Since we introduced ProNeurozone® in 2003, pet owners and veterinarians have been sharing stories of improved quality of life that make us love our work even more. Even though nutrition and dietary supplements are widely used by people to prevent signs of aging, many don't realize the impact nutritional supplements like ProNeurozone® can have on a pet and their family. A 13 year old Shih Tzu on ProNeurozone for 60 days, who used to stare blankly into space and now he wants to play and bark. A 12 year old Brittany spaniel, who after 3 weeks is acting happier, not so dazed and confused, with less anxiety in response to loud noises. Or Brett, the almost 14-year-old Border collie, who loves the flavored tablets and who's owner said, "My husband and I were both very impressed with your questionnaire. Although I am a Vet Tech and we have both dealt extensively with our elderly parents and their health issues, we realized that we had never really considered which issues were probably cognitive and which were more likely to be structural. The questionnaire really helped us adjust our focus and is also a super way to get customers to quantify benefits. As for Brett, at the 30-day mark, we have noted very slight improvements on a few of the issues that we felt were more related to her mentation. Unfortunately, a urinalysis following some inappropriate urination shows a lot of transitional cells, and the antibody test gives a high likelihood of transitional cell carcinoma. Still, at her age, every contribution to quality of life helps, and so we are glad for the ProNeurozone!"
"Old age" in pets is generally recognized as 7 years, although breed, size, and other factors may also contribute. Behavior is often the earliest indicator of cognitive changes for pet owners. Remember the short and easy acronym "DISHA" (credit Dr. Gary Landsberg) to look for changes in:
- Disorientation
- Interactions socially
- Sleep-wake cycle
- House-soiling
- Activity
Better yet, review the Behavior & Brain Aging Evaluation to see a more complete list. You can download the list and track progress over a 2-month period.
I always remember what one board certified veterinary behaviorist said, "Many owners are quite willing to do what they can for a 14 or 15 year old dog, but if they knew they could intervene early on and prolong the life span of their pet, even more pet owners would be willing to do that." Isn't that the truth?
So in honor of National Senior Pet Month, let's focus on prevention for our younger seniors so we can call it maintenance by the time their 14 or 15. Here's to the gray hairs!