Laboratory scientists will be using dog saliva to explore potential treatments for cancer in humans.
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and the Van Andel Research Institute will be examining the similarities between sickness in canines and people.
Director of the programme Dr Mark Neff said: "By studying the DNA of canines, we expect to more quickly discover the genomic causes of disease and more quickly find ways to better treat dogs and people."
Spittle from the four-legged animals will be taken as samples, alongside blood and tumour tissue in an effort to pinpoint the cause of the condition.
According to TGen, experiments will also be conducted at a later date to find neurological and behavioural links between the two species.
Last month, laboratory scientists at the University of Florida and in Japan found papaya extract is able to slow the spread of tumours, including growths on the pancreas, breast, liver and cervix.
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