How to Manage Cognitive Dysfunction in Senior Dogs
If you've noticed the signs of cognitive dysfunction in your senior dog, like it becoming lost around the house or yard or being easily startled by people, you can manage its symptoms at home with a few small adjustments. For example, avoid moving furniture around since this could add to your dog's confusion. Your dog will also do best with an eating and walking routine, which can give it a sense of security. In addition to keeping your dog on a schedule, try feeding it senior formulated foods or supplements that include Omega-3, vitamin E and C, and selenium, which can help its memory.
Give your dog medication. There is one medication that veterinarians use to treat cognitive dysfunction. This medication is called deprenyl (Anipryl), and it has been shown to help with symptoms and increase brain concentration in dogs. However, it does not work with all dogs. Some dogs will see no to minimal improvement. The medication can take a couple of weeks to work. Develop a personalized treatment plan for your dog. When you take your dog to the vet, you should talk with them about how to make a care plan for your dog. The vet can give you suggestions on activities and foods to give your dog to help slow the advancement of CCD. For example, your vet will give you an exercise plan for your dog and suggest toys to help with mental stimulation. Rule out other conditions. The symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction are similar to other conditions that may afflict senior dogs. This means you need to take your dog to the vet to get checked out. While there is no official test for CDS, your vet can rule out any other condition. Your vet may do blood tests, fluid analysis, or imaging tests. Based on test results, your dog's age, and the symptoms, your vet may settle on a diagnosis of CCD. Evaluate the quality of life of your dog. Cognitive dysfunction can have a poor prognosis. Generally, a dog's condition will deteriorate as they continue to age. While your dog may live a happy life for awhile, there may get to be a time when the dog's mind is not functioning enough for them to live a happy life. Talk to your veterinarian about pet hospice care or euthanasia options for when your dog's condition gets too bad for them. Refrain from moving things around in your home. Dogs with CCD can get confused if things are different than they are used to. Any change in the home may upset them. To help, refrain from rearranging your furniture. Try not to add new furniture to the house, especially if that means replacing furniture that your dog spends time on. Establish a schedule for your dog. To help your dog with confusion, try to establish a routine for them. This can help avoid surprises and help you know when your dog will eat, drink, and perhaps even need the bathroom. A routine can also help give your dog a sense of security. Feed your dog a special senior cognitive diet. Your vet may suggest that you feed your dog a special diet for seniors and their cognitive function. These foods aim to help with the dog's memory and learning. Some brands you can find at pet stores and supercenters are marketed just for senior cognitive function. Sometimes, a vet may suggest that you give your dog supplements, like vitamin E and C, selenium, beta carotene, Omega-3, and even coconut oil. Don't give your dog any supplements or change their diet before talking to your vet. Exercise your dog. Dogs with CCD need mental stimulation. This can be achieved through exercise. You may walk your dog around your neighborhood or even your yard. You may play fetch or tug of war with them. Try to get your dog active at their particular level. Always talk to your vet about an exercise program that is appropriate for your dog. Give your dog puzzle toys. Your dog can get mental stimulation from puzzle toys and games. You may try to give your dog food toys that help keep them mentally engaged. You can also try rotating toys each week to keep your dog interested and engaged. Just spending time with you and a toy can provide some mental stimulation for your dog. Make food and water easily accessible. Because of your dog's cognitive state, they may have trouble finding their food or water bowl. You should place the dog's bowls in an open area where it can be easily found. You may have to make arrangements to place the bowls in front of your dog during food time, or lead your dog to the bowls. Make up a bathroom area. Many senior dogs have accidents in the house. This can occur when they don't realize they haven't gone outside or don't remember to go outside to use the bathroom. To help with this, you may want to place your dog in a bathroom area you have made in your house just for them. You can place puppy pads or newspaper on the floor for your dog to mess on. You may want to take your dog out often to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Consider the age of your pet. Canine cognitive dysfunction occurs in older pets. Depending on the breed of your dog, this may mean around age eight. When diagnosing CCD, your vet will look at the other symptoms alongside the age of your pet. Larger breed dogs age at a quicker rate than smaller breeds. A large breed may be considered senior at age seven, while a small breed may not be senior until 10 to 12. Check for confusion. When your dog has cognitive dysfunction, they may exhibit signs of confusion. They may become lost around the house or in the yard. They may not respond if you call their name or give them a command. The dog may get confused and stand in the corner of a room. They may get disoriented and end up behind the couch or chairs and not be able to get out. Your dog may be unable to find doors or stairs they've used many times before. Notice any mental deterioration. When your dog has CCD, their mental state will be weak. The dog may not be able to learn new things, such as new tasks or routes to places. They may not be able to recognize members of the family or their toys. Your dog may just stare off into space. The dog may be startled by people, noises, or lighting. Notice any behavioral changes. Your dog may display a change in behavior due to their condition. They may stop doing activities they used to enjoy, like going for walks or playing. They may spend less time with you and your family. The dog may sleep during the day and be awake at night. They may walk aimlessly around the house at night. The dog may not want to eat or drink as much as they used to. 
Give your dog medication. Develop a personalized treatment plan for your dog. Rule out other conditions. Evaluate the quality of life of your dog. Refrain from moving things around in your home. Establish a schedule for your dog. Feed your dog a special senior cognitive diet. Exercise your dog. Give your dog puzzle toys. Make food and water easily accessible. Make up a bathroom area. Consider the age of your pet. Check for confusion. Notice any mental deterioration. Notice any behavioral changes. 