Advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and everyday care mean cats and dogs are living longer than ever – but with this comes a rise in age-related challenges.

Changes in cognitive function have been observed in apparently healthy dogs from as early as six years of age and in cats from 7.7 years, but these signs can be subtle and difficult for owners to recognise.

These changes can include becoming disorientated, interacting differently with people or other animals, changes to sleep patterns, house soiling, altered activity levels or increased anxiety.

In dogs, these signs are often grouped under the acronym DISHAA: disorientation; interactions (social); sleep-wake cycle alterations; house soiling; activity; and anxiety. While DISHAA has historically been used for both dogs and cats, the more recent VISHDAAL assessment for cats also includes vocalisation and learning or memory deficits.

Although changes in cognitive function can occur as pets age, there are a range of ways owners can help support brain health and cognitive performance throughout their pet’s later years. These can include appropriate nutrition, behavioural enrichment, environmental adaptations, nutraceutical support and veterinary guidance.

Introducing Protexin CogniCare

Protexin has launched Protexin CogniCare, a daily supplement developed to support cognitive function and gut health in dogs and cats.

Protexin CogniCare combines antioxidants, brain-supporting nutrients and Petbiotix®, a range of biotics scientifically developed by Protexin. The formulation is designed to provide nutritional support for brain function in ageing pets while also supporting a balanced gut microbiome.

Protexin is also encouraging greater awareness of the behavioural changes that can occur as pets get older, helping owners recognise when a change in routine or behaviour may warrant further attention.

Supporting the gut-brain connection

Growing understanding of the relationship between the gut and the brain is also shaping the way healthy ageing is approached.

The gut and brain are closely connected, sending signals to each other in ways that can influence both physical and emotional wellbeing. The gut microbiome – the community of bacteria and other microorganisms living in the digestive tract – plays an important role in this relationship and helps to support normal communication between the gut and brain. But, maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome can become more challenging as animals age.

Commenting on cognitive decline, Dr Ronan Fitzgerald BVetMed MRCVS, Senior Veterinary Technical Advisor at Protexin, said: “Cognitive change can be difficult for owners to recognise because the early signs are often quite subtle. A pet may sleep more, interact differently, become less interested in play or simply seem a little less like themselves.

“Protexin CogniCare has been developed to provide nutritional support for cognitive function while also recognising the importance of the gut microbiome and gut-brain axis. By combining brain-supporting nutrients, antioxidants and biotics, it is designed to support ageing pets as part of a broader approach that should also include enrichment and environmental management.”

Protexin CogniCare

Protexin CogniCare is suitable for dogs and cats and is supplied as an easy-to-give, meat-free, liver-flavoured powder. It should be given once daily, mixed with a main meal or sprinkled over food. For picky pets, the daily amount can be split across two meals. For those who feed dry kibble, you can try slightly moistening the kibble to make it more appealing.

For more information visit https://www.protexinvet.com/products/cognicare/