The present disclosure generally relates to compounds comprising homotaurine that may be used in improving the general mental condition and/or general brain function of a non-human animal, and for the prophylaxis of chronic, aging-related mental deterioration in non-human animals. In addition, the present disclosure generally relates to compositions comprising homotaurine that may be used in determining whether a candidate veterinary compound and/or a candidate formulation can improve general mental condition and/or general brain function of animals and for the prophylaxis of chronic, aging-related mental deterioration in non-human animals.