Preventing Canine Cognitive Decline

In an ideal world, we’re able to prevent CCD entirely, so let’s look into a recent study on how dietary supplements can prevent or ameliorate CCD

Author

Thom Hart
December 07, 2023

Daily Longevity Tip: Preventing Canine Cognitive Decline

Tip Summary: A study found that using supplements like fish oil were shown to help prevent and manage cognitive decline.

Hey Dog Longevity friends! As our dogs get older, the risk of developing Canine Cognitive Decline (CCD), a condition akin to Alzheimer's in older dogs, goes up with each passing year. CCD involves a decline in cognitive abilities, affecting memory, behavior, and understanding in senior dogs. In an ideal world, we’re able to prevent CCD entirely, so let’s look into a recent study on how dietary supplements can prevent or ameliorate CCD. We’ll cover the objective, key findings, and practical tips from the study:

Study Objectives:

  • Researchers surveyed 394 dog owners about using dietary supplements for dogs showing signs of CCD.

  • The study aimed to understand how supplements impact the cognitive health of aging dogs.

Key Findings:

  • Widespread Use of Supplements: A significant number of owners reported using supplements like fish oil, vitamins, and various nutrients.

  • Benefits Observed: These supplements, especially fish oil, were noted to support brain health, potentially improving symptoms of CCD. They helped maintain cognitive functions, reduce inflammation, and improve overall brain health in aging dogs.

  • Effects Detected: Owners noted improvements in their dogs’ alertness, memory, and behavior, indicating a positive impact of these supplements on CCD symptoms.

Practical Tips for Dog Parents:

  1. Consider Brain-Support Supplements: Supplements like fish oil can be beneficial for aging dogs' cognitive health.

  2. Proactive Approach: Begin supplementing early to support brain health before significant signs of CCD appear.

  3. Consult Your Vet: Discuss appropriate supplements with your veterinarian for tailored advice.

  4. Regular Health Checks: Keep up with veterinary check-ups to monitor cognitive health and adjust care as needed.

By understanding and proactively managing CCD, you can greatly enhance the quality of life for your senior dog.

Announcement: We’ll be doing a (free) weekly Facebook Live longevity discussion + Q&A with Dr. Helen Stortz, DVM, on Friday, 8 December at 8PM EST. This will be held in the Dog Longevity Facebook community. The link to join the community is below:

Can you help spread the word? If you’re enjoying this newsletter, I’d greatly appreciate you passing it along to other dog parents, using the link below.