Canine Cognitive Dysfunction - Is Your Dog Losing Their Mind?

Sally Gutteridge

They may be growing at you or may seem like they are lost. These are all common signs associated with canine cognitive dysfunction. If you notice that your dog is starting to develop signs of canine cognitive dysfunction, it would be best for your dog to see your vet, as there are things that can be done to slow the progression of this disease if started early.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is also known as dog dementia. This is when your dog does not recognise their owners and may seem lost or confused at home. This is very similar to Alzheimer’s or dementia in people.

There are many signs that can be associate with cognitive dysfunction in dogs. Some of these signs are very subtle, while others are obvious. These are some of the common signs seen with a dog with cognitive dysfunction.

Disorientation
Abnormal interactions with other people or pets
Urinating or pooping in the house
Change in sleep pattern
Loss of energy
Barking at normal things
Becoming Aggressive
Going to the wrong side of the door
Pacing

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it would be best for your dog to see your vet right away. These can be signs of cognitive dysfunction but could be something more serious. Most neurological diseases are better to diagnose and treat in the earlier stages of the disease rather than wait until it is they become very serious.

While there is not a specific test to diagnose this disease in dogs, it is often a diagnosis of ruling out other causes. Your vet may recommend blood-work, radiographs, or CT scan to rule out many of the other causes of this disease. Your vet may even give a suspect diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction based on history and exam.

There is no definite treatment for this disease, but there are many things that you can do to help manage a dog with canine cognitive dysfunction. These are some medications and supplements that you give to your dog to help

Selegiline: This is a medication that your vet may prescribe for your dog with canine cognitive dysfunction.

S-Adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe): This molecule is produced by your dog’s liver and other cells in their body. This is needed in many of the major biochemical pathways needs for proper brain function. Studies have shown that dogs who take this supplement have an increase in awareness after 1 to 2 months.
CBD: Cannabidiol has recently been studied in veterinary medicine. CBD is a common supplement that is given to a dog with neurological issues. This medication helps the endocannabinoid system found in your dog’s body function properly and increase your dog’s overall wellbeing.
Senilife: This is a supplement that has been shown in recent studies to greatly help dogs who suffer from canine cognitive dysfunction.

The food that you feed your dog can also help their brain function. There are some very popular ingredients that you can feed your dog with canine cognitive dysfunction. Ideally your dog's food will contain antioxidants, Medium-chain Triglycerides (MCT), and Omega fatty acids, which have been shown to help with brain function

There are many great medications, supplements, and diets that you can give to your dog. You can also do a few different activities to help your dog keep their brain sharp.

Vary Your Walks: When going for a walk, make sure to change the route to help keep them from getting bored.

Dog Puzzles: You can give your dog a puzzle maze to help keep their mind active. These puzzles usually have a treat reward at the end to help entice your dog to want to play with them.

Scentwork: The dog's nose is strong right into old age, scentwork games will keep them interested and happy.

This disease is very hard to prevent; however, there are some things that you can do to help make sure that your dog is healthy and happy.

Feeding a senior diet: This diet has the added supplements that an older dog would need to stay healthy.
Giving supplements that support brain health: Many supplements needs for brain health also have great effects on your dog’s joints and heart. These are great supplements to start as your dog starts to reach their senior years.
Schedule regular visits with your vet: Scheduling regular visits with your vet will help you find any health issues in your dog before the disease progresses. The early you start to treat any health issue, the better the outcome for your dog.

Starting these preventions once your dog becomes a senior dog can help prolong the onset of any cognitive dysfunction.

As your dog gets older, they may start to forget where they are or what they are doing. While this may be due to an underlying disease, this may also be due to canine cognitive dysfunction, to be sure which it is - it's worth visiting the vet with your dog.

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Get Some Exercise
In 2014, A University of Illinois Study, led by Dr. Chuck Hillman, found that as little as 20 minutes of exercise can lead to better cognition and memory, and higher scores on tests and examinations. This is great news for dog owners and something that you can definitely take advantage of as a daily walker.

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...During a stressful experience, the canine immune system will begin to shut off nonessential functions in order to maximise the chances of survival. “The body sees no point in digesting food when danger is upon it. Neither does it place emphasis on fighting disease, for it is putting all that effort into fighting the threat on life itself, so the immune system shuts down.”...

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The following section includes 3 different answers to the same question. All of these answers are correct, however they will each vary in the level of demonstrated understanding.

Question: Describe how you would apply an emergency improvised muzzle to a dog, for the purpose of performing first aid safely.

i. Create a large loop in a bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.

This answer describes the correct process of applying an emergency muzzle. The method is correct; however, no consideration has been given to safety. To improve on this, and answer the full question, we can include more detail...

ii. Slowly approach the dog, talking gently. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point, it is best to stand behind the dog. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it.

This answer has improved and includes personal safety advice. We now have a correct answer that covers the whole question. To demonstrate our understanding of the subject, we can go one step further and cover the whole subject in greater detail.

iii. Any injured dog, no matter how gentle they are normally, can bite when painful or panicked. Unfortunately, an injured animal is highly likely to bite, even if you are trying to help them. You may also be in a situation where you need to help a strange dog during an emergency. It is a useful and important skill to be able to muzzle a dog in an emergency situation. Some people will carry a muzzle in their car for emergency situations. However, you can also use a shoelace or gauze bandage. Slowly approach the dog side on, talking gently to reassure them. Be mindful of the dog’s body language and communication efforts while he is experiencing pain. Create a large loop in the gauze bandage and slowly slip it over the dog’s muzzle. At this point it is best to stand behind the dog to prevent direct eye contact. Tighten the loop so the dog’s mouth remains closed and he can’t open it, not so tight as to cause pain. Pass the ends under the chin, knot again and then tie behind the ears to secure it. NEVER apply a muzzle if the dog is struggling to breathe or vomiting.

This final version is an excellent demonstration of the whole subject. We have added information about the subject of emergency muzzles and included advice for keeping the dog free from additional pain or suffering.

You will receive positive, personal feedback from tutors who are always available to answer any questions and guide you through your learning experience. If you ever have any questions about course material or assessments, you can contact us here via email or through the study group.

Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Students are also encouraged to support each other, through access to a private study group where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Canine Principles offers both self-paced and time sensitive courses.

Self-paced - All CPD Diploma Courses, CPD Certificate Courses, Workshops, Webinars and Self Study Courses are completely self-paced learning with no deadlines for assessments or completion.

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You will receive positive, personal feedback from Tutors who are always available to answers any questions and guide you through your learning experience. Tutors will respond to assessments within 48 hours (72 hours during weekends)

Students are also encouraged to support each other through built in student community and private Facebook Study Group. where discussions and new information are shared daily.

Thank you!

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction - Is Your Dog Losing Their Mind?

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?

What are the Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs?

How is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Diagnosed?

How is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Treated?

Medication and Supplements

Diet

Enrichment

Can Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Be Prevented?

Final Thoughts

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Canine Cognitive Dysfunction - Is Your Dog Losing Their Mind?

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?

What are the Signs of Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs?

How is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Diagnosed?

How is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Treated?

Medication and Supplements

Diet

Enrichment

Can Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Be Prevented?

Final Thoughts

Start Your FREE Skill-Hub Trial Today

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The Brave Walk: Journeying Towards a Professional Dog Walking Career

Rethinking Dog Training: Beyond Commands and Corrections

Blog Template [CLONE ME]

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