Rapamycin & The Dog Aging Project: What We Know So Far
Rapamycin & The Dog Aging Project: What It Could Mean for Senior Dogs
TL;DR — What you’ll get:
- What rapamycin is and why it’s linked to longevity research.
- What the Dog Aging Project is studying in real companion dogs.
- A vet-friendly checklist to discuss before considering any future trial or product.
Rapamycin is a medication that suppresses the mTOR pathway—one of the body’s key nutrient-sensing switches linked to aging. In lab animals, carefully controlled doses have been associated with longer, healthier lifespans. The Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a large, ongoing scientific effort asking a simple, high-impact question: “Can we safely slow aging in real pet dogs?”
What is Rapamycin?
Rapamycin (also called sirolimus) has been used in human medicine for decades. In longevity research, it’s interesting because inhibiting mTOR can shift cells away from constant “growth mode” toward repair, cleanup, and stress resistance. That shift may help delay age-related decline when—and this is critical—dose, timing, and safety are carefully managed under medical supervision.
What is the Dog Aging Project?
The Dog Aging Project follows tens of thousands of companion dogs across the U.S. to learn how genetics, lifestyle, environment, and potential interventions relate to healthy aging. Among its studies, DAP has piloted veterinary-supervised rapamycin trials in senior dogs to evaluate feasibility, safety, and early signals in areas like heart function and mobility.
What have we learned so far?
- Feasibility & Safety: Short-term, low-dose studies suggest rapamycin can be administered under vet supervision, with careful monitoring.
- Early Signals: Some small trials have reported improvements in cardiac metrics and activity in older dogs—encouraging, but preliminary.
- Not a Clinic-Ready Therapy: Evidence is not yet strong enough for routine veterinary use. Larger, longer studies are still underway.
Important cautions (please read)
- Do not self-medicate. Rapamycin can affect immunity and wound healing. Only a veterinarian involved in a study should prescribe or monitor it.
- Quality & dosing matter. Research-grade protocols are not the same as products sold online. Avoid unverified sources.
- Every dog is unique. Age, breed, existing conditions, and other meds change the risk–benefit equation.
Vet-friendly checklist to bring to your appointment
- Your dog’s age, breed, weight, medical history, and current meds/supplements.
- Recent bloodwork and any cardiac evaluations.
- Your goals: lifespan, mobility, quality of life, or disease-delay?
- Questions about eligibility for legitimate research trials in your area.
- Alternatives you can start today: weight control, daily movement, enrichment, and proven preventive care.
Related reading on our site
FAQ
Q. Can my vet prescribe rapamycin now for longevity?
A. Outside of approved research, most vets will not prescribe it for aging alone. Talk to your vet about ongoing studies instead.
Q. Is rapamycin safe?
A. It can be, in controlled settings and appropriate dogs. Potential side effects exist—hence the need for veterinary oversight and lab monitoring.
Q. When will this be available?
A. Timelines depend on study results. The science is moving fast, but real-world, clinic-ready guidance requires larger trials and regulatory clarity.
This article is for educational purposes and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian.
