Nutrients that Support Senior Dog Brain Health

Thanks to advances in veterinary medical care, dogs today not only live longer but also enjoy a good quality of life well into their golden years. But, just like people, aging takes its toll on dogs’ bodies, especially the brain.

Aging dogs can experience changes in their brain health that negatively impact their daily life and interactions with the world around them.

Fortunately, there are nutritional strategies to help support brain health in aging dogs. In this article, we’ll discuss canine cognitive dysfunction and discuss how nutrition and lifestyle changes can help you manage your aging dog’s brain health.

What Happens to a Dog’s Brain as They Age?

A dog’s brain is made up of tens of billions of brain cells called neurons. Neurons communicate with each other by sending signals through synapses, the spaces between the neurons. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are chemical messengers that pass through synapses and regulate functions like mood and sleep cycles.

As dogs age, a protein called beta-amyloid can accumulate and form plaques on neurons, disrupting normal signal transmission. These disruptions negatively impact brain function, resulting in cognitive dysfunction in dogs and leading to issues with memory and spatial awareness.

Over time, the neurons die off, setting the stage for canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as doggy dementia and cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs.

CCD is typically diagnosed in senior dogs, at least 10 years of age. Signs may be present earlier, but the changes are so gradual that pet parents may not immediately recognize a problem.

Signs of CCD are listed below:

• Anxiety
• Disorientation
• House soiling
• Getting stuck in corners
• Changes in sleep behavior (vocalizations, nighttime pacing)
• Decreased physical activity
• Changes in social interactions
• Forgetfulness

To diagnose CCD, a veterinarian will take a detailed history, perform a physical examination, and conduct various diagnostic tests, such as blood work and x-rays, to rule out other diseases that have similar symptoms, including liver disease and arthritis.

Advanced imaging, such as MRI and CT scans, may be needed to rule out brain tumors, but this level of diagnostic testing is usually not required.

CCD is a progressive disease, making it important to diagnose and start managing the condition early to slow the progression. The earlier it’s diagnosed, the more you can do to help your dog’s brain health.

The Role of Nutrition in Dog Brain Health

A dog’s brain relies on a steady supply of oxygen, healthy fats, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter support to stay healthy and function well. For dogs with CCD, providing the brain with these nutrients can help slow down neuronal damage and, therefore, support healthy brain functioning.

Nutrients for dog brain health, particularly healthy fats and antioxidants, help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, both of which contribute to age-related cognitive decline in dogs.

Nutritional support for aging dogs is often used as an adjunct treatment approach to support brain health, along with prescription medication.

Top Nutrients That Offer Dog Cognitive Support

Here are the nutrients that provide cognitive support in dogs and help keep a dog’s brain healthy.

Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)

Omega-3 fatty acids support brain health in several ways, including reducing inflammation and promoting neuron health. They are found in fish and marine algae.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, which occurs when there are more free radicals than the body can eliminate and then repair the damage caused by them. Free radicals are molecules produced by the body and can also result from external factors like ultraviolet radiation. When left unchecked, free radicals damage cells and can contribute to brain conditions like CCD.

Examples of antioxidants include vitamins C and E, as well as coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 helps your cells generate energy and protects cells from the effects of oxidative stress. Polyphenols, which neutralize free radicals and prevent them from damaging cells, are found in blueberries and spinach.

B Vitamins

B vitamins support nerve and brain metabolism. Specifically, B vitamins play a crucial role in the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), a key component in supporting brain health. B vitamins are also involved in the formation of neurotransmitters.

Key B vitamins are Vitamins B6, B12, and folate.

SAMe

SAMe supports neurotransmitter production, mood, and cognition. It also plays a role in normal brain development and normal neuronal functioning.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is a fatty compound that helps maintain neuronal functioning, in part by helping keep neurons’ membranes smooth and fluid. This compound also protects neurons from damage.

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)

MCTs can step in to continue supplying the brain with energy when glucose metabolism decreases. They do this by providing ketones to the brain; ketones serve as an alternative energy source when glucose levels are low.

