Signs and management of cognitive dysfunction in dogs

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an age-related, progressive condition that results in cognitive decline in senior dogs, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Clinical signs of CDS in dogs can be subtle at first and easily misinterpreted as normal aging. If your senior dog is exhibiting behavioral changes, read on to learn:

• Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in dogs
• Ways declining cognitive function in dogs can be managed
• What to do if your senior dog is showing signs of cognitive decline

Because CDS is a progressive condition, symptoms continue to get worse over time. A combination of mental stimulation, medication, diet, and other treatments are sometimes used to try to help dogs with CDS. Management methods may slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life, but CDS cannot be cured, reversed, or stopped completely.

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or canine dementia, is an age-related, progressive disease that results in cognitive decline in senior dogs, similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As the brain ages, signaling pathways between brain cells (neurons) deteriorate, leading to cognitive decline. In dogs with CDS, the accumulation of beta-amyloid (a protein) in the brain contributes to a toxic environment for neurons and increased brain cell death.

Age-related cognitive decline is very common in dogs, with more than one in five dogs over the age of nine showing clinical signs. The prevalence increases to well over half of dogs over the age of 15. However, the disease may be underdiagnosed, as many symptoms are mistaken for normal signs of aging by pet parents.

Canine dementia is not a fatal or painful condition, but many affected dogs are eventually euthanized due to poor quality of life as the disease progresses. Many dogs with CDS have other age-related medical conditions that may also negatively impact their quality of life, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or arthritis.

Common signs of senility in dogs include:

• Disorientation or getting lost easily
• Aimlessly wandering around the home
• House-soiling
• Altered sleep patterns
• Low activity level or less interest in activities
• Forgetting previously known commands
• Abnormal interactions with familiar people and pets
• Unusual irritability or aggressive behaviors
• Increased general anxiety or separation anxiety
• Increased anxiety at night

Dogs with dementia may get lost in their home, get stuck in corners, or get stuck behind furniture. They may not recognize previously familiar people or animals and may react abnormally to them. Some dogs with CDS have altered sleep–wake cycles, so they sleep during the day and are more active at night. “Behavioral signs vary between individuals and may get worse as the disease progresses,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Symptoms of dementia can be subtle at first and progress slowly, making them easy to miss.”

There is no specific test for CDS. In addition, there are other medical issues that can cause similar symptoms. Instead, CDS is a diagnosis of elimination, meaning a diagnosis is reached by eliminating other possible causes of the symptoms. So when a dog presents with symptoms associated with dementia, a vet may recommend diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes. Testing may include:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Diagnostic imaging

The Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Evaluation Tool can help identify signs of cognitive decline at home and may provide valuable information to share with your veterinarian.

CDS can’t be cured or reversed, but various management methods can be used to try to slow progression and improve quality of life. Veterinarians often recommend a combination of environmental enrichment, therapeutic diet, medication, and other therapies to help manage CDS in dogs.

Environmental and cognitive enrichment

Providing mental stimulation with enrichment toys and daily activities may help improve brain function. They may also help distract and keep the attention of a dog with CDS to help with boredom and anxiety. Cognitive and environmental enrichment for geriatric patients can involve:

• Gentle physical activity
• Obedience training
• Puzzle toys
• New or rotating toys and puzzles
• Scavenger hunts with treats

When encouraging a senior dog to play and exercise, it’s important to let them set the pace.

Special diet and supplements

A veterinarian may recommend a diet change or using a dietary supplement. There are therapeutic diets formulated to try to help protect and encourage brain function in canine patients. It’s important not to change your dog’s diet without talking to a vet. Many dogs with dementia have other medical issues that may also need to be considered when choosing a diet. Nutritional supplements containing ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help promote brain health in dogs. However, dietary supplements are not well regulated, so quality and safety can vary. It can be difficult to find a safe and effective diet or supplement for your senior dog, so it’s important to talk to a vet about choosing a trusted option.

Medication

There are no medications that directly treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs. Instead, medication may be used to help relieve symptoms of dementia, such as anxiety and altered sleep–wake cycles. Other drugs may help cognitive function by improving blood flow to the brain. You should never give your dog human or animal medication without consulting a vet.

Other management strategies

Other methods to help manage CDS symptoms in dogs include the following:

• Strict schedule and daily routine for meals and walks
• Shorter, more frequent walks to prevent house-soiling
• Using doggy diapers or indoor pee pads
• Avoid moving furniture, food bowls, or dog beds
• Using night-lights throughout the home

Every dog is different and has different needs. An online vet is great for discussing strategies to make life a little easier for dogs and their owners. Management methods may change over time as the disease progresses.

Dog dementia is a progressive condition and can’t be cured or reversed. Once neurons have died, they cannot come back. However, the disease can sometimes be slowed using various management methods. In general, the earlier the disease is diagnosed and managed, the longer the dog may have a good quality of life.

It’s important not to assume your dog’s behavioral changes are simply due to old age. Even though dementia can’t be cured, there are ways to try to relieve associated symptoms. Other age-related conditions with similar clinical signs can be mistaken for CDS, so an accurate diagnosis is necessary to pursue treatment. Talk to a veterinarian if your dog is showing signs of cognitive impairment. Earlier diagnosis and management may help slow down the disease progression and provide a good quality of life for a longer period of time.

If you’re unsure if your dog has CDS, you can book a virtual vet appointment to talk to a veterinary professional about your dog’s symptoms and to go over the CDS evaluation tool.

What are the signs of dementia in dogs?

Signs of age-related cognitive impairment in dogs include behavioral changes, such as increased anxiety, disorientation, house-soiling, and abnormal irritability. Other health issues can cause similar behaviors in senior dogs, so it’s important to talk to a veterinarian if you notice these changes.

What is the life expectancy of a dog with cognitive dysfunction?

Cognitive dysfunction is not a fatal disease. However, geriatric patients with cognitive dysfunction often have other age-related health issues, such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, or arthritis. The life expectancy of dogs with dementia varies widely between patients.

What medication is used to treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs?

There is no FDA-approved drug that treats dementia in canine patients. However, some medications may help with symptoms like anxiety and altered sleep–wake cycles. Special diets and vet-recommended dietary supplements may also be recommended to help with symptoms.

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.