Food May Help Combat Signs of Canine Brain Aging (NAPSA)—There’s encouraging newsfor pet owners. Dogsareliving longer and there are many ways pet owners can help protect their dogs from age-related health problems. Oneof the most devastating agerelated health problems is canine brain aging, a condition that affects millions of dogs and leads to reduced brain function andoften results in behavioral changes. Kim Bork,a pet owner, marveled at the positive change in Taylor, her 14 year-old Basset Hound. “WhenI first noticed changes in his behavior, it reminded me of Alzheimer’s,” said Bork. “I was very sad. He wasless alert, sluggish and seemed generally disinterested in his favorite things. Watching him age andhavelessinterest in life was horrible. I dreaded coming home every day because I didn’t know what Similar to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans, this devas- to expect next.” tating condition has repercussions for the entire family. Like the human Alzheimer’s patient, the dog often seems to forget its surroundings and may not recognize loved ones. At the North American Veterinary Conference (NAVC) scientists from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. presented breakthrough clinical research and unveiled details of a revolutionary new pet food, Prescription DietCanine b/d™. This research proves that a food rich in antioxidants and nutrients has a positive effect on behavior changes caused by canine brain aging. A one-year clinical study showed that older dogs fed the b/d” diet experienced up to 58 percent improvementin learningability compared to dogs on a control food. “This is a very exciting development that has positive implications for pets and their owners,” said Professor Nicholas Dodman, head of Animal Behavior in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. “As many as 1.5 million dogs per year are put to sleep, removed from the home or sent to an animal shelter because of behavior problems such as For more than three months, Kim Bork of Allenton, Wis., has fed her 14-year-old basset hound, Taylor, pet food that is designed to combatsigns of aging. house soiling, personality problems and compulsive behaviors like circling or obsessive grooming. In older dogs, these behavior problems may be associated with brain aging. We are hopeful that Canine b/d” may help keep dogs in the family home for longer as it’s been proven to help alleviate behavior problemsin older dogs.” According to veterinarian and author Dr. Marty Becker, “Growing old is inevitable but growing old gracefully and with dignity is what we want for all members of our family including our dogs.” Pet owners whoparticipated in an in-home study using Prescription Diet Canine b/d” noticed dramatic results, reporting that 74 percent of older dogs with a history of house soiling accidents experienced a reduction in accidentsafter only 30 days of feeding b/d”. Furthermore, 61 percent of dogs with diminished enthusiasm in greeting family members showed improvementafter 30 days. After starting on his new food, Taylor seemed to go through a metamorphosis. “Tt took years off his life,” said Bork. “He’s more alert and responsive. Now he beats me upthestairs; before I had to wait a few minutes for him to catch up with me.” With advances such as Prescription Diet Canine b/d", many more fourlegged friends may have the opportunity to grow old gracefully. For information on age-related behavioral changes, speak to your veterinarian. WarningSigns: Disorientation Your dog may act confused ordisoriented. They may be unable to recognize normal routines or surroundings. Interaction Changes Your dog may no longer greet family members, welcomepetting or ask for attention. Sleep or Activity Changes Your dog maysleep more during the day and less at night. They may wander aimlessly or pace. Housetraining is Forgotten Your dog may havefrequent indoor accidents and not ask fo gooutside. @
