Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Understanding and caring for senior dogs

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)?

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily seen in senior dogs. It affects cognitive functions, such as memory, learning and awareness, and generally occurs after the age of nine. Research¹ indicates that as many as 28% of dogs aged 11-12 and nearly 68% of dogs aged 15-16 exhibit signs of CCD.

While CCD is not a normal part of ageing, its symptoms often overlap with other age-related issues, making diagnosis challenging without veterinary assessment.

Recognising the symptoms of CCD

The signs of CCD are often summarised using the acronym DISHAL:

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If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian. They can rule out other health issues, such as arthritis, vision loss, or urinary tract infections, that may mimic CCD symptoms.

Causes of CCD

CCD results from various age-related changes in the brain, including:

1. Amyloid Plaques: A build-up of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain interferes with everyday cell communication and function.
2. Oxidative Stress: Damage caused by free radicals, leading to inflammation and cell death.
3. Reduced Blood Flow: Decreased circulation in the brain, which limits oxygen and nutrient supply.
4. Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Changes in chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood, behaviour, and cognition.

While these changes are inevitable to some degree, not all senior dogs develop CCD, suggesting a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors play a role.

Treatments for CCD

While there is no cure for CCD, several treatment options can help manage the condition and improve your dog’s quality of life:

1. Dietary Changes: Your dog may be placed on a specific therapeutic diet to support brain health. These diets often contain ingredients rich in antioxidants, fats, and fatty acids to protect and promote healthy brain cells.
2. Dietary Supplements: Your veterinarian may recommend supplements that are rich in antioxidants or oils containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs provide an alternative energy source for the brain. This is because dogs with CCD often become less efficient at using glucose in their brain.
3. Medications: Certain drugs may help improve cognitive function. For example, Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as Anipryl, can enhance neuron communication and protect the brain from further damage. In some countries, drugs, such as propentofylline, are used to increase blood flow to the brain, potentially benefiting dogs with CCD.

Living with a dog affected by CCD

Caring for a dog with CCD requires patience, compassion and practical adjustments to make their life as comfortable as possible. There are several methods you can adopt to help them feel more at ease.

1. Maintain a Routine
   Dogs thrive on routine and consistency becomes even more critical for CCD patients. Stick to regular schedules for feeding, walks and bedtime. Avoid sudden changes to your dog’s environment as this can increase confusion and anxiety.
2. Create a Safe, Familiar Space
   Designate a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat if it feels overwhelmed. Use soft bedding, familiar toys and comforting scents to help it relax. Keep the space free of obstacles to prevent disorientation.
3. Support Cognitive Function
   • Interactive toys: Engage your dog’s mind with food-dispensing puzzles, snuffle mats or scent-tracking games.
   • Training games: Simple commands like “sit” or “stay” can help reinforce memory and focus.
   • Mental stimulation: Rotate toys regularly and introduce gentle challenges to keep their brain active.
4. Adapt the Home Environment
   • Consistent furniture placement: Avoid rearranging furniture to help your dog navigate more easily.
   • Non-slip mats: Place rugs or mats on slippery floors to prevent falls.
   • Nightlights: Use dim lighting at night to help dogs who are restless or confused in the dark.
5. Improve Physical Health
   • Daily walks: Short, regular walks can maintain mobility and provide mental stimulation.
   • Healthy diet: Consider special diets for senior dogs or those containing antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to support brain health.
6. Manage Behavioural Changes
   • Remain patient: Accidents and unusual behaviours are common. Use positive reinforcement rather than punishment.
   • Minimise stressors: Minimise loud noises, unfamiliar visitors or sudden changes.
   • Pheromone diffusers: Products such as Adaptil can help create a calming environment for your dog.

Emotional support for pet owners

Living with a dog with CCD can be emotionally challenging, as you may witness changes in their personality and abilities. Seek support from friends, family, or online communities of pet owners who understand what you’re going through. Remember, your efforts significantly impact your dog’s comfort and happiness.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) can be a challenging condition, as there is no cure. With proper care and a stable, loving environment, many dogs can continue to enjoy peaceful and fulfilling golden years. However, in more severe cases of CCD, the prognosis can be challenging, and unfortunately, some dogs may pass away within two years of diagnosis, sometimes requiring euthanasia.

1. Prevalence of CCD:

Age-Related Increase: A study in 2020 involving 15,019 dogs found the odds of a CCD diagnosis increased by 52% with each additional year of age*.

Age-Specific Rates: Research from 2017-2020 indicates varying prevalence rates based on age groups^{^}:

_{*Source: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9411588/}

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2. Risk factors

Activity Level: Dogs with low activity levels have 6.47x higher likelihood of developing CCD compared to highly active dogs.

Medical History: Dogs with histories of neurological, eye or ear disorders are at increased risk for CCD.

Body Condition: A thin body condition score has been associated with a higher chance of cognitive decline in dogs.

Body condition: A thin body condition score has been associated with a higher chance of cognitive decline in dogs.

References

1. Landsberg, G. M., Nichol, J., & Araujo, J. A. (2012). Cognitive dysfunction syndrome: A disease of canine and feline brain aging. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 42(4), 749–768.

• Madari, A., Farbakova, J., Katina, S., et al. (2015). Assessment of severity and progression of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome using the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 138–145.
• Head, E., Ruehl, W., & Milgram, N. (2001). Cognitive dysfunction in dogs: Clinical assessment and management. The Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 31(6), 979–993.
• Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs – https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.
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