A pill could extend the average lifespan of dogs.
New drug may increase the lifespan of dogs
US experts believe that a drug called rapamycin could extend the lifespan of a canine by as much as a third as previous studies in mice found that it was effective.
Matt Kaeberlin, a professor at the University of Washington involved in the project, told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: "We don't know if those effects will be similar in absolute or relative magnitude in dogs, but I think it's possible."
The trial focused on larger breeds, such as labradors, which live for between 10 and 12 years.
Kaeberlin added: "Our study is powered to be able to detect lifespan extension nine per cent or greater."
The research forms part of the larger Dog Aging Project (DAP) that will analyse different parts of dog lifespan.
The DAP is also looking at how dog lifespan and aging may translate to humans.