What is CCA?

What is Canine Cognitive Aging?

Canine cognitive aging is the age-related decline in a dog's functions, such as changes in memory, perception, and behavior. In certain cases, it can develop into Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) – sometimes called dog dementia – is an age-related neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain, causing cognitive deterioration similar to cognitive and memory decline in humans. – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

Many pet parents first hear of CCD when their own dog is diagnosed, so it’s easy to feel like you’re the only owner struggling with it. However, the disease is more common than you would think, with over 31 million dogs diagnosed in the United States alone. Spotting potential signs of canine cognitive aging early and implementing management strategies gives you more options to support your dog’s well-being and enjoy more quality moments together. 

Signs to watch out for

Dogs may not be able to use words to highlight when something is wrong, but they always find a way. They typically start to show signs of CCA between six to eight years of age, but every dog is different. An simple way to monitor your dog’s symptoms and identify CCA-related behaviors is by following the DISHAA Scale:

If you notice any of these changes, use the SoluPet Cognitive Symptom Tracker to track their progression and speak with a veterinarian for a proper assessment. Having a record of symptoms and their escalation will help your veterinarian evaluate your dog.

D

Disorientation

Signs of being confused or lost in familiar surroundings

I

Interaction

Changes in behavior; becoming unusually clingy or withdrawn; not recognizing familiar people

S

Sleep/Wake cycles

Resting more during the day and waking at night

H

House-soiling/Learning

Forgetting house training or previously learned behaviors

A

Activity level

Less interest in play, pacing, or restlessness

A

Anxiety

Signs of nervousness, agitation, or clinginess

Tracking symptoms

Although CCA is a common condition in senior dogs, reaching an official diagnosis can still be tricky. Much like how easy it is to assume certain symptoms are related to normal signs of aging, it’s also possible for veterinarians to misdiagnose with other common conditions, from hearing loss to heart conditions. That’s why it’s important to track your dog’s symptoms and their rate of progression. – The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

The SoluPet Cognitive Symptom Tracker helps you to monitor your dog’s cognitive changes over time so that you can provide your veterinarian with as much helpful information as possible.

Symptom Tracker

What is normal aging?

Like humans, dogs change as they age, but it’s very easy to confuse them with normal signs of aging. Certain changes related to CCA are more pronounced and can significantly affect a dog’s quality of life. Here are key differences to look out for:

Key differences to look out for

Sign


Cognitive changes



Activity levels


Behavior

Normal Aging


Mild and gradual



Slight decline, longer naps

No major changes

Potential Abnormal Signs

Ongoing and 
sometimes more severe

Restlessness, pacing, loss of interest in play

Disorientation, anxiety, accidents in the house, social withdrawal

When to see the veterinarian

You know your dog better than anyone. If you’ve noticed your dog behaving differently and you’re worried it might be signs of canine cognitive aging, please check in with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Even small or occasional changes are important to mention to nsure a correct diagnosis and to give your dog the best chance at leading a pain-free and enriching life.

And if it does turn out to be diagnosed as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, catching it early really helps. Establishing a plan of action with a vet will help your dog stay happy, comfortable and more like themselves for as long as possible.

Support your dog’s overall brain health and cognition with the help of Neuronal Defense™.

Support your dog’s overall brain health and cognition with the help of Neuronal Defense™

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