Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Help Your Dog Stay Sharp

By February 8, 2022 Behavior Support, Dog Diet, Dog Diseases, Dog Health, Dog Nutrition, Supplements for Dogs 0 Comments

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Help Your Dog Stay Sharp

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a disorder caused by the aging of a dog’s brain, which results in changes in consciousness, learning and memory deficiencies, and diminished reactivity to stimuli. Although the disorder’s early symptoms are moderate, they steadily deteriorate with time, a process known as “cognitive decline.”

Approximately one-third of dogs over the age of 11 show clinical evidence of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and by the age of 16, basically all canines show at least one indicator.

Here’s everything you need to know about CCD, from symptoms, causes, and life expectancy to treatment and prevention.

Table of Contents

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What Do We Know About CCD?

According to researchers, CCD is a neurodegenerative condition comparable to Alzheimer’s disease in people. The brain of an elderly dog degenerates, which means the cells die. That is likely to affect brain function.

Small strokes and other forms of damage may play a role in cognitive deterioration in dogs. However, the CCD and Alzheimer’s disease proceed differently. There is evidence that some symptoms of CCD can reverse, although this is not the case with Alzheimer’s.

The estimated prevalence rates of CCD in the companion dog population range from 14 percent to 35 percent, with the frequency, substantially rising as dogs get older. CCD was present in 28 percent of dogs aged 11 to 12 years old in one research, but 68 percent of canines aged 15 to 16 years old. Unfortunately, because many owners and veterinarians consider some cognitive deterioration, the actual prevalence of the condition is likely to be higher.

Over two years, another prevalence research tracked the cognitive capacities of a group of canines over eight. They discovered that 33 percent of puppies with normal cognitive behavior had minor impairment over the study period at the start of the trial. Furthermore, 22 percent of research dogs with moderate impairment developed CCD throughout the same period.

These studies show that CCD is more widespread than previously thought, and owners and veterinarians should watch for changes consistent with CCD.

What Are the Signs?

We can describe the symptoms of CCD using the acronym “DISHAAL” — Disorientation, abnormal Interactions, Sleep / wake cycle disruptions, House soiling, Activity changes, Anxiety, and Learning / memory alterations.

The following are other symptoms of CCD that an owner may notice:

  • Wandering;
  • Anxiety;
  • Confusion;
  • Urinating / defecating in the house;
  • Pacing, often at night;
  • Less engagement with owners;
  • Not recognizing familiar faces, animals, or commands;
  • Less attention in eating, playing, walking, and socializing;
  • Nervousness;
  • Getting up in the middle of the night;
  • Sleeping more during the day;
  • Lethargy;
  • Higher vocalization, often at night;
  • Exploring unexpected locations;
  • Can’t find food that’s been placed on the floor;
  • Getting lost in a familiar place.

Rating scales are critical tools for diagnosing CCD and assessing the success of treatment options. An ideal rating scale is easy to use and administer, statistically verified, and appropriate for all condition phases. Before using a scale, its validity and reliability should be estimated.

The Canine Dementia Scale is an empathetic, statistically verified grading scale for canine CCD, and it is one of the most often used. The scale consists of 17 nonredundant questions divided into four categories:

  1. Spatial orientation;
  2. Social interactions;
  3. Sleep-wake cycles;
  4. House soiling.

In numerous studies, dogs with modest cognitive impairment have trouble interacting with other canines. Most dogs with mild cognitive impairment disturbed social interactions and sleep-wake cycles. Most puppies with significant cognitive dysfunction showed impairment in all four domains.

How to Diagnose It?

The first step in diagnosing CCD is to conduct a thorough physical examination to rule out other diseases that might be mistaken for CCD or influence the diagnosis.

CCD symptoms can appear in mature dogs (defined as those that have lived 50 – 75 percent of their anticipated lifetime), which most people would not consider old. In yearly exams for dogs approaching middle age, veterinarians should include a behavioral and cognitive assessment, and dog owners should pay extra attention to their dog’s mental acuity.

Some prevalent aging-related disorders might complicate the diagnosis of CCD:

  • Hearing or vision loss, either partial or whole;
  • Painful orthopedic diseases such as osteoarthritis, which can lead to behavioral changes (for example, house soiling);
  • Systemic disorders like chronic renal disease can make dogs feel poorly and make them less eager to interact with their owners.

