DognitionDognition (Brian Hare & Vanessa Woods) · 글
Back to home Home Blog Catching Cognitive Decline Early: A Practical Guide for Senior Dog Owners Back to all posts Dog Health & Nutrition Cognitive Insights Catching Cognitive Decline Early: A Practical Guide for Senior Dog Owners Dognition February 11, 2025 Share this story X LinkedIn Facebook Copy link Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is the closest analogue we have to Alzheimer's in dogs. By the time the symptoms are unmistakable — disorientation in familiar rooms, reversed sleep cycles, loss of housetraining — the underlying changes have been accumulating for months. The early signals Owners often describe a vague sense that their dog "isn't quite themselves" before any single symptom is severe enough to mention to the vet. Pay attention to: Hesitation at familiar thresholds (doorways, stairs). Subtle changes in how the dog greets you after a short absence. Longer latencies on problem-solving tasks they used to ace. A Dognition reassessment every six months from age nine onward is a low-friction way to spot the third signal before you'd notice it in daily life. What helps The evidence base is strongest for three interventions, ideally combined: enriched diets (notably medium-chain triglycerides), structured cognitive enrichment, and consistent daily routines. None of this is a cure. All of it buys time. Related stories Cognitive Insights How to Test Your Dog's Intelligence: 7 Cognitive Games You Can Play Today Read “ How to Test Your Dog's Intelligence: 7 Cognitive Games You Can Play Today ” Health Senior Dog Cognitive Health Guide: Spotting Early Signs of Decline Read “ Senior Dog Cognitive Health Guide: Spotting Early Signs of Decline ” Cognitive Insights Puppy Kindergarten at Home: Essential Science-Backed Training Tips Read “ Puppy Kindergarten at Home: Essential Science-Backed Training Tips ” More from the blog