the Senior Dog Study

Clinical research exploring natural support for senior dogs.

By age seven, many dogs are already considered seniors.

That’s why we launched The Senior Dog Study; a first-of-its-kind clinical trial measuring how functional mushrooms and adaptogens may support brain health, behavior, and quality of life in aging dogs. Because our senior dogs deserve more than guesswork.

Here’s what the study showed:

  • 81% of dogs in the 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 Story Behind the Study

A Mission to Support Every Stage of Life

This study is deeply personal. At Fire Flake Farm, our founder, Angela Ardolino, has dedicated her life to rescuing and caring for animals through a natural, holistic approach—supporting their wellness and quality of life with plant and mushroom-based remedies.

Over the years, she’s seen many dogs thrive with natural support. But as these beloved companions aged, many faced new challenges with memory, focus, and overall vitality. Angela knew there had to be a better way to nurture senior dogs through this stage of life.

Most pet parents don’t realize their dog is a senior until the signs of decline are obvious. Subtle shifts in memory, sleep, or personality often go unnoticed — or are written off as “just aging.”

This study set out to prove what nature has known for centuries: mushrooms and adaptogens are original medicine, not the alternative. Our goal is to show both pet parents and veterinarians, through science, that natural tools can meaningfully impact quality of life for our aging companions.

Inside the Senior Dog Study

How we designed it, what caregivers tracked, and what we learned.

The Senior Dog Study was designed as a virtual and in-clinic, caregiver-led project to better understand the needs of senior dogs. Participants received Clarity®, a blend of functional mushrooms and adaptogens, and were asked to share regular feedback through surveys. Some also used wearable collars to help track daily activity and rest patterns.

The study was executed in partnership with the Veterinary Health Research Centers (VHRC). Their scientific rigor and experience in the field of age-related changes in dogs helped ground our exploration in the expertise of veterinarians who understand this area deeply.

By combining caregiver insights with validated methods and real-world data, we gained valuable observations about how dogs experience aging — and how natural support options may contribute to their overall quality of life.

How We Measured Change

To truly understand the impact on senior dogs, we combined caregiver observations with objective data. This gave us a full picture of how dogs were doing day to day.

  • 24/7 Activity & Sleep Monitoring

    Each dog wore a lightweight collar device that continuously recorded movement and rest. This allowed us to see real-time patterns in sleep efficiency, rest interruptions, and activity levels. These collars provided objective data that could be compared with what families were noticing at home.

  • Blood Biomarkers

    We also measured biological markers that provide insights into wellness.

    • BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): a protein associated with learning, memory, and resilience.


    • CRP (C-Reactive Protein): a general measure of inflammation and overall health balance.
  • Behavioral Scores

    Pet parents completed a structured set of questions about their dog’s daily habits, things like: sleep patterns, engagement, and responsiveness.

    This scoring system is based on a validated research tool used to track age-related changes in animals.

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.

the Results so far

Senior dogs bring so much love into our lives, and every moment with them matters. 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.

Breaking Down the Data

These charts show results from our validated behavioral scoring system, which tracks patterns linked to canine cognitive health. Each bar represents the group’s average behavioral score at the start of the study (“Initial”) compared to the end (“Final”).

The scoring looked at key behavioral markers—like disorientation, sleep changes, activity shifts, and social interaction—to give a structured measure of how dogs were doing over time.

This chart highlights an important truth: the biggest benefits for senior dogs come when support begins early. Instead of waiting until symptoms are advanced, proactive care during the mild to moderate stages of cognitive change can help preserve comfort, connection, and quality of life.

Veterinary medicine often takes a reactionary approach—intervening once problems are severe. But here we see that acting sooner gives our pets their best chance to thrive longer.

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.

  • Lion's Mane

    Lion’s Mane is a mushroom valued for its role in brain and nervous system wellness. Studies suggest it may influence memory, cognitive function, and stress adaptation.

  • Reishi

    Reishi, often called the “Mushroom of Immortality,” has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Modern research has examined its connection to stress response, immune health, and overall vitality.

  • cordyceps

    Cordyceps is a functional mushroom traditionally used to support stamina and resilience. Research has explored its potential effects on circulation, oxygen use, and immune balance.

  • Ashwagandha

    Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb known as an adaptogen, used to help the body respond to stress. It has been studied for its potential influence on energy, focus, and immune support.

  • Bacopa monnieri

    Bacopa is a traditional Ayurvedic herb associated with clarity, memory, and emotional balance. Early research has investigated its possible effects on brain cell protection and cognitive function.

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.

  • Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig, DVM, MRCVS

    Dr. Joel Ehrenzweig is a veterinarian and researcher with more than 30 years of experience advancing integrative health for animals. As Study Director for the Senior Dog Study, he leads the Veterinary Health Research Centers (VHRC) in pioneering clinical research on natural compounds, including medicinal mushrooms, to better understand their role in supporting cognitive health in aging dogs.

  • Carter Easler

    Carter is a clinical researcher and educator specializing in functional medicine for pets. As Principal Investigator of the Senior Dog Study, he brings together science and compassion to explore how natural therapies like medicinal mushrooms may support cognitive health and longevity in aging dogs.

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.

Join our Cohort