While some cognitive decline in pets is normal, a significant change in functional capacity can be compared to Alzheimer’s or other dementia types in humans. Cognitive dysfunction is a clinically recognized, abnormal syndrome that affects your senior pet’s brain far beyond expectations during normal aging. The Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team shares what pet owners should know about this disease, and offers tips for preserving brain function in aging pets.

Cognitive dysfunction in pets: The basics

Cognitive dysfunction is a syndrome affecting brain health in senior pets. One in three dogs older than 11 years has at least one cognitive dysfunction sign, nearly all dogs 16 years and older are affected, and cats older than 10 years are also susceptible. Pets with the disease show a progressive decline in brain function and performance of normal, daily activities, which differs from normal brain aging that causes mild disability.

Research into dementia in people and pets has found that normal cell aging and cell death probably play a role in disease development, but a buildup of abnormal proteins called beta-amyloid, which slow down nerve transmission, also likely plays a role. Another brain substance called monoamine oxidase B, which degrades neurotransmitters, may also be present in excess.

Cognitive dysfunction signs in dogs and cats

Cognitive dysfunction signs include confusion, disorientation, behavior changes, anxiety, restlessness, impaired memory, and sleep cycle changes. Because dogs and cats perform different daily activities, they may manifest these signs in different ways. Dogs may show the following:

  • Getting lost in familiar places
  • Not recognizing other pets or familiar people
  • Pacing
  • Irritability
  • Reduced play seeking
  • Reduced appetite
  • Accidents in the house
  • Forgetting commands or house rules
  • Waking or pacing at night

Cats show slightly different signs, including:

  • Wandering away from home
  • Excess sleep
  • Staring or disorientation
  • Accidents outside the litterbox
  • Loud vocalizations, often at night
  • Indifference toward food

Pet cognitive dysfunction diagnosis

As pets get older, they are more likely to develop many different diseases whose signs overlap with cognitive dysfunction or can contribute to worsening disease. The first step toward diagnosing cognitive dysfunction is a thorough physical and neurological examination to look for other potential causes. Blood work, urinalysis, and imaging tests (e.g., abdominal ultrasound) are also helpful in ruling out or diagnosing other disease processes.

Cognitive dysfunction signs can overlap with other primary brain diseases, including tumors, epilepsy, or inflammatory conditions, and your pet may need a referral to a veterinary neurologist for brain imaging to completely rule out these conditions. If signs remain after ruling out or treating other diseases, cognitive dysfunction is presumed the likely cause.

Medical treatments for pet cognitive dysfunction

Cognitive dysfunction is a progressive disease, and medical treatments are aimed at slowing progression and improving your pet’s quality of life and overall function. A drug called selegiline can improve neurotransmitter functioning and reduce cognitive dysfunction signs in dogs, but cannot be used in cats. Other medical treatments include:

  • A prescription diet rich in antioxidants and fatty acids
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Supplements, including SAM-e, melatonin, or B vitamins

Pet cognitive dysfunction adjunct treatment and prevention

In addition to medical treatments, pets with cognitive dysfunction may need special accommodations to help them navigate their world more easily. Ensure food, water, toys, and litter boxes are easily accessible, which may require adding more “stations” throughout your home so one is always nearby, and add night lights for more visibility. Also, consider using potty pads for pets who are having frequent accidents.

A consistent routine, including sleep and wake times, will provide your pet with the daily structure they need. Research also shows that daily physical and mental activity, including exercise, food puzzles, chewing, play, and training sessions, can improve your pet’s brain health and prevent or delay cognitive decline onset. Pets with this condition have impaired learning ability, but a trainer or veterinary behaviorist can give you the tools to address your pet’s specific behavior needs and create a training structure that will keep them grounded.

We can’t stop our pets from growing older, but focusing on brain health and stimulation can keep your pet sharp well into their senior years. For pets diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction syndrome, early intervention can slow progression and improve their quality of life. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to discuss treatment options, or to schedule an appointment to evaluate your pet’s brain and neurologic health.