Is your ageing, once-energetic dog suddenly having accidents in the house or getting lost in familiar spots like corners or doorways? Does it sometimes seem as though your pet doesn’t recognize family members they’ve known for years? These can be alarming changes for any dog owner, and they might be signs of something more than just old age.
Memory loss and cognitive decline are common as dogs grow older, much like they are in humans. However, when these changes become severe, dogs may be suffering from a condition known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This disease shares many similarities with human dementia, including confusion, disrupted sleep cycles, and new, unusual behaviors. Some dogs may pace at night, forget basic commands, or become increasingly anxious or withdrawn.
Sarah Yarborough, an epidemiologist at the University of Washington’s Department of Family Medicine, points out that dogs experience many of the same age-related diseases as humans, including dementia-like symptoms. “Gaining a better understanding of how these diseases manifest in our dog population may give us clues that will better explain the disease progression of [human] diseases like dementia,” she says.
What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a neurodegenerative disease that affects aging dogs, similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. It results from changes in the brain that can cause memory loss, confusion, and altered behavior. Early signs of CCD can be subtle, such as an increase in house-soiling incidents or slight disorientation, while more severe symptoms may include the dog forgetting well-learned tasks or getting lost in familiar environments.
Other telltale signs of CCD include:
- Disrupted sleeping patterns: Dogs with CCD may sleep more during the day and become restless at night, pacing or howling for no apparent reason.
- Changes in social behavior: Once-friendly dogs may become irritable or withdrawn. They might seek more attention or, conversely, become less interested in interacting with their owners.
- Loss of spatial awareness: Dogs may struggle to navigate around furniture or get stuck behind obstacles, unable to figure out how to backtrack.
- Anxiety or compulsive behaviors: Increased whining, barking, or repetitive actions like licking or pacing can be indicative of cognitive decline.
Understanding the Risk Factors for CCD
While any dog can develop CCD as they age, certain factors seem to increase the likelihood of developing the condition. To better understand these risk factors, Yarborough and her colleagues gathered data from over 15,000 dog owners. Their research, which was published in Scientific Reports, adjusted for variables like breed, age, and activity level to ensure more accurate findings.
One of the most striking discoveries from the study was that the risk of CCD increases significantly with age. For every year a dog ages, the likelihood of developing CCD rises by 52%. This means that if two dogs are the same in every other way—same breed, same sterilization status, same activity level—the older dog is over 50% more likely to develop CCD than the younger one.
Interestingly, the research also found a strong link between inactivity and CCD. Dogs whose owners described them as inactive were nearly 6.5 times more likely to show signs of cognitive dysfunction than their more active counterparts. However, it remains unclear whether inactivity is a cause or a symptom of CCD. It’s possible that a dog might become less active due to cognitive decline, or conversely, that less physical and mental stimulation contributes to the onset of CCD. More research is needed to clarify this relationship.
How to Reduce the Risk of CCD in your Dog
While age is the most significant risk factor for CCD, there are several strategies that may help reduce the likelihood of your dog developing cognitive issues as they age:
- Keep them mentally and physically active: Regular exercise and mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys or training sessions, can help keep your dog’s brain sharp. Dogs that engage in daily walks, games, or obedience training are less likely to show signs of cognitive decline.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Just as a balanced diet can support human brain health, nutrition plays a vital role in your dog’s cognitive function. Some commercial dog foods are formulated with ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which may promote brain health in older dogs.
- Routine health check-ups: Regular vet visits are crucial for catching early signs of CCD or other age-related issues. Vets can perform cognitive screening tests and may recommend supplements or medications to slow the progression of the disease.
- Create a structured environment: Dogs with cognitive decline often feel more comfortable with a consistent routine. Feeding, walking, and playtime should happen at the same time each day. This can help reduce confusion and anxiety for dogs with CCD.
- Provide comfort and care: As dogs age, they may need additional help navigating the house or getting in and out of the car. Installing ramps, using non-slip mats, and ensuring your dog has a comfortable, quiet space to rest can make a big difference in their quality of life.
Managing CCD in your Dog
While there is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life. Medications like selegiline, which increases dopamine levels in the brain, can be prescribed by your vet to slow cognitive decline. In addition, nutritional supplements, such as SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine), have been shown to support brain function in aging dogs.
It’s important to remember that dogs with CCD can still enjoy their golden years with the right care. Adjustments to their environment, increased mental stimulation, and a consistent daily routine can all help mitigate the effects of the disease.
