Cognitive functions include the mental processes of perception, awareness, learning, and memory necessary to acquire information about the environment and decide how to respond. As do people, pets can experience a decline in cognitive abilities as they age. However, a pet with cognitive dysfunction experiences declining mental abilities that are far more severe than a typical aging pet. 

Senior pets’ cognitive dysfunction is more common than you likely believe, and the condition causes degenerative brain changes that can affect how they perceive the world and their ability to process sensory information. Our Red Oak Animal Hospital team explains cognitive dysfunction causes, signs, and treatment to help ensure your pet spends their golden years comfortable and content. 

What is cognitive dysfunction in pets?

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an age-related neurobehavioral disorder characterized by a severe decline in cognitive abilities that affects a pet’s functioning, including behavior changes that are not attributable to other medical conditions. As pets age, their brain cells,  including neurons that help regulate mental and physical interactions, start to waste away. A buildup of the beta-amyloid protein creates toxic conditions for neurons, which stop functioning properly or die. Over time, the brain loses its capacity for processing information, causing an affected pet to experience physical and behavioral changes. Dogs, particularly those around 9 years of age or older, are diagnosed with CDS much more often than cats. However both species are increasingly susceptible to CDS as they age. CDS is likely underdiagnosed because pet owners often assume their four-legged pal’s behavior changes are a result of normal aging and may not recognize the earliest signs. 

What are the signs of cognitive dysfunction in pets?

A pet’s early cognitive dysfunction signs can be subtle, but they worsen slowly over time. Common cognitive dysfunction signs include:

  • Disorientation — Your pet may get stuck in a room’s corners, struggle to go around furniture, and forget where their food and water bowls are located.
  • Sleep cycle changes — Your pet may sleep more during the day, stay awake at night, or have irregular sleep-wake cycles.
  • Behavioral changes — Your pet’s behaviors may change and new ones begin, including excessive licking, decreased grooming, lethargy, irritability, and appetite loss.
  • Anxiety — A pet with CDS may appear restless and can develop new phobias or separation anxiety. 
  • Impaired memory — Cognitive dysfunction can affect your pet’s memory, and they may forget previously learned commands and routines, and inappropriately eliminate in unusual places. 

If your aging pet exhibits any of these signs, schedule an appointment with one of our Red Oak Animal Hospital veterinary professionals. To make a definitive cognitive dysfunction diagnosis, our team will assess your four-legged friend’s signs, and perform a thorough physical examination and diagnostic testing to rule out other underlying health conditions, such as osteoarthritis pain, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid conditions. 

How is cognitive dysfunction treated in pets?

If your pet is diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction, your veterinarian will develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your pet’s individual needs. The treatment goal is to slow the condition’s progression and improve your pet’s quality of life. Common treatment options include:

  • Medication — Veterinary-prescribed medications can help slow the degenerative process and boost your pet’s mental function by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation, and improving neurotransmitter function. 
  • Diet and supplements — Your veterinarian may recommend a diet and supplements that are high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which can help support your pet’s brain function and reduce inflammation.

How can you support your pet’s cognitive function?

Mental enrichment includes games and activities that keep your pet mentally sharp and engaged in their environment while providing an outlet to practice their natural behaviors and solve problems using their senses and intelligence. Enriching your pet’s environment is essential for their mental and physical health, and you can boost your four-legged friend’s cognitive function by engaging their body and brain. To support your pet’s cognitive function, follow these tips:

  • Walk a new route —The same old sights and smells become boring for your pet when you always follow the same walking route. Switch things up by hiking a different trail, or by exploring a different park or neighborhood. 
  • Provide interactive toys — Provide your pet with interactive toys and objects that encourage independent play, activity, and thinking.
  • Use puzzle feeders — Full food bowls are boring and lead to overeating. Rather than feeding your pet out of a regular bowl, try serving their food in a puzzle feeder to provide mealtime mental stimulation and physical exercise. 
  • Train your pet — Training busts boredom and keeps your pet’s brain active, making this an ideal activity for any age pet. 
  • Spend quality time together — Spending time with your pet helps maintain the special bond you share and boosts their feel-good hormones, which enhance your furry pal’s physical and mental health. 

If you suspect your pet has cognitive dysfunction, get them the treatment and support they need to manage the condition and maintain their quality of life. If your senior pet’s behavior has been abnormal, schedule an appointment with our Red Oak Animal Hospital team for your furry pal’s cognitive evaluation.