Introduction
As our beloved dogs age, many pet owners notice subtle changes: a little more confusion, disrupted sleep, or less interaction with family members. These signs can be distressing, raising questions about how best to support our senior companions’ wellbeing. Recent scientific advances have focused on ways to slow the aging process—not just for humans, but for our pets as well. Now, a newly published study in Scientific Reports (Nature, July 2024) offers promising early evidence that a novel anti-aging supplement may help improve cognitive function and quality of life in senior dogs.
Canine cognitive decline, often compared to dementia in humans, is a growing concern for millions of dog owners. With dogs living longer than ever, understanding how to keep their minds sharp and spirits high is both a scientific and emotional priority. The latest research investigates whether a combination of two cutting-edge compounds—senolytics (which target aging cells) and NAD+ precursors (which support cellular energy)—can make a meaningful difference for elderly dogs.
Research Background
Until now, most anti-aging interventions for dogs have focused on diet, exercise, or single supplements with limited evidence. The science of aging, or geroscience, has identified cellular senescence (the accumulation of “aged” cells) and decreasing energy metabolism as key drivers of age-related decline in both people and animals. Senolytic drugs, designed to clear out these senescent cells, and NAD+ precursors, which help restore cellular energy, have shown promise in laboratory studies and early human trials. However, robust, controlled research in companion animals has been sparse.
This new study is significant for two reasons. First, it is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test a senolytic and NAD+ precursor supplement in senior dogs living in real households. Second, it evaluates not only cognitive function but also owner observations about happiness, activity, and overall quality of life—areas that matter most to pet owners.
Study Details
The study was conducted as a gold-standard randomized controlled trial, designed to minimize bias and provide reliable results. Here’s how it was structured:
Participants:
- 70 senior dogs (aged 7 years and older) initially enrolled
- 59 dogs completed the full 3-month follow-up period
Groups:
- Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either the novel supplement (LY-D6/2) at full dose, a lower dose, or a placebo (inactive supplement).
- Both owners and researchers were blinded to group assignments.
Duration:
- 3-month intervention period, with ongoing follow-up for 6 months
Assessment Methods:
- Owner questionnaires focused on Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) scores
- Objective cognitive tests and activity monitoring (using wearable devices)
- Owner-reported observations on happiness, activity, and quality of life
Key Findings
Primary Results
The most important outcome was a significant improvement in owner-assessed cognitive function among dogs receiving the full-dose supplement. Specifically:
- Dogs given LY-D6/2 showed significantly greater improvement in Canine Cognitive Dysfunction scores compared to those receiving placebo after 3 months.
- Owners described their dogs as more cognitively sharp and responsive, with increased engagement in daily activities.
Of the 59 dogs who completed the study, those on the full-dose supplement had the greatest gains, suggesting a potential dose-response relationship.
Secondary Findings
While owner assessments were strongly positive, objective cognitive tests and activity monitors did not show statistically significant differences between groups. This may reflect the subtle nature of changes or limitations of current testing methods for real-world canine cognition.
Importantly, owners in the supplement group also reported their dogs to be happier and more active overall. Though these broader effects on frailty, activity, and happiness were described as “subtle,” they may indicate wider health benefits that merit further exploration.
No serious adverse effects were reported, providing early evidence for the supplement’s safety over the 3-month trial.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If your dog is entering their senior years, this study offers hope that science is making real strides toward improving cognitive health in aging pets. It highlights the potential for multi-targeted approaches—addressing both aged cells and declining cellular energy—to support brain health. While commercial products are not yet widely available, these findings underscore the importance of early detection and intervention for cognitive decline.
For now, practical steps include:
- Monitoring your senior dog for signs of cognitive change, such as confusion, altered sleep patterns, house-soiling, or decreased interaction
- Maintaining regular veterinary checkups to assess cognitive and overall health
- Providing mental stimulation, gentle exercise, and a healthy diet to support brain function (consider incorporating interactive dog toys and healthy senior dog treats to encourage engagement and reward participation)
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement or treatment, especially for senior dogs who may have underlying health conditions. Red flags that warrant prompt veterinary attention include:
- Sudden or severe behavior changes
- Loss of house-training
- Disorientation or getting stuck in corners
- Changes in appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Excessive sleepiness or restlessness at night
Your veterinarian can provide tailored guidance, rule out other medical causes, and help you create a care plan that best supports your aging pet.
Study Limitations
While this study is a meaningful step forward, it does have limitations. The sample size, though substantial for a companion animal trial, was relatively small. The improvements were based mainly on owner assessments, which, while valuable, can be subjective. Objective cognitive and activity measures did not show significant changes, highlighting the challenge of measuring subtle shifts in real-world settings. Longer studies, larger samples, and additional objective testing will be needed to fully understand the supplement’s impact and long-term safety.
Bottom Line
This landmark study provides the first controlled evidence that a novel anti-aging supplement combining senolytics and NAD+ precursors can improve owner-assessed cognitive function and quality of life in senior dogs over a 3-month period. While more research is needed before such supplements become standard practice, the results are encouraging for anyone hoping to help their aging pet stay mentally sharp and happy.
For pet owners, the key takeaway is that age-related cognitive decline is not inevitable, and early action—through observation, veterinary care, and lifestyle support—can make a meaningful difference. As science continues to advance, new therapies may soon offer even more options for supporting our senior canine companions.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you implement the study’s recommendations for supporting cognitive health, mental stimulation, and overall wellbeing in senior dogs. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Senior Dog Multivitamin - Essential Dog Vitamins and Supplements
WOOF Interactive Dog Toys for Mental Stimulation
Senior Soft Jerky Salmon Dog Treats with Omega
12-in-1 Multivitamin for Senior Dogs with Glucosamine
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.