As dogs age, they can experience age-related changes in the brain that impact their cognitive abilities. This condition is commonly referred to as Canine Dementia but is known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). CCD can lead to physical and behavioural changes, such as aggression, anxiety, forgetfulness, lethargy, and wandering. Many symptoms of CCD are similar to those seen in other age-related conditions. Since dogs may exhibit very different symptoms, especially in the early stages of CCD, it is essential to consult a vet to confirm a diagnosis.
While there's currently no cure for CCD, there are various ways to manage your dog's symptoms and improve their daily life, including the use of massage.
Massage can help to:
What is Canine Dementia?
Canine Dementia, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), is an irreversible age-related condition affecting the brain. As dogs age, they can find it increasingly difficult to learn new things. Eventually, CCD leads to the deterioration of brain function, causing behavioural changes similar to those seen in human Alzheimer’s sufferers. The cause of CCD is not yet understood, but it is known that the condition is exacerbated by the build-up of a harmful protein, amyloid-ß plaque, and poor blood flow. CCD develops gradually. Initially, the dog will behave differently, forgetting commands or sleeping longer during the day. Some dogs may become restless and vocalise during the night.
CCD affects all breeds equally, with onset typically seen in dogs over eight years old. A 2010 study (Salvin et al., 2010) found that CCD affects 5% of dogs aged 10 to 12 years, 23.3% of dogs aged 12 to 14 years and 41% of dogs over 14 years. Despite this, CCD remains underdiagnosed, with only approximately 2% of cases diagnosed by vets (Salvin et al., 2010).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Below is a summary of the common symptoms of CCD, using the acronym DISHAA:
If your dog shows one or more of the above signs, it is important to visit your vet for a formal diagnosis and to rule out other conditions.
A useful online assessment tool can also be found on the Vets for Pets website here (developed by CAWEC for Purina):
https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/dog-dementia-tool/
Treatment and Home Care
Firstly, the vet will carry out a full medical and behavioural assessment, as this will help guide them in the right approach. Before recommending any treatment or medication for CCD, the vet will ensure that any other conditions that the dog may have are under control. If appropriate, the vet can prescribe medication which may slow down CCD progression and ease the symptoms. Other recommendations to help dogs suffering from CCD include:
If your dog has been diagnosed with CCD, massage can be an effective and safe treatment to support their daily life. Your local Clinical Canine Massage Therapist can assess your do to see if massage could help. To find your nearest therapist, please visit www.k9-massageguild.co.uk/therapistregister/.
(Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, 2016; Edge-Hughes & Rossi Campos, 2022; Hourdebaigt, 2004, p.14, 54-5, 70, 86-94; Landsberg, Nichol & Araujo, 2012; Lindell, Horwitz & Landsberg, 2023; PDSA, 2020; PDSA, 2021; Purina Institute, 2021; Salvin, McGreevy, Sachdev & Valenzuela, 2010; Salvin, McGreevy, Sachev, et al., 2011; Slobodian, 2023; VCA Animal Hospitals, 2021; Vets for Pets, 2023; Wag Labs, 2024).
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