to potency and quality.Colin shares the founding story behind Alchemy Pet and explains how the company is combining science, traditional nutrition and innovative supplement delivery to support healthier, longer lives for pets.The conversation also covers the growing importance of the microbiome, the role of gut health in overall wellbeing, and how pet owners can think more carefully about the “spectrum of care” between everyday nutrition, preventative support and veterinary intervention.This episode is essential listening for dog owners, pet parents, veterinarians and anyone interested in pet longevity, natural medicine, pet nutrition, supplement absorption and the future of preventative pet health.The conversation covers:Why bioavailability matters in pet supplementsHow microencapsulation can support supplement absorptionWhy turmeric and other natural ingredients may perform differently depending on delivery methodThe founding story behind Alchemy PetHow to think about a spectrum of care for petsThe connection between gut health, the microbiome and long-term wellnessWhy individual pets may respond differently to the same nutrition or supplementHow manufacturing methods can affect potency and qualityThe challenges of navigating pet health claims and regulationsWhy preventative pet health needs both science and nuanceColin also discusses the human-animal bond, the emotional reasons many founders enter pet health, and why better education can help pet owners make more confident decisions about their animals’ wellbeing.With better science, better delivery systems and a deeper understanding of the gut, pet wellness can move beyond generic products and towards more thoughtful, effective support for long-term health.Colin Topham: https://linkedin.com/in/colintophamAlchemy Pet: https://www.alchemypet.com/David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/PANIO: https://panio.io/Colin’s Recommendations:HABRI’s Research on Pet Health: https://habri.comTexas A&M GI Institute: https://vetmed.tamu.eduThe Forever Dog by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen BeckerChapters00:00 - Introducing Alchemy Pet and the Future of Pet Supplements01:07 - The Founding Story Behind Alchemy Pet02:52 - Bioavailability, Microencapsulation and Smarter Supplement Delivery12:04 - Creating a Spectrum of Care for Pets22:04 - Supplementation, Individual Variation and Pet Health Outcomes32:00 - Nutrition, Leaky Gut and the Microbiome in Pets47:56 - Cold Process Manufacturing, Potency and Pet Health Resources—Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, Dr. David Haworth speaks with Dr. Kate Creevy, Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University and Chief Veterinary of the Dog Aging Project - the world’s largest long-term study of ageing in dogs.Together they explore what more than 53,000 dogs are teaching researchers about dog ageing, canine healthspan, lifestyle, genetics, nutrition, cognitive decline, heart health and longevity science.This episode is essential listening for dog owners, veterinarians, researchers and anyone interested in canine longevity, preventative pet health and the future of veterinary science.The conversation covers:What the Dog Aging Project is and why it mattersWhy 53,000 dogs are being followed over timeHow lifestyle, diet, genetics and environment may influence dog ageingWhy cognitive decline and heart health are key ageing markers in dogsWhat Rapamycin is and why it is being studied in canine longevityHow activity and social connection may support cognitive health in older dogsHow metabolomics may reveal biological patterns linked to ageingHow AI could help analyse veterinary medical records at scaleWith better data, better science and more personalised care, we can move closer to a future where dogs not only live longer, but enjoy more healthy, active and comfortable years.Dr. Kate Creevy: https://scholars.library.tamu.edu/vivo/display/nf40f2eeaDr. David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/PANIO:⁠ https://panio.io/⁠Kate’s Recommendations:Dog Aging Project:⁠ https://dogagingproject.org/⁠The Hallmarks of Aging: 2013 and 2023 papers by López-Otín and colleagues (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/)Canine Geriatric Syndrome research, including work by Brennan McKiernan, Natasha Olby and colleaguesChapters00:00 – The Dog Aging Project and the Science of Canine Longevity08:00 – What 53,000 Dogs Can Teach Us About Ageing, Lifestyle and Genetics18:00 – Rapamycin, Fasting Biology and the Search for Longer Healthspan25:50 – Lifespan vs Healthspan: What Really Matters for Ageing Dogs32:30 – Why Dogs Are a Powerful Model for Human Longevity Research43:55 – Diet, Activity, Social Connection and Cognitive Health in Older Dogs50:50 – Metabolomics, AI and the Future of Veterinary Longevity Science—Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.

Most dog owners focus on how long their dog will live. But the real goal should be healthspan - the number of years a dog stays healthy, active, and pain-free.In this episode of the Dog Longevity Podcast, veterinarian Dr. David Haworth speaks with Dr. Heidi Lobprise, veterinary dentist, senior pet advocate, and author who has spent decades studying aging and longevity in pets.Together they explore how chronic inflammation accelerates aging, why dental disease is one of the most overlooked health threats in dogs and cats, and what pet owners can do to help their animals stay healthier for longer.Dr. Lobprise shares practical strategies for recognizing the early signs of aging, managing inflammation, and protecting your pet’s healthspan throughout their life.The conversation covers:Why chronic inflammation accelerates aging in dogsHow periodontal disease affects overall healthThe surprising connection between dental health and longevityWhy obesity and visceral fat increase inflammatory diseaseThe early signs that your dog is entering the senior stage of lifeHow to monitor your dog’s body condition and muscle healthThe role of mobility, pain management, and exercise in aging dogsHow mental stimulation helps protect against cognitive declineWhy extending healthspan matters more than simply extending lifespanWith the right care and awareness, pet owners can help their dogs live longer - while maintaining the quality of life that truly matters.Dr. Heidi Lobprise: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-lobprise-a161684/David Haworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-haworth/PANIO: https://panio.io/Heidi’s Recommendations:Dog Aging Project: https://dogagingproject.org/Grey Muzzle Organization: https://www.greymuzzle.org/Chapters00:00 – Why Chronic Inflammation Accelerates Aging in Dogs03:10 – When Dogs Become “Senior” and What Changes07:20 – Obesity, Metabolism and the Inflammation Cycle11:30 – Why Dental Disease Is a Major Health Risk16:40 – Preventing Periodontal Disease in Dogs21:10 – Monitoring Body Condition and Muscle Loss26:20 – Early Signs of Aging Most Owners Miss31:10 – Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health in Dogs36:30 – Managing Mobility, Pain and Osteoarthritis41:30 – Practical Longevity Tips for Dog Owners46:50 – Resources for Learning More About Dog Aging—Content is provided for general information only and does not constitute veterinary, medical or nutritional advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional guidance tailored to your pet. Views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of PANIO.