Canine Dementia: Supporting Dog Brain Health as They Mature

Madison, my happy-go-lucky Labrador Retriever, used to jump 5 feet high at the sound of the phrase, ‘do you wanna go oouuut,’ and wiggled her entire body every time I walked in the door. However, around the age of 12, those behaviors slowly disappeared, and she began wandering, seemed unsure of who I was at times, and paced and whined all night. As a veterinarian, my heart sank because I knew what was happening - canine dementia, also known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Many owners notice similar changes in their dog’s brain health but chalk it up to old age and don’t mention it to their veterinarian. Many veterinarians don’t realize their patient has brain health issues because they only see the pet in the clinic setting, where behavior changes aren’t always obvious. If you’re wondering whether your dog might have a brain health issue, or if you’re hoping to promote robust brain health in your dog, we’ll explain what causes CDS, the common symptoms, treatment, and how to protect your dog’s brain health.

What is Canine Dysfunction Syndrome?

Canine Dysfunction Syndrome is different from normal aging. A dog with age-related physical and mental changes that don't interfere with daily functioning is aging normally. However, when these changes significantly impair the dog’s quality of life, CDS may be the cause.¹ Dogs with CDS show life-disrupting levels of disorientation, changes in interactions with people and other pets, sleep-wake cycle changes, bathroom accidents, altered activity levels, anxiety, and learning and memory problems. Veterinarians refer to these abnormal brain health symptoms with the acronym DISHAAL. Cats also exhibit cognitive dysfunction and they have different symptoms with a different acronym.¹

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What Causes Canine Brain Health Problems?

CDS is similar to Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. People with Alzheimer’s Disease have physical brain changes, and so do dogs with CDS. These physical brain changes include age-related problems such as parts of the brain shrinking, poor blood flow, loss of nerve cells, lower levels of essential brain chemicals, toxin buildup, and the development of beta-amyloid and tau proteins.¹ Like humans, signs of brain health problems in dogs occur more frequently with advanced age. A study in dogs found that CDS occurs in 28% of dogs aged 11 to 12 years and in 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16 years.² Physical health is closely linked to brain health. Researchers found that dogs in better physical and neurological shape had better brain health than dogs with other disease processes, a history of health problems, or lower levels of physical activity.³

How are Dog Brain Health Problems Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a brain health problem in a dog is what veterinarians call a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning they rule out other health issues that cause similar symptoms before diagnosing CDS. Arthritis, hormone imbalances, kidney or gastrointestinal diseases, neurologic conditions, and others may cause symptoms that resemble a brain health problem. What the owner notices about their dog’s attitude and behaviors around the house is a critical part of diagnosing brain health problems in dogs. There are several pet owner questionnaires to help identify CDS, including:

The Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating (CCDR) scale
The Canine Dementia Scale (CADES)
The Canine Cognitive Assessment scale

Ask your veterinarian about these questionnaires. They’ll help you begin monitoring your dog for brain health issues. Regular monitoring for brain health issues should start around the age of 7 for most breeds.³ In addition to a physical exam, and orthopedic and neurologic evaluations, your veterinarian will run tests on a blood sample from your dog, too. Advanced testing may be recommended. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI} scans show special pictures of the brain and may reveal changes consistent with CDS.

How are Dog Brain Health Problems Treated and What is the Prognosis?

Prognosis

CDS cannot be cured. It adversely affects the human-animal bond as dogs may stop recognizing owners and their anxious behaviors, like pacing at night, are difficult on owners.³ These combined with decreased quality of life for the dog may shorten the dog’s lifespan. However, there are treatment options available to improve symptoms, enhance the quality of life for dogs with CDS, and maintain the human-animal bond for as long as possible. Spotting CDS signs early and starting treatment right away gives your dog the best chance to stay healthy longer.³

Treatment

Without treatment, nearly half of all dogs with one CDS symptom will develop more symptoms within 6 - 18 months.⁵ Treatment involves environmental, medical, and dietary interventions. Making these changes will improve the life of all aging dogs. ^1,3,4

Simple home modifications for aging dogs - Provide safety and security in your dog’s home environment. Ensure non-slip surfaces, nightlights, and a small and comfortable sleeping space like a dog crate. Use ramps to help your dog navigate stairs or get onto furniture and into cars.
Brain games and gentle workouts - Prioritize activities that enrich your dog’s mental and physical life. Make leash walks part of your dog’s daily routine. Change paths to offer your dog new sights, sounds, and smells. Food puzzles, toys, doggie TV, and music engage your dog’s mind and protect brain health.
Brain-boosting nutrients - In people and dogs, B vitamins and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) deficiencies are risk factors for brain aging. In addition, studies show that nutrients that block free radicals can boost each other's effects and protect dog brains. These, and other health-promoting ingredients, are available in dog supplements such as Vetericyn’s ALL-IN dog supplements. Supplements are a recommended part of CDS treatment.
Food for Thought - Specially formulated, prescription diets have been proven to promote brain health in dogs, including Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d Canine and Purina Neurocare.
Medication options for brain health - Anipryl is FDA approved for treating CDS in dogs. It enhances dopamine and fights free radicals to treat CDS.

Can CDS Be Prevented?

Probably not entirely, but there are steps owners can take to help promote normal brain function as long as possible. Research shows that treatments for CDS can make a dog's current memory and behavior problems better, and help prevent new problems for longer. So the best prevention combines keen owner observations of any changes in their pet’s activity and behavior combined with early intervention with the treatment recommendations above.⁵ Canine dementia

Key Takeaways for Your Dog’s Brain Health

Start now and talk to your veterinarian about protecting your dog’s brain health. Vetericyn’s ALL-IN can be a part of your dog’s brain health protection plan. With a wide range of pet care solutions for all your pet care needs, Vetericyn is your partner. We’re committed to improving animal health and making your life easier. Visit our catalogue to learn more.

Reviewed by Dr. Kathy Adamson

Dr. Kathy Adamson earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed a one-year small animal medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Alongside her studies, Kathy worked in a research lab, contributing as an author and co-author to various journal articles. She has also pursued medical writing and editing certification through the University of Chicago Graham School. Currently, she runs KMA Veterinary & Medical Writing, a freelance medical writing company, serves as the Digital Content Manager for the Greater Chicago Area Chapter of the American Medical Writers Association, is a member of the AMWA Communications Committee, and enjoys writing about healthcare topics for people and their cherished pets.