Has your pet started acting differently as he gets older? Seemingly forgetting where he is, or staring at the wall? Maybe he’s started staying awake all night or losing his house training. Many subtle symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) such as these get written off as old age, but there are things we can do to help slow the progression of this disease and get your friend back.
CCD is a chronic disease that is comparable to Alzheimer’s disease in people. It develops via a number of pathways, but ultimately there is oxidative stress to the brain cells, particularly the mitochondria, leading to their dysfunction and abnormal protein deposition in the brain. The dysfunction of these cells and abnormal protein deposits disrupt normal electrical signaling in the brain, leading to what we see as behavior changes. There is likely a genetic component that will predispose some pets to developing CCD.
Common behavioral changes include:
• Sleeping more, or sleeping all day and staying awake at night
• Overall decrease in activity level
• Forgetting basic obedience training, or apparent deafness
• Decreased interest in their surroundings
• Confusion or disorientation (staring at the wall, pacing, forgetting where he is)
• Difficulty navigating the environment (going to the wrong side of the door, running into things)
• Inability to recognize familiar people
• Increased thirst
• Increased panting
• Difficulty eating, or decreased interest in food
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Changes in vocalization
If you think your pet may be exhibiting some of these symptoms please let your vet know. There are many other diseases that can cause similar symptoms that need to be ruled out before arriving at a diagnosis of CCD.
As of now, there is no cure for CCD, however there are several options for slowing the progression or even temporarily reversing some of the symptoms. Because there are many pathways that lead to CCD, treatments that work for one patient may not work for another, so there may be a period of trial and error.
Lack of exercise, lack of sensory input, lack of rest which can be seen with excessive pacing or abnormal sleep patterns, excess calorie intake, obesity, high carbohydrate or high fat diets, and certain nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to progression of CCD. Some of these things are easy to address. You can certainly increase how much exercise your pet gets by going on more frequent walks. Getting out and experiencing different sights/sounds/smells can address the sensory input as well. This activity will also help with obese pets in burning more calories, however measuring their food daily is a major component of weight control. You can revisit basic house training and obedience training to help your senile pet remember what they’re supposed to be doing when.
Discuss with your vet which supplements or medications might be appropriate to address other symptoms. There is even a veterinary diet designed specifically for senile pets which contains an appropriate balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as specific supplements to address brain aging. Your vet may also want to revisit medications your pet may be taking for other health conditions, as some can worsen CCD symptoms. Hopefully with a little help your pet can get back to his normal self for a while.
