New Technology Is Being Researched To Help Dogs Live Longer

What is your favorite dog breed? Mine is Alaskan Malamute since they have such great personalities. As scientific breakthroughs bring us closer to extending the lives of our beloved dogs and cats, biotech firms are racing to transform pet care into longevity care. New startups like Loyal in San Francisco are developing prescription-based treatments aimed at increasing pets' healthspan—the active, disease-free portion of life—alongside their lifespan.

Their lead product, which targets the IGF-1 hormone responsible for cell growth and linked to age-related diseases, has already reached key FDA approval milestones, offering real hope for large-breed dogs historically plagued by shorter lives and higher cancer risks.

Meanwhile, the Dog Aging Project is testing the drug rapamycin, known to slow aging in lab animals by turning down mTOR, the protein that controls growth based on environmental cues. The hope? That aging can be dialed down like a switch, potentially granting dogs several more years of vibrant life.

Still, the science comes with caveats. Caloric restriction has extended dog lifespan in lab settings, but it's not always practical—or humane—in the real world. And while DNA testing, microbiome research, and smart pet tech are helping owners make more informed choices, many interventions remain in early stages or come with unclear benefits.

Critics and vets alike emphasize that until longevity treatments become mainstream, the best ways to help pets live longer remain refreshingly simple: balanced nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and love. Supplements, smart collars, and tailored kibble may help, but the foundation is still the bond we build and the care we give daily.

In the end, the question isn't just can we help pets live longer—it’s why we want to. Extending a pet’s life may bring comfort, but it also highlights a deeper truth: what truly matters is giving them the best life, no matter how long it lasts.

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Source: The Guardian

Photo Credit: Dan Lalonde