Veterinarian Shelby Neely helps pet parents understand how to support pets experiencing cognitive decline. This is the fourth installment in a series about caring for senior pets.
Understanding Cognitive Decline in Senior Cats and Dogs
As our pets age, they experience physical changes just as we do. One of these changes is cognitive decline, which we compare to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in people. Cognitive decline can affect a senior cat or dog’s quality of life. Pet parents need to understand this condition and learn to recognize its early signs to continue providing the best care possible for their dogs and cats.
What is cognitive decline?
The official name for cognitive decline in pets is cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This refers to the gradual loss of brain function that occurs in aging pets. Memory, learning, perception, and awareness can be affected. This condition is more common in dogs, but cats can also suffer from it. In cats, the symptoms may be more subtle and harder to detect.
Reasons for cognitive decline
Cognitive decline is not entirely understood, but some of the factors that contribute to it include:
- Neurological changes, including the accumulation of amyloid plaques
- Underlying health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and chronic pain
- Free radical damage increases with age and contributes to the breakdown of brain cells.
- Genetics: Some breeds are more likely to develop cognitive issues than others.
Signs of cognitive decline
It’s essential to notice cognitive decline early to manage your pets’ condition better. Common symptoms in dogs and cats include:
In dogs:
- Repetitive behaviors such as circling or pacing
- House soiling: Your dog may begin to have accidents inside.
- Disorientation: A dog may appear to get lost in its own home and forget where its food and water bowls are or the location of its bed.
- Reduced interaction: your dog may be less interested in toys and activities, although there can be other reasons, such as arthritis.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Dogs with cognitive decline may start to sleep more during the day and be restless or vocal at night.
In cats:
Cats may have some of the same changes that dogs have, such as:
- Disorientation: Cats may also appear confused and forget their food and water. In particular, they may howl excessively or just sit and stare at walls or into space.
- Altered grooming habits: You may have had an older cat that started to have an unkempt appearance from not grooming itself as much.
- Litter box issues: This is a big sign in cats. They may start going outside the litter box.
- Changes in activity levels: Lethargy or hyperactivity and restlessness may occur.
- Altered social behavior: Your cat’s behavior can change in two directions. They may become incredibly clingy, or conversely, they may become less interactive and engage in withdrawal.
Diagnosis and veterinary support
It is very important to go to the veterinarian to have a complete physical, blood tests, and behavioral assessments. Your vet will also want a good history of what’s happening in your house to determine the cause of your pet’s symptoms.
To diagnose cognitive decline, your veterinarian will primarily rule out other conditions. They will check your pet for arthritis, vision or hearing loss, urinary tract infections, and almost anything that could mimic the signs cognitive decline could cause.
Treating cognitive decline in cats and dogs
There is no cure, but there are things you can do to slow the progression and improve your pet’s quality of life
- Dietary adjustments: Studies have shown we can support brain health with diets rich in antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides. There are prescription diets your vet can prescribe for senior pets to address cognitive decline.
- Environmental enrichment: Of course, you should always, during your pet’s entire life, interact with them with puzzles, interactive toys, and regular play times to stimulate their brain. This is something that you should continue to do as they age. Include exercise and training as well.
- Keep a very consistent routine. That helps reduce anxiety and confusion.
- Medications and supplements: Some medications can help manage some symptoms in dogs, such as selegiline, supplements containing SAM-e, phosphatidylserine, or herbal extracts like ginkgo biloba.
Quality of Life
It’s a tough decision to make to consider palliative care or humane euthanasia for your pet. Still, as cognitive decline progresses, you must be aware of your pet’s quality of life. Talk to your veterinarian if they no longer enjoy any activities or if their symptoms are causing tremendous stress or discomfort.
A new stage of life
Accepting that your cat or dog is experiencing cognitive decline can be challenging. However, if you catch it early and follow our tips, you can help your senior pet remain comfortable and continue to have a fulfilling life. Your pet will need patience, love, and understanding to feel supported during its golden years. You should increase your regular veterinary checkups to a more frequent schedule and have a tailored care plan that will make all the difference in navigating this stage of life together.
Count on Allivet for your pet’s medications and supplements. Choose AutoShip to make it easier and more affordable to manage your pet’s care.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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