MCTs are found in coconut oil and nutritional supplement formulas.

Brain-Friendly Diets and Supplements: What to Look For

If your dog has CCD, it’s time to start looking for nutritional support that will help slow down the disease’s progression. Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, though, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can advise you on which ingredients to look for in cognitive health diets and dog brain health supplements.

Many supplements, also known as nutraceuticals, such as Senilife, Neutrics, and Activait, are available for supporting brain health in dogs. Here are some considerations for selecting a dog brain health supplement:

• Safety: Supplements are not FDA-regulated, meaning they don’t have to undergo the same rigorous safety testing as prescription medications before being sold to consumers. Ask your vet to review the ingredients list to determine which ingredients are safe and which ones are not.

• Efficacy: Supplement manufacturers aren’t required to prove their products’ efficacy. Research the companies that make brain supplements for dogs to ensure that they have tested their products and have solid scientific evidence to support their products’ claims.

• Potential interactions: Ingredients in brain health supplements for dogs may interact with other medications. Review your dog’s current medication list with your vet, who can advise you on which ingredients may impact the effectiveness of your dog’s medications.

• Ingredient sourcing: Reputable supplement manufacturers use only high-quality sources for their ingredients and are transparent about these sources. Steer clear of supplement companies that aren’t transparent about their ingredient sourcing.

• Proper dosing: More isn’t always better. Please read and follow the dosing instructions carefully to ensure you administer the correct amount for your dog's size.

• Certifications: Certification by the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) indicates that a supplement company has strict quality control standards in place for its products. Look for supplements with the NASC seal on the label.

There are many veterinary-formulated senior dog diets for brain health, available either over the counter or by prescription. If you’re unsure where to start with selecting one, your vet can recommend a few diets for you.

Lifestyle and Environmental Support for Cognitive Health

A diet that supports cognitive health can be very effective in dogs with CCD. However, dietary changes aren’t the only management option. Adjusting your dog’s lifestyle and environment is also crucial to maintaining their brain health.

Here are some strategies to incorporate into your dog’s daily routine to keep their brain active and stimulated:

• Provide food puzzle toys: Food puzzle toys are excellent for mental stimulation, with a tasty reward at the end.
• Replace old toys with new ones: New toys provide a source of novelty for your dog, allowing them to explore and play with something new.
• Scent games: Hide your dog’s treats in your home to challenge your dog to use their sense of smell to find the treats. Scent games also add some physical activity to your dog’s day.
• Gentle training exercises: For senior dogs, the purpose of training exercises isn’t to train, per se, but to help them learn something new, which is good for their cognition. Pick a trick that your dog can easily learn, like shaking your hand.
• Regular walks: Walks provide physical activity and an opportunity to explore the environment safely. Consider taking a new route to give your dog new things to see and sniff.
• Maintain a consistent routine: Dogs with CCD need consistency to reduce confusion, disorientation, and anxiety. Keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible.

When to Talk to Your Vet About Cognitive Concerns

If you have an older dog, pay close attention to their behavior. Knowing their normal behavior makes it easier to detect subtle behavioral changes.

If your dog starts showing the signs listed earlier in the article, take them to your vet for examination and diagnosis.

Remember, the earlier the better. CCD is not an emergency, but you don’t want to wait until your dog’s symptoms are severe to get help from your vet.

Helping Your Dog Stay Sharp and Happy

This is a lot of information to take in, so let’s do a quick recap.

First, cognitive decline is a normal part of aging in senior dogs and can be managed through nutritional and lifestyle support. Ingredients in brain health diets and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and SAMe, play key roles in supporting brain health in dogs and slowing down brain degeneration with CCD.

It can be distressing to see your dog’s brain health declining but be reassured that you can do something about it. Be proactive about seeking guidance from your vet and implementing the dietary and lifestyle changes that will help your dog’s cognition in their senior years.

Finally, remember that aging doesn’t have to mean suffering. You can support your dog throughout the aging process and help them maintain a good quality of life in their later years.