SubscribeAnti Aging Pill for Dogs May Help Extend Lifespan
A beef-flavored pill for dogs promises to extend their lifespan, but can it deliver on its promises to millions of eager pet parents?
Helping their dogs have a longer, healthier life is something millions of pet parents desire. Thanks to biotechnology startup Loyal, an anti aging pill for dogs is poised to fulfill those wishes.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Celine Halioua believes the research gained from helping dogs live longer will benefit human longevity, too.
“Finding out how to prevent canine age-related decline is a really strong proxy for doing the same with humans because dogs get similar age-related diseases and share our environments and habits in ways laboratory mice do not,” Halioua told The Guardian.
Loyal isn’t the only company hoping to improve the lifespan of dogs. The Dog Aging Project is also making strides to increase canine longevity. Here’s everything you need to know about the anti aging pill for dogs.
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
Don’t Guess When It Comes To Your Pet’s Care
How Does the Anti-Aging Pill for Dogs Work?
“More time with the dogs we love” is how Loyal advertises their anti aging pills designed for dogs. Currently, Loyal calls their product LOY-002, and their target audience is dogs 10 years or older who weigh at least 14 pounds. The pill is designed to “correct metabolic dysfunction,” which means slowing the aging process. The projected FDA approval date is 2025.
“If we can successfully delay the onset and severity of age-related diseases in dogs, it’s extremely compelling evidence that it will also do that in humans,” Halioua told the Washington Post.
The pill aims to bolster a senior dog’s metabolic health, which declines as they age. However, this isn’t a magical pill, as it is designed to extend life by at least one year in dogs. Bottom line: The drug extends life by shortening the rate of aging.
What Are the Benefits of an Anti Aging Pill for Dogs?
LOY-002 aims to revolutionize pet health, offering benefits beyond extending a pet’s lifespan. By enhancing the quality of a pet’s life, the goal is to help them stay healthier for longer. Some of the benefits of this anti aging pill for dogs include:
- Improved joint mobility
- More energy
- Improved cognitive function
- Immune system strengthening
- More time with their parents
Many people call the anti-aging pill a game-changer in veterinary medicine. During her appearance on the Jon Stewart podcast, Halioua explained Loyal’s scientific approach to delaying the onset of age-related diseases in dogs.
“We are working on slowing the rate by which an animal, in this case, dogs, maybe one day people, ages over time to reduce the risk or dampen the probability of a future age-related disease,” Halioua told Stewart.
What is the Dog Aging Project Doing?
Loyal isn’t the only big dog in the game of extending lifespan in dogs. The Dog Aging Project, based in the United States, is experimenting with the drug rapamycin to increase lifespan and delay age-related disorders. At present, mice are the test subjects.
“Our study is light years ahead of anything that’s been done on humans or can be done on humans,” according to Daniel Promislow, a biogerontologist at the University of Washington and a co-director of the project. “What we’re doing is the equivalent of a 40-year-long study on humans, testing the ability of a drug to increase healthy lifespan.”
The Dog Aging project hopes to give dogs three more years of life.
How to Help Pets Live Longer Lives Now
To help your dog or cat live a longer, healthier life, pet parents can do the following. As with all pets, each one is unique and what may work for one may not work for another.
Regular Veterinary Checkups
This includes routine screening and senior bloodwork to catch any problems before they develop.
Proper Nutrition
Pets’ needs change as they age, and nutrition is a massive part. In her article, Senior Dog Health, Dr. Kenya Crawford says high-quality protein is essential to maintain muscle mass and overall health in dogs.
Manage Joints and Mobility
Joint supplements and veterinarian-prescribed medications may help soothe achy joints.
Monitor Your Pet’s Weight
No matter what type of pet you own, keeping them at a healthy weight is key. Studies show that obesity is a significant factor in decreased lifespan.
Reduce Stress and Provide Stimulation
Pets need physical and mental stimulation. Consider puzzle toys, brain games, and a new walking path, and give them at least 30 minutes of one-on-one time twice daily.
Brush Your Pets’ Teeth
Dental disease significantly impacts a pet’s overall well-being and life span. Use pet-safe toothpaste, brush daily, and schedule regular veterinary dental checkups.
Resources
For more information about helping your pet live their healthiest, best life, read these articles from Petful:
Why Pet Wellness Exams Are Essential
Guide to Choosing the Best Dog Food
Image by Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay
