Canine Longevity Drugs

Miracle drugs under development may one day increase your dog’s lifespan, but we’re not there yet. At this time, your dog’s likely lifespan depends upon his health, his genes, and your good care.

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Despite what you might have heard or read, dog longevity miracle drugs don’t really exist. If they did, I would want them for my own dogs! That said, there are drugs under study and even under the FDA’s watch that might increase quality and quantity of life for some dogs in the near future. We just don’t think we’re there yet.

 

 

Where Are We in Dog Longevity Drugs?

The Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a consortium of veterinary institutions working with dog owners to study aging in dogs. They are considering how dogs age, why they age, and what, if anything, we can do about the aging process.

A current study, based at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is evaluating the drug rapamycin for aging in dogs. Called TRIAD, which stands for Test of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs, this study is the third test looking at rapamycin to increase canine longevity. You can even enroll your dog in the study, if you wish.

Rapamycin is a generic drug that has been used to reduce immune responses to transplants in people. Also called sirolimus, this medication has been used extensively for people who receive kidney transplants, for example.

Earlier studies have shown that rapamycin helps heart muscle to beat more efficiently and easily to counteract some of the aging changes in the heart. In addition, the drug has positive influences on cognitive function and mobility. Eventually, these effects may all add up to a longer, healthier lifespan for your dog.

Another research group, Loyal, is looking at drugs that affect different aging processes. This private company attacked the problem of aging by considering cellular mechanisms that contribute to aging.

Their drug LOY-001 works to decrease levels of insulin growth factor 1. This growth factor is considered a key biomarker hormone influencing cell growth. It is believed to be a factor in the short lifespan of so many large- and giant-breed dogs.

Loyal’s second drug, LOY-002, works on canine metabolism delaying the onset of some age associated health problems and reducing the impact of others.

These research groups have clinical trials that you may enter your dog in. The clinical trials have specific criteria for participating dogs and require you to be available for periodic evaluations at the veterinary clinics and hospitals that are supporting the studies.

Enrolling Your Dog in TRIAD

The Dog Aging Project will enroll dogs with minimal criteria for owner input-based work. Certain testing may be required at various times such as bloodwork. By participating, you and your dog are contributing to knowledge that might help all dogs.

If you don’t want to participate with your dog or perhaps want to do a clinical trial but your dog doesn’t fit the necessary criteria or you live too far away from a study center, consider donating, perhaps in memory of a beloved dog. It will be challenging for any type of medical research in the next few years. These studies can provide vital information for dogs and people.

Average Dog Lifespan

Without an available miracle drug to keep our beloved canine companions alive and well longer, we must rely on taking the best care of our dogs possible.

Looking at canine longevity, there are some dog lifespan trends. In general, smaller dogs and mixes tend to live longer. Chihuahuas have a long lifespan, with many living to be 15 to 18 or even 20 years of age. Other long lived small breeds include Dachshunds, Toy Poodles, and Jack Russell Terriers.

On the opposite spectrum, giant breeds such as Great Danes often only live 7 to 10 years. Irish Wolfhounds live even fewer years, on average.

Genetic Illnesses

Some breeds are affected by cancer tendencies. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat Coated Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are plagued by potential cancers that can cut their lifetimes short.

Small breeds are prone to cardiac problems, but many of these dogs can be managed for years with the appropriate medical treatments. If your Doberman Pinscher gets diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, your time with your companion is generally limited.

Beyond breed predilections for causes of death, it is important to recognize that each dog is an individual. Just because your neighbor’s Golden Retriever died at 10 doesn’t mean that your Golden might not live to 14. There are things you can do to increase the chances of a long life for your beloved dog.

Start by looking at the ancestors of your dog. Within breeds, there are lines that are known for longevity. Look into how long dogs in your dog’s pedigree lived. Try to learn why they died. Early death by being hit by a car simply means that line may be prone to fence jumping or digging out of the yard. Early death due to genetic kidney failure is a different story.

Veterinary Care for a Dog’s Long Life

Beyond searching out long-lived lines, you need to do your part. Preventive care can make a huge difference in your dog’s lifespan. Appropriate vaccinations can keep your dog from a puppyhood death from parvo, for example. You don’t want to over vaccinate your dog, but it’s wise to discuss with your veterinarian core vaccines and noncore ones that might be necessary for your dog’s lifestyle.

Practice good parasite control for both internal and external parasites. Fleas and ticks can carry many dangerous diseases that could cut your dog’s life short. Internal parasites deprive your dog of essential nutrients. Heartworms are deadly if untreated and can cause residual damage even if caught and treated. Preventives can help your dog stay healthy.

Exercise for a Long Lifespan

Keep your dog active in mind and body. Trick training, competing in sports, and taking long hikes with plenty of sniffing all contribute to dog health. And of course, one of the “biggies” is keeping your dog fit and trim. Just as with humans, obese dogs may have shorter lives than normal weight dogs by as much as 2½ years.

Taking the best care possible of your dog is the most efficient and practical way to ensure your dog lives as long a life as possible. Love every day with your dog because no one knows what the future holds.