Because there are no particular tests for CCD, most dogs suffering from it are diagnosed after all other options have been ruled out.

However, there have been cases of MRI-detected brain alterations that can aid in the diagnosis. An MRI might be recommended if other disorders, such as brain cancer, are significant possibilities and more confirmation is needed.

Which Are the Risk Factors of Developing the Condition?

Known risk factors include:

  • Age — a factor that has been proved in several investigations.
  • Activity level — dogs that participated in training exercises, had a lower risk of developing CCD.
  • Epilepsy — dogs with epilepsy are more likely to acquire CCD at a young age, and dogs with a history of cluster seizures or a high seizure frequency are at the most significant risk.

Other risk variables, such as sex, reproductive status, and psychological disorders, have not been linked to CCD. The potential association between body size and CCD is also a source of debate.

How to Treat Dogs with CCD and Alzheimer’s Disease?

The first step to treat canine cognitive dysfunction is to rule out any medical disorders that may produce comparable symptoms.

Many illnesses, including neurologic disorders, endocrinopathies, chronic pain, dental disease, and others, can induce symptoms that are difficult to identify from cognitive impairment. Before contemplating therapy for suspected cognitive impairment, a full physical exam, complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis are indicated.

Following that, it’s critical to discuss with the dog’s owner to establish reasonable expectations. While the cognitive deterioration associated with canine cognitive impairment may be halted, it is unreasonable to expect these canines to return to full functionality. Even with efficient canine cognitive dysfunction medication, some level of environmental control will almost certainly be necessary.

Enrichment and Environmental Management

The surroundings may need to be changed to suit the elderly pet’s demands and increase comfort. Access to resources must be simple. Litterboxes might need to be positioned in different places.

Older dogs may require additional chances, whether outside or in an indoor space. If nighttime waking is an issue, owners should enhance their pet’s daily exercise while reducing evening interruptions.

Children and other family pets may be less tolerant of senior pets. Therefore, they should be supplied with safe resting spots. Older pets may also be less easy of environmental changes, necessitating behavioral intervention if the changes cause distress.

Behavioral modification is comparable to what is done with younger dogs, but critical differences exist. Sitting on padded surfaces and moving with traction may be beneficial. If the pet is in discomfort, “stand” or “look” instructions may be used instead of “sit” or “down” commands regularly.

If there is considerable sensory impairment, owners may need to change behavior signals used in training, such as tactile cues or hand signals. More potent learning motivators, such as the use of high-value food incentives, may be required.

Maintaining a regular schedule can assist in minimizing anxiety and regularly offering mental stimulation. Enrichment can help sustain cognitive function.

Drug Therapy

In dogs, selegiline (also known as L-deprenyl) is a monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitor that is selective and irreversible. Because this enzyme is elevated in dogs with cognitive impairment and is expected to contribute to free radical damage in the central nervous system, selegiline is thought to reduce free radical damage.

In the brain and hippocampus, selegiline improves the function of dopamine and other catecholamines. It accomplishes this by boosting the brain’s neuromodulator 2-phenylethylamine (2-PEA) activity. Selegiline is usually prescribed at a 0.5-1.0 mg / kg / day.

Dietary Therapy

Another method for delaying the onset of canine cognitive impairment is nutritional treatment and dietary supplements. The main objective of canine cognitive dysfunction treatment is to reduce free radical damage while also increasing antioxidant levels in the brain.

Antioxidants like fatty acids and other nutrients improving mitochondrial function are commonly found in dog food for cognitive dysfunction.

According to studies, the benefits of this diet can be shown in as little as two to eight weeks; older dogs that have been given this diet for two years perform better on some cognitive function tests than control dogs who have not been on a diet.

Nutritional Supplements

There have been a variety of dietary canine cognitive dysfunction supplements utilized in the therapy of canine cognitive impairment.

Phosphatidylserine

S-Adenosyl-l-methionine is an endogenous compound made up of the amino acid methionine and generated by the liver and other cells throughout the body. S-Adenosyl-l-methionine is required for the liver’s primary biochemical pathways and metabolic processes.

Exogenous S-Adenosyl-l-methionine promotes endogenous glutathione synthesis, which results in enhanced serotonin turnover and dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It’s one of the most active antioxidants in a dog’s body and has a positive impact on reducing the development of canine cognitive dysfunction.

