A new experimental drug offered at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic aims to help dogs live longer and have better lives, report Stephanie Stahl and Nate Sylves for CBS News Philadelphia.

The pill from biotech company Loyal, is designed to slow the aging process so dog owners can have their four-legged best friend around for a little longer.

“That obviously is every dog owner’s dream,” said Dr. Sam Geller of Quakertown Veterinary Clinic.

Currently, there is a clinical trial for the drug ongoing at the Bucks County vet clinic. Geller has so far enrolled around 50 dogs and is currently accepting more participants to test the daily pill.

“It helps with potentially preventing insulin resistance,” he said. “It helps with managing fats in your body. It helps with managing lipids in the bloodstream.”

Half of the dogs are receiving the experimental drug and the other half are getting a placebo.

“The FDA wants you to show that your drug is better than a sugar pill,” said Geller.

The study plans to include over 1,000 dogs. The four-year research should help determine if the pill could extend a dog’s life by months or years.

Watch the entire segment at CBS News Philadelphia.

Experimental drug trial offered at Quakertown veterinary office could extend a dog’s life