What are the symptoms of CCD?

1. Wandering/pacing especially in the evenings

2. Auditory changes - may only hear specific pitches or volumes

3. Anxiety - new anxiety especially in the evenings

4. Confusion

5. Unable to recognize familiar people or places

6. Vocalization at night

7. Difficulty locating food dropped on the floor

8. Restlessness

9. Changes in sleep cycle - awake more at night and sleeping most of the day.

10. Less interest in play, walks, social time etc

A conversation with your veterinarian is important if you are seeing the aforementioned clinical signs. Your veterinarian will perform a physical exam and some testing to rule out underlying conditions that may mimic CCD.

1. Natural supplements like those provided in Wesley’s Cognitive Blend are often helpful in mitigating these clinical signs and slowing progression of the disease.

2. There are prescription medications that your veterinarian may prescribe in addition to Wesley’s Cognitive Blend to help reduce anxiety and help with sleep.

3. Enrichment, socialization and exercise are an important part of maintaining cognitive function.

4. Pain management is one of the most important factors in controlling the progression of CCD. Your veterinarian can help by performing a pain assessment and discuss pain management methods.

Yes. By the time dogs are 7-9 years of age, they may have brain changes that can eventually lead to CCD. Starting supplements like Wesley’s Cognitive Blend early, can help prevent significant progression of cognitive dysfunction. We recommend starting all dogs, especially small breed dogs, who tend to be predisposed to CCD on a cognitive supplement around age 7-9 years.

Continued exercise, enrichment and socialization are always important for physical and mental health in our dogs.