Canine Dementia and Massage

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:

  • increase blood flow (including blood flow to the brain).
  • enhance mobility and flexibility. A recent study showed inactive dogs are 6.47 times more likely to develop CCD (Yarborough, et al., 2022). Massage relieves muscle tension and eases joints, improving or maintaining the dog’s activity levels.
  • support the dog’s overall well-being and quality of life.
  • activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This has a calming effect on the body, promoting relaxation (improving sleep), reducing nervousness, stress, anxiety, shock, and pain, and addressing gastrointestinal issues and urinary retention. Increased anxiety and sleep cycle changes are both common symptoms of dogs with CCD.

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).

 

  1. Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center (2016) Cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/health-info/cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome#:~:text=Cognitive%20dysfunction%20syndrome%20(CDS)%20is,years%20of%20age%2C%20or%20older(Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  2. Edge-Hughes, L. & Rossi Campos, A. (2022) Canine Cognitive Dysfunction/Dementia. Available at: https://www.caninefitness.com/docs/Canine-Dementia.pdf (Accessed: 18 November 2023).
  3. Hourdebaigt, J.P. (2004) Canine Massage, A Complete Reference Manual, 2nd Edition. Wenatchee, WA: Dogwise Publishing.
  4. Landsberg, G., Mad’ari, A. & Žilka, N., (Editors) (2017) Canine and Feline Dementia, Molecular Basis, Diagnostics and Therapy. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.
  5. Landsberg, G.M., Nichol, J. & Araujo, J.A. (2012) ‘Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: A Disease of Canine and Feline Brain Aging’, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice 42, pp.749–768.
  6. Lindell, E., Horwitz, D. & Landsberg, G. (2023) Behavior Counseling – Senior Pet Cognitive Dysfunction. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/behavior-counseling-senior-pet-cognitive-dysfunction (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  7. PDSA (2020) Dementia in dogs: cognitive dysfunction. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/dementia-in-dogs-cognitive-dysfunction (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  8. PDSA (2021) Dementia in pets. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/dementia-in-pets (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  9. Purina Institute (2021) Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Evaluation Tool. Available at: https://www.purinainstitute.com/sites/default/files/2021-04/DISHAA-Assessment-Tool.pdf(Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  10. Salvin, H.E., McGreevy, P.D., Sachdev, P.S. & Valenzuela, M.J. (2010) ‘Under diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction: a cross-sectional survey of older companion dogs’, Veterinary Journal, 184(3), pp. 277-281.
  11. Salvin, H.E., McGreevy, P.D., Sachev, P.S., et al. (2011) ‘The canine cognitive dysfunction rating scale (CCDR): a data-driven and ecologically relevant assessment tool’, Veterinary Journal, 188, pp. 331–336.
  12. Shaw Becker, K. (2022) This Raises the Risk of Doggy Dementia Almost 6.5 Times. Available at: https://healthypets.substack.com/p/canine-cognitive-decline (Accessed: 29 August 2024).
  13. Slobodian, S. (2023) Unlocking Hope: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and How Rehabilitation Can Restore Your Senior Dog’s Vitality. Available at: https://pawsitivelyfit.ca/dogdementia/(Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  14. VCA Animal Hospitals (2021) Treating CDS in Cats and Dogs. Available at: https://vcahospitals.com/vca-voice/brain-awareness-month (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  15. Vets for Pets (2023) Dementia in Dogs: Is it old age or is it dementia? Available at: https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/dementia-in-dogs/ (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  16. Vets for Pets (2023) Dog Dementia Tool. Available at: https://www.vets4pets.com/pet-health-advice/dog-advice/dog-dementia-tool/ (Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  17. Wag Labs (2024) Activities For Dogs With Dementia. Available at: https://wagwalking.com/activity/activities-for-dogs-with-dementia#:~:text=Massage%20is%20a%20relaxing%20activity,arthritis%2Drelated%20issues%20or%20dysplasias(Accessed: 28 April 2024).
  18. Yarborough, S., Fitzpatrick, A., Schwartz, S.M. & Dog Aging Project Consortium (2022) ‘Evaluation of cognitive function in the Dog Aging Project: associations with baseline canine characteristics’, Science Report, 12:13316.
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