Could a new pill help your pet live longer—and maybe you, too?
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If you’ve ever looked into your dog’s eyes and wished for more years of tail wags, sloppy kisses, and quiet companionship, you’re not alone.
For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family.
And now, thanks to a new class of longevity drugs in development, the dream of giving our four-legged friends more time by our side may be closer than we think.
Even more exciting?
What we learn from helping dogs live longer might one day help extend our own lives, too.
It’s well-known that dogs bring countless benefits to our lives.
Research shows that having a dog can lower blood pressure, ease stress, and even improve lifespan.
But now, scientists are asking a new question: What if we could return the favor?
That’s exactly what Loyal, a US biotech company, is trying to do.
CEO Celine Halioua, a former neurodegenerative disease researcher, founded the company with a mission to extend the healthy, happy years of dogs’ lives.
“We all want more time with the ones we love—especially the furry ones,” she says.
Loyal is now developing the first FDA-approved drugs specifically designed to slow aging and extend dogs’ lifespans.
If you’ve ever loved a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, you know the heartache of their shorter lifespans.
While smaller breeds like Chihuahuas can live into their late teens, larger dogs often only make it to around 8 or 10 years old.
Loyal hopes to change that with two new drugs, LOY-001 and LOY-003, aimed at dogs aged 7 and older who weigh at least 40 pounds.
These treatments focus on lowering insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)—a hormone that supports growth but may also speed up aging.
Large dogs can have up to 28 times more IGF-1 than smaller breeds.
LOY-001 is an injectable given at the vet a few times a year.
LOY-003 is a daily chewable pill—like a treat with a hidden purpose.
Both are in pilot studies, with hopes for conditional FDA approval by 2027.
While those two drugs target larger dogs, Loyal’s third treatment, LOY-002, is already in an advanced phase of testing.
It’s being evaluated in a major clinical trial involving more than 1,200 senior dogs across 70 clinics—one of the largest veterinary studies ever.
This drug aims to support overall metabolic health, which tends to decline with age in both dogs and people.
Slower metabolism is linked to many common health problems like insulin resistance, joint issues, cognitive decline, and even cancer.
Preliminary results are promising: In a smaller study of 48 dogs, no side effects were reported after three months.
If approved, LOY-002 could add at least one extra year of healthy life for dogs—what scientists call “healthspan.”
Imagine giving your dog a daily longevity chew as routinely as flea or tick prevention.
Loyal hopes that future could become reality as early as 2026.
Here’s where things get really interesting.
Dogs don’t just share our homes—they share our diets, routines, and many of the same diseases that affect humans as we age.
That makes them ideal research partners in understanding longevity.
“We’re on track to develop the first FDA-approved longevity drug—for any species,” says Halioua.
If successful in dogs, these treatments could open doors to similar therapies for humans.
The dream? Longer, healthier lives for everyone—two-legged and four.
While the science is exciting, let’s not forget the everyday magic dogs already bring.
Studies show that just 10 minutes of petting a dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost oxytocin (the “love hormone”).
Dog owners also tend to have lower cholesterol, healthier hearts, and sharper thinking skills.
One large study even found that dog owners had a lower risk of developing dementia—a benefit not seen in cat owners (sorry, feline fans!).
And let’s be honest: nothing motivates a daily walk like a hopeful pup waiting at the door.
If you’re a dog lover, the future is looking promising.
While these new treatments are still in the testing phase, the early data is hopeful.
Imagine more birthdays, more hikes, and more quiet evenings curled up with your pup!
Of course, questions remain: How much will these treatments cost? Will they be safe for all breeds? And when will your local vet have access?
Read next: Meet the pink pup: Luna’s story will tug at your heart
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Would you give your dog a longevity pill if it meant more healthy years together? Have you seen firsthand how owning a dog improved your well-being? Or what would you do with one more year by your furry friend’s side?
We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the joy dogs bring—and look forward to a future filled with longer lives, wagging tails, and treasured memories!
For many of us, our dogs aren’t just pets—they’re family.
And now, thanks to a new class of longevity drugs in development, the dream of giving our four-legged friends more time by our side may be closer than we think.
Even more exciting?
What we learn from helping dogs live longer might one day help extend our own lives, too.
