{"id":4785,"date":"2024-03-06T13:30:25","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T13:30:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/?p=4785"},"modified":"2024-03-06T13:30:31","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T13:30:31","slug":"dog-alzheimers-what-is-canine-cognitive-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vitaanimalhealth.com\/dog-alzheimers-what-is-canine-cognitive-dysfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Alzheimer’s – What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dog Alzheimer\u2019s \u2013 What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?<\/h1>\nLike humans, dogs can suffer from brain ageing called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). It\u2019s actually pretty common and affects somewhere between 14% and 35% of dogs. It is usually seen in dogs over 8 years of age.\n\nAre you worried that your old dog seems confused or senile? Like humans, dogs can suffer from brain ageing called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). It\u2019s actually pretty common and affects somewhere between 14% and 35% of dogs. It is usually seen in dogs over 8 years of age1 . CCD is often compared to human Alzheimer\u2019s disease and there are some similarities between the two. Both are linked to a decrease in brain function, and are progressive diseases \u2013 worsening over time. Although there is not a cure for CCD, there are things you can do to help delay the start and progression of the disease. Some of these are described at the bottom of this fact-sheet.\n

What causes Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in dogs? <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe symptoms of CCD occur because of a combination of several changes that take place within the brain. The underlying cause behind these is not very well understood yet, but are partly due to natural brain ageing. The brain becomes less good at making use of available energy, and deterioration of nerve cells and blood vessels are also commonly seen.\n

What are the signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe signs of CCD vary between individuals, and you may only notice a few of these in your pet. The four most commonly reported are apparent confusion, anxiety, disturbance to the sleep cycle (being awake at night), and decreased pet-owner interaction1<\/sup> . Other signs you might be aware of include decreased activity levels, pacing, toileting accidents, trying to squeeze through gaps that are too narrow and increased barking1,3 <\/sup>. Bear in mind that many of these symptoms can also indicate a different health or behaviour problem, so always speak to your vet if you are concerned.\n

What can I do to help my dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction? <\/strong><\/h4>\nThere is a lot of evidence to show that providing great environmental enrichment can help to delay the start of CCD or slow down its progression. This means there are many ways you can help to keep your pet and their brain active. There are also special diets and medical options that your vet will be able to advise you on. These tend to vary in how effective they are depending on the individual. At home, these are some things you can do to try and help your dog2,4<\/sup>:\n