Recognizing & Managing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Older Dogs

Aging is a natural and inevitable part of a pet's life, and it comes with both physical and behavioral changes. Pet parents know to watch for physical signs of pain or illness, but the symptoms of cognitive decline can be harder to see. By paying attention to early signs of age-related behavior changes, dog owners can help their pets thrive throughout their golden years! 

What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is an age-related disease that affects the brain. Sometimes called "doggie dementia," it's comparable to dementia or Alzheimer's in humans. When a senior pet seems to decline more rapidly or drastically than normal, cognitive dysfunction could be a culprit. 

Clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are very common, affecting nearly 1 in 3 dogs over the age of 11. By the age of 16, nearly all dogs will display at least one symptom. 

Common Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

CCD may start as just one sign that progresses over time, or it can have several apparent signs. The most common signs include: 

• Becoming disoriented, getting lost in familiar places or stuck in corners, and staring into space 
• Suddenly acting either clingy or avoidant, not recognizing family members or other familiar people
• Sleep pattern changes, like sleeping more during the day or wandering the house at night
• Starting to urinate or defecate inside when they used to be potty-trained 
• Restlessness, anxiety, increased pacing, or a decreased interest in playing and other social activities
• No longer responding to previously known commands or struggling to learn new ones

Successful Aging & Dogs 

Veterinary behaviorist Hannah E. Salvin defines "successful aging" as a rate of cognitive deterioration that doesn't affect a pet's day-to-day function. “Age is not a disease” is a true statement however, making this transition can be made easier for our furry family members. 

Causes of Behavior Changes: Is It Cognitive Dysfunction?

Of course, CCD is not the only cause of sudden behavior changes in senior pets. Changes in their schedule, the loss of a companion, a scary experience, pain and discomfort, or even loss of sight, hearing, and smell can all trigger a senior pet's anxiety. As another example, a sudden lapse in potty training could be related to cognitive dysfunction. But it could also be caused by incontinence, kidney or urinary disease, bladder infection, diabetes, or even joint pain that makes it hard to get outside. 

This is why it's so important to discuss behavioral changes with your veterinarian as soon as possible! Your pet's doctor can use routine blood tests, thyroid testing, ultrasounds, or advanced imaging to rule out other diseases that may look like cognitive dysfunction. 

 Caring for Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction

While there's no cure for CCD, treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and minimize symptoms. Early intervention is an incredibly important part of maintaining quality of life for senior dogs. Treatment options may include (but aren't limited to):  

• Diet and supplements: Certain prescription diets and veterinary-approved supplements can support brain health. These foods are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and other important nutrients. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting any prescription diets or supplements.

 

• Enrichment and play: Regular exercise, training sessions, and interactive toys can help stimulate dogs' brains and support cognitive health. Senior pets are especially sensitive to changes in their day-to-day schedule, so try to keep activities consistent.

 

• Medications: Your veterinarian may prescribe certain medications to help with behavioral symptoms such as anxiety or aggression. The appropriate course of treatment will depend on your pet's age, breed, health history, and any other symptoms they're experiencing. 

Compassionate Care for Senior & Geriatric Pets​

Behavioral changes associated with cognitive dysfunction can be difficult to navigate. The team at Mountainside is here to help you and your pups navigate this new stage of life. Our goal when caring for senior and geriatric patients is not only to increase the length of their lifespan, but to improve the quality of their lives. That means giving you as many pain-free, healthy years as possible to enjoy with your furry friend! Get in touch to discuss strategies to help you senior pet age successfully.

​