Could a daily chewable pill help your dog live longer? Scientists are working on breakthrough treatments to extend the healthy years we share with our pets. Image Source: YouTube / DVMCellini.
The science behind a longer wag
It’s well-known that dogs bring countless benefits to our lives.
Research shows that having a dog can lower blood pressure, ease stress, and even improve lifespan.
But now, scientists are asking a new question: What if we could return the favor?
That’s exactly what Loyal, a US biotech company, is trying to do.
CEO Celine Halioua, a former neurodegenerative disease researcher, founded the company with a mission to extend the healthy, happy years of dogs’ lives.
“We all want more time with the ones we love—especially the furry ones,” she says.
Loyal is now developing the first FDA-approved drugs specifically designed to slow aging and extend dogs’ lifespans.
Also read: Thinking of adopting a pet for mental health? This woman’s experience with her cat might surprise you
Big dogs, bigger challenges
If you’ve ever loved a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, you know the heartache of their shorter lifespans.
While smaller breeds like Chihuahuas can live into their late teens, larger dogs often only make it to around 8 or 10 years old.
Loyal hopes to change that with two new drugs, LOY-001 and LOY-003, aimed at dogs aged 7 and older who weigh at least 40 pounds.
These treatments focus on lowering insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)—a hormone that supports growth but may also speed up aging.
Large dogs can have up to 28 times more IGF-1 than smaller breeds.
LOY-001 is an injectable given at the vet a few times a year.
LOY-003 is a daily chewable pill—like a treat with a hidden purpose.
Both are in pilot studies, with hopes for conditional FDA approval by 2027.
Also read: Caring leading to costs–How the price of pet ownership is skyrocketing in America!
A chewable for dogs—and a clue for human health
While those two drugs target larger dogs, Loyal’s third treatment, LOY-002, is already in an advanced phase of testing.
It’s being evaluated in a major clinical trial involving more than 1,200 senior dogs across 70 clinics—one of the largest veterinary studies ever.
This drug aims to support overall metabolic health, which tends to decline with age in both dogs and people.
Slower metabolism is linked to many common health problems like insulin resistance, joint issues, cognitive decline, and even cancer.
Preliminary results are promising: In a smaller study of 48 dogs, no side effects were reported after three months.
If approved, LOY-002 could add at least one extra year of healthy life for dogs—what scientists call “healthspan.”
Imagine giving your dog a daily longevity chew as routinely as flea or tick prevention.
Loyal hopes that future could become reality as early as 2026.
Also read: Seniors can bring home a furry friend for free—and never worry about vet bills again
Could dogs lead the way to human longevity?
Here’s where things get really interesting.
Dogs don’t just share our homes—they share our diets, routines, and many of the same diseases that affect humans as we age.
That makes them ideal research partners in understanding longevity.
“We’re on track to develop the first FDA-approved longevity drug—for any species,” says Halioua.
If successful in dogs, these treatments could open doors to similar therapies for humans.
The dream? Longer, healthier lives for everyone—two-legged and four.
The healing power of dogs—no prescription required
While the science is exciting, let’s not forget the everyday magic dogs already bring.
Studies show that just 10 minutes of petting a dog can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and boost oxytocin (the “love hormone”).
Dog owners also tend to have lower cholesterol, healthier hearts, and sharper thinking skills.
One large study even found that dog owners had a lower risk of developing dementia—a benefit not seen in cat owners (sorry, feline fans!).
And let’s be honest: nothing motivates a daily walk like a hopeful pup waiting at the door.
Also read: Protect your furry friends: Is your pet's food contaminated with a deadly disease?
What this could mean for you and your best friend
If you’re a dog lover, the future is looking promising.
While these new treatments are still in the testing phase, the early data is hopeful.
Imagine more birthdays, more hikes, and more quiet evenings curled up with your pup!
Of course, questions remain: How much will these treatments cost? Will they be safe for all breeds? And when will your local vet have access?
Read next: Meet the pink pup: Luna’s story will tug at your heart
Would you give your dog a longevity pill if it meant more healthy years together? Have you seen firsthand how owning a dog improved your well-being? Or what would you do with one more year by your furry friend’s side?
We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the joy dogs bring—and look forward to a future filled with longer lives, wagging tails, and treasured memories!
