Brain health gets little attention until owners notice neurological or behavioral problems in pets. By the time these changes are observed, there may already be potentially irreversible damage to the brain. But what if we could intervene earlier?

Research has led to nutritional innovations that can help veterinarians protect brain health, manage age-related cognitive changes in dogs and cats and improve outcomes associated with idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Only 2% of veterinarians are aware of the link between brain health and nutrition. Greater knowledge and understanding is an opportunity to have more proactive conversations with owners of senior pets.

Similar to humans, aging in pets results in numerous metabolic, functional and physical changes in the brain.

Many of these changes are undesirable, and some may be irreversible. These changes may affect cognition – a pet’s ability to learn, solve problems, and remember. However, even observant owners may not recognize this cognitive decline until there is a sudden change in their pet’s behavior.

Fortunately, aging pets don’t have to act old: research has shown that early intervention through targeted nutrition using medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and other targeted nutrients can help support brain function in dogs and cats as they age. Therefore, middle-age is the time for veterinarians to start talking to owners about aging, the signs of abnormal aging, and strategies to promote a healthy brain.