the Senior Dog Study
Clinical research exploring natural support for senior dogs.

By age seven, many dogs are already considered seniors.
We launched The Senior Dog Study to move past guesswork for aging dogs. Using a standardized behavioral score, we measured whether a functional mushroom + adaptogen routine may support brain-related behaviors and day-to-day life.
What the Data Showed:
- 81% of dogs in the senior dog study showed either a stabilization or improvement in their cognitive scores.
- Dogs in early-to-mid decline showed the biggest improvement — averaging 5–10 point reduction in their scores.
- Gentle and safe for senior dogs — even those with other conditions. No reported side effects.
Together, these results point to a gentler, more natural way to support senior dogs’ cognitive health.

The Dog Behind the Senior Dog Study
What Miss Daisie taught us about aging minds
Miss Daisie was a 14-year-old rescue at Fire Flake Farm. She would walk to her water bowl, stand without drinking, wander off, then return and repeat. Those moments showed me how aging can affect their brains, their attention and memory, and not just their mobility and energy.
Our founder, Angela Ardolino, is a certified hemp, adaptogen, and fungi clinician educated through the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine. After years caring for senior and special-needs dogs, she began pioneering research to document age-related behaviors and explore how functional mushrooms and adaptogens may fit within holistic senior care.
This study reflects a commitment to supporting the whole dog: mind, body, and soul. It is dedicated to Miss Daisie and to every senior dog whose small cues deserve our attention.
the Results so far
Through the Senior Dog Study, families shared their experiences, from daily routines to little moments of joy. While every dog’s journey is unique, these stories give a glimpse into the lives of the seniors we care so deeply about.
How The Senior Dog Study Measured Change
To truly understand the impact on senior dogs, the study combined caregiver observations with objective data. This gave us a full picture of how dogs were doing day to day.
By combining behavioral scores, continuous monitoring, and biomarker analysis, we were able to capture a multi-dimensional view of each dog’s journey — showing both the numbers and the lived experience.
Breaking Down the Data

Severe Group
(Scores >35)
What it shows: Dogs with severe signs of age-related changes started with a higher average score of 45.8, which represents issues such as:
- disorientation
- confusion
- sleep disruptions
- house soiling
- circling
- anxious barking
Change over time: Their final average score decreased to 38.2, showing a meaningful reduction in problem behaviors.

Moderate Group (Scores 16–35)
What it shows: Dogs in the moderate range began the study with an average behavioral score of 26.0, reflecting challenges like pacing, accidents, and disorientation.
Change over time: By the end of the study, the average score dropped to 21.0, indicating fewer behavioral concerns and an improvement in daily comfort and quality of life.

All Dogs in the Study (Combined Results)
What it shows: Across the entire participant group—mild, moderate, and severe—the overall starting average was 28.8.
Change over time: The combined final average score improved to 23.9, demonstrating a clear overall reduction in behavioral issues and an uplift in the general well-being of all senior dogs involved.
key takeaway:
"starting support earlier, especially in the mild to moderate stage, may give senior dogs the best chance to hold on to their quality of life."
What that means: Beginning a holistic wellness routine early may help senior dogs maintain comfort, engagement, and quality of life.

Advancing Research in Senior Dog Health
Studying Clarity: A Functional Mushroom Blend for Senior Dogs
We are exploring the role of functional mushrooms and herbs in supporting senior dogs. As part of our ongoing study, we are evaluating Clarity, a natural mushroom and herbal blend, to better understand its potential influence on cognitive function, neurological health, and overall wellness in aging pets.
Setting the Standards for Functional Mushroom Extracts
Wild-foraged and naturally cultivated in the USA
Ensures quality control, traceability, and close relationships with farmers and growing regions.
Grown on native substrates
Species-appropriate substrates allow mushrooms to develop their full range of naturally occurring compounds, maximizing diversity and richness.
No inactive ingredients
Free from fillers, flow agents, or synthetic preservatives — nothing extra, just pure mushrooms.
Extracted from the fruiting body
The part of the mushroom richest in beneficial compounds, and the portion traditionally used for thousands of years in wellness practices.
Synergistic blends
Combining multiple mushroom species creates a broader range of supportive compounds, offering a more complete nutritional profile than isolated extracts alone.
Easy to administer
Concentrated liquid tinctures designed for both bioavailability and palatability — so pets can easily enjoy them as part of their daily routine.
The Senior Dog Study Research Team
FAQ
Why did you launch the Senior Dog Study?
We know how tough it is to watch your dog slow down with age — and how limited the options can feel. The Senior Dog Study is our way of learning more about how functional mushrooms and adaptogens can support senior dogs’ well-being, behavior, and connection with their families.
Canine decline affects more than 25% of dogs over age 11 and over two-thirds of dogs by age 15. Yet most pet parents are told there’s “nothing you can do.” We launched this study to explore natural ways to support cognitive health, improve sleep patterns, and maintain quality of life for aging dogs using a mushroom-derived, adaptogen-rich formula.
Can my dog be a part of the senior dog study?
We’re always looking for more senior dogs to be part of this important research! If your aging dog has started showing signs like nighttime restlessness, disorientation, pacing, or changes in personality, you can share their info with us to see if they might be a good fit for future phases of the Senior Dog Study.
This isn’t a one-time thing — we want to keep learning how to better support senior dogs, and your pup could help us do just that.
What product did dogs in the senior dog study take?
Dogs in the study received MycoDog® Clarity, a mushroom extract & adaptogen blend, containing a synergistic blend of Lion’s Mane, Reishi, Cordyceps, Ashwagandha, and Bacopa monnieri. These ingredients have been studied for their ability to support cognitive function, neuroplasticity, and resilience to age-related changes.
How was data measured in the senior dog study?
This was a real-world, decentralized study. Pet parents completed weekly cognitive questionnaires, dogs wore activity/sleep collars, and also had blood biomarkers measured (CRP and BDNF) to track inflammation and brain health. This multidimensional approach combined caregiver observation with objective data.
What kinds of senior dog behaviors were tracked in the study?
Dogs entered the study with signs like disorientation, confusion, disrupted sleep, pacing, loss of interest in family interaction, and occasional accidents indoors. These are hallmark symptoms, which can significantly impact daily life if not supported early.
Did dogs in the senior dog study show improvement?
Yes. Of the dogs who completed the study:
81% of dogs in the senior dog study showed either a stabilization or improvement in their cognitive scores.
59% improved in cognitive scores
23% stabilized, which is a positive outcome for a progressive disease
Wearable collars also confirmed better sleep quality and fewer nighttime disruptions.
The greatest improvement was seen in dogs with moderate scores, the “therapeutic sweet spot”.
Why choose mushrooms and adaptogens?
Functional mushrooms and adaptogens have been used for centuries to support brain health, balance stress hormones, and promote resilience. Lion’s Mane stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), Reishi supports stress regulation, and Ashwagandha and Bacopa are well-known for their cognitive benefits. Together, they provide a safe, natural option for supporting senior dog brain health.
Why MycoDog Clarity?
Not all mushroom supplements are created equal. MycoDog Clarity uses dual-extracted fruiting-body mushrooms, grown on native substrate, and combined with complementary adaptogens for maximum potency. The study showed Clarity was safe, well-tolerated, and easy for pet parents to give daily—even to picky seniors with other health conditions.
Be Part of Ongoing Research
Interested in contributing to ongoing research? Join our virtual cohort for senior dogs and help us learn more about holistic support for aging pets.