S-Adenosyl-l-Methionine

Additional drugs may be necessary to directly address the externally obvious clinical indications of cognitive dysfunction, in addition to the medications, diet, and supplements that are now used to treat cognitive dysfunction.

Other Nutritional Supplements

The following are some other dietary dog brain supplements that have been utilized to treat canine cognitive dysfunction:

  • Ginkgo biloba is a MAO inhibitor and a free radical scavenger. It improves cerebral blood flow and increases dopamine and serotonin activity. According to studies, it effectively treats cognitive deterioration in elderly individuals.
  • Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in neurotransmitter synthesis.
  • Vitamin E boosts ginkgo biloba’s benefits and neutralizes free radicals.
  • Resveratrol inhibits beta-amyloid production and protects against oxidative damage.

Adjunct Medications

Additional drugs may be necessary to directly address the externally obvious clinical indications of cognitive dysfunction, in addition to the medications, diet, and supplements that are now used to treat cognitive dysfunction.

Anxiolytics such as fluoxetine, buspirone, or lorazepam, for example, may help dogs suffering from severe anxiety. Melatonin or pheromones can be used to help dogs sleep better at night.

How to Keep Your Dog’s Mind Active?

While dogs are unable to do crossword puzzles or sudoku, the concept of “use it or lose it” applies to them as well. Mental stimulation for dogs includes exercising and playing with your dog, which is crucial, especially as they become older.

Playtime for aerobic activity is advised (adaptations to accommodate underlying problems). Introducing new toys and skills to an older dog might help keep the brain function bright.

Finding creative mental exercises for dogs can also benefit their health. Many dog rehabilitation centers are beginning to provide senior dog programs that involve swimming, massage, and social contact in a new setting.

Dogs use their noses to help them understand their surroundings, so taking walks and allowing them to sniff at their leisure is a great way for older dogs to receive some extra stimulation.

Older dogs with CCD may benefit from sticking to a strict routine for exercise, food, and sleep. If a dog has trouble with housebreaking, owners should consider treating him like a puppy, bringing them out more regularly, and praising them when they succeed.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Prognosis

While canine cognitive impairment isn’t usually thought of as a life-threatening ailment, it may significantly impact a dog’s quality of life and human-animal interaction. Affected pets may be euthanized as a result of these effects.

Early identification of canine cognitive impairment allows for the initiation of therapy before the human-animal relationship is severely harmed. As a result, owners of middle-aged and older dogs should regularly be questioned about canine cognitive deterioration indicators.

While canine cognitive dysfunction is a typical component of aging, therapies can help reduce cognitive decline and enhance the pet’s quality of life.

The Takeaway

In older dogs, cognitive impairment is a prevalent problem. Disorientation, interactions, sleep changes, house-soiling, and activity changes are the clinical indications of cognitive dysfunction, which may be summed up with the acronym DISHAAL.

Treatment can be started with a mix of behavioral interventions, medicines, dietary modifications, and nutritional supplements if these indicators are found.

Consult your veterinarian to identify the best course of action for this condition and the most appropriate treatment for your dog.

Nutrition Strength Cognitive Support for Dogs

Nutrition Strength Cognitive Support for Dogs

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Nutrition Strength’s Cognitive Support for Dogs, Promotes Dog Brain Health, Mental Support for Old Dogs, Supplement for Dogs with Cognitive Difficulties supports healthy brain function, mental agility and cognitive focus in aging dogs.

Specially formulated to help your four-legged friend get the most out of every moment in life, our dog brain supplement helps them to cope with behavioral changes related to aging.

Our delicious old dogs supplement can help your pet by:

  • Delivering ingredients, which are chosen to support a healthy dog brain function.
  • Supplying the vitamins and minerals that help your dog retain alertness as they age.
  • Providing nutritional support for dogs with declining mental sharpness.
  • Furnishing B vitamins and Vitamin E in the right ratio, together with a unique blend of ginkgo biloba and grape extract.
  • Supporting dogs in a diminished mental state and with cognitive difficulties.

Our dog brain support formula provides the ingredients, which are recommended as your dog reaches the senior stage of life to help them function at their optimum.

Used daily, our old dogs supplement can help promote your furry best friend’s cognitive health and keep them happy and fully enjoying their lives.

Image source: Wikimedia / Thomas Zimmermann.

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