Scientists Discover a Way to Combat Muscle Loss in Aging Dogs

• Dogs treated with ursolic acid showed significant improvements in physical activity, agility, and exercise performance after 60 days.
• Muscle biopsies revealed that ursolic acid reduced the activity of over 50 genes linked to muscle atrophy.

When it comes to our loyal, tail-wagging companions, it’s easy to take their boundless energy for granted – those joyful leaps to catch a ball mid-air or the playful tug of war over a favorite toy. But age has a quiet way of catching up. One day, the dog who once raced you to the door may struggle to climb the stairs or chase after a simple stick. This gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function (sarcopenia) can rob our furry companions of the activities they love most. 

Fortunately, scientists have made strides toward a solution that could help preserve not just muscle, but the spirit of play that defines their happiest moments. Published in the journal Animals, a new study reveals that treating aged dogs with ursolic acid, a natural compound found in herbs and fruits, can thwart muscle atrophy and restore functional performance. 

Ursolic Acid’s Known Benefits 

Preclinical research has shown that ursolic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, can significantly enhance muscle health by preventing muscle loss and improving strength, endurance, and overall function. Moreover, studies in mice suggest that supplementation with the compound protects against muscle atrophy caused by aging, inactivity, and disease. These effects were further supported by research in other animal models and early human trials, where ursolic acid demonstrated similar benefits in maintaining muscle performance and health. Building on these findings, investigators explored whether ursolic acid could provide similar advantages for dogs. 

Ursolic Acid Enhances Muscle Health by Reducing Atrophy Markers and Improving Physical Performance

Since muscle atrophy involves the breakdown of muscle proteins and the activation of inflammatory pathways, the study evaluated whether ursolic acid could reduce the expression of genes associated with these processes. Key biomarkers of muscle degradation include genes like MuRF1 and FOXO4, which regulate protein breakdown and catabolic stress responses in skeletal muscle.

The study tested the effects of ursolic acid supplementation in twenty beagle dogs with mild to moderate muscle atrophy. Dogs in the experimental group received daily doses of a soft chew containing 24 mg of ursolic acid for 60 days, while the control group received a placebo. Skeletal muscle biopsies revealed that ursolic acid significantly suppressed the activity of over 50 genes linked to muscle atrophy, including those regulating protein catabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

To complement these molecular findings, researchers assessed physical performance through exercise participation and T-maze testing. Dogs receiving ursolic acid demonstrated an increased willingness to engage in exercise activities, with improved agility and maze navigation. In contrast, dogs in the placebo group showed no significant changes in activity levels, with some exhibiting further physical decline.

Together, these results indicate that ursolic acid holds significant promise for reducing muscle atrophy in aging dogs. By targeting both the molecular and functional aspects of muscle decline, the treatment offers a dual benefit, preserving not only the structural integrity of muscle fibers but also the capacity for physical activity that defines a dog’s quality of life.

Introducing URSOLYX™ Soft Chews

To help bring ursolic acid’s benefits to aging and recovering dogs, Virbac, a leading animal health company, partnered with Emmyon, Inc., a biotech company dedicated to muscle biology research. The result of this collaboration is URSOLYX™ Soft Chews, which provide a once-daily dose of ursolic acid in a bioenhanced, highly absorbable formula. Each chew is flavored with bacon to improve palatability, ensuring ease of administration for pet owners and compliance for dogs of all sizes.

Giovanni Abruzzini, President and CEO of Virbac US, underscored the significance of this development in canine health care, stating, “At Virbac, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of animal health. URSOLYX™ Soft Chews redefine what’s possible for canine mobility, empowering veterinarians to address muscle health proactively to help their patients’ health span keep pace with their lifespan.”

The chews will officially launch at the 2025 Veterinary Meeting and Expo in Orlando, with additional educational materials available to guide veterinarians in implementing muscle health protocols for their patients.

A Path Forward for Healthy, Active Years 

With more than half of dogs aged seven and older suffering from muscle atrophy, the need for early intervention and targeted muscle support has become increasingly clear. Without action, dogs may gradually lose strength, become less active, and face heightened risks of joint strain and other health issues. Fortunately, advances in muscle-focused therapies like ursolic acid offer a way to slow or even prevent this decline. By maintaining muscle mass and function, these treatments help dogs stay active and engaged, ensuring they can continue to enjoy playful, fulfilling years alongside their families.