As a senior pet owner, you expect age-related changes in your furry friend, but perhaps you didn’t anticipate your pet getting stuck behind the couch, urinating on the floor, or pacing the house at night. These abnormal aging behaviors may be related to canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). One study found that CCD affected 28% of dogs 11 to 12 years old, and 68% of dogs 15 to 16 years old, making the condition surprisingly common. Unfortunately, many senior dog owners chalk up their pet’s odd behaviors to normal aging, and fail to mention them to their veterinarian, or seek treatment. 

What is CCD?

CCD is a neurobehavioral disorder that interferes with a dog’s cognitive function, including the ability to gather information about their surroundings and decide how to respond appropriately. Studies have demonstrated a number of changes to affected dogs’ brains, including brain shrinkage, protein deposits, and oxidative damage; however, whether these changes are due to CCD or normal aging is not known, as they are also observed in the brains of normal older dogs. CCD is often compared with Alzheimer’s disease in humans since the behaviors and nervous system changes associated with the two conditions are similar. 

What are CCD signs?

Dogs with CCD can experience a variety of behavior changes. To better identify these symptoms, the acronym DISHAA was coined:

• Disorientation — Dogs with CCD often become disoriented in their normal environment. Affected dogs may:
  • Pace and wander aimlessly
  • No longer recognize familiar people or animals
  • Become stuck behind furniture or an open door
  • Wander through areas they do not typically use
  • Seem lost in their own backyard
  • Lose their sense of time

• Interactions — CCD can cause your dog to interact differently with people and animals. Affected dogs may:
  • Lose interest in playing or interacting with family members
  • Stop seeking attention
  • Become grumpy and withdrawn
  • Become more dependent or clingy

• Sleep-wake cycle alterations — This CCD component is often referred to as sundowners dementia, and affects a dog’s normal sleep patterns. Affected dogs may:
  • Sleep more during the day
  • Restlessly pace at night
  • Vocalize at night

• House-soiling — CCD can interfere with your dog’s ability to understand that eliminating inside your home is unacceptable or cause them to forget where they normally go. Affected dogs may:
  • Urinate and defecate in your home
  • Have frequent accidents without understanding they are inappropriately eliminating

• Activity level changes — Your dog may become less active, and have a decreased response to people and their environment. Affected dogs may:
  • No longer react when you come home or enter a room
  • Have no interest in exploring during daily walks
  • Stop grooming themselves, and appear unkempt
  • Have a decreased appetite

• Anxiety level changes — Anxiety is common in dogs with CCD, and your dog may easily become restless or agitated. Affected dogs may: 
  • Pace and wander
  • Vocalize
  • Drool excessively 
  • Become anxious when left alone

How is CCD diagnosed?

Since CCD is a behavior disorder, your veterinarian cannot use any specific test to make a diagnosis. Many veterinarians use a questionnaire to identify behaviors consistent with CCD, and assign each patient a score based on the number of CCD behaviors they exhibit. Diagnosis may also include ruling out other medical conditions that could be responsible for your dog’s behavior changes. For example, vision or hearing loss could explain incoordination, failure to respond when addressed, and decreased interactions. Arthritis pain may prevent your dog from comfortably walking outside to eliminate and lead to house soiling.

How is CCD treated?

CCD is a treatable medical condition, and many therapies are available that can help your furry friend feel themselves again. Your veterinarian may use a multimodal treatment approach that includes:

• Cognitive enrichment —Regular mental stimulation can help keep your senior dog’s mind clear. Activities that encourage thinking and reasoning, such as solving food puzzles, learning new tricks, and playing with a new toy, can improve cognitive function. A short daily walk or wagon ride provides sights, smells, and sounds that will stimulate your pet’s brain.
• Environmental modifications — Your pet’s anxiety and restlessness may be alleviated by calming pheromones, such as Adaptil, provided as a spray, plug-in diffuser, or impregnated collar. A white noise machine may calm pets who are up at night and anxious about unusual strange noises.
• Supplements — Dog foods and products containing supplements that support brain health, such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), can improve cognitive function in dogs with CCD.
• Medication — Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to treat CCD, and manage symptoms such as anxiety and restlessness.

If your canine friend is experiencing behavior changes, they may have CCD, or another treatable medical condition. Consult your family veterinarian or our telehospice service for guidance.

If your senior pet has an advanced medical condition, you may choose to support your beloved companion through their final moments with hospice care. Prepare yourself for the inevitable by learning more about in-home euthanasia, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area for more advice on keeping your senior pet comfortable through their golden years.