New Drug Could Extend Your Dog’s Life

Who wouldn't want their best friend to live longer?

A pathologist from the University of Washington, Matt Kaeberlein, is testing a drug that might add three years to a dog's life span.

The drug is called rapamycin, and has extended the life of test mice close to 10%. It has also been shown to fight cancer cells.

Mr. Kaeberlein began testing the same pill on dogs last summer in hopes of acheiving the same results.

In an article published in the New York Post, Mr. Kaeberlein says:

“Just based on our 10-week trial, we’ve already found that our control group saw improved cardiac function. “We will absolutely learn important lessons on how to improve [their] longevity. But, also important: If we can give ourselves two to three more years with our pets, that will improve the quality of our lives.”

The next part of the study will test the drug in dogs over the course of two years. I know, extending your dog's life for 2 years doesn't seem like much. But I bet it does to those who just lost a pet,

Wouldn't you love your dog to live as long as you do? The relationship between any pet and their owner is a special one, but there is something about a dog that other animals just can't equal.