Cognitive dysfunction affects older dogs and can show signs of disorientation, disturbances with their sleep-wake cycle, restlessness, pacing, less of an interest in carrying out activities that they used to enjoy, such as playing. There can be an increase in anxiety, behavioural changes leading to irritability or even aggression and possible changes to how the dog used to interact with its owner. There can be new phobias or struggling to respond to routine commands.
So, what could help an older dog suffering with cognitive dysfunction?
Antioxidants – such as Vitamins C and E can help reduce free-radical damage, which may have built up over the years. Ensure the diet contains fruit and vegetables (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014). Berries, such as blueberries, are a great choice of antioxidant, as they contain the phytochemical compound ‘anthocyanin’, which are known for supporting cognitive function due to “age-related oxidative stress” (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014, p167). The body does naturally produce antioxidant substances but sometimes the level produced can be insufficient, especially for older dogs or dogs with health challenges, sporting dogs, those who are stressed, or exposed to toxins etc. (Boyd, 2025).
Remove gluten from the diet – gluten in the diet has been linked to many conditions in people, including memory problems, mood disorders, focus and concentration issues as well as cognitive impairment (Perlmutter and Loberg, 2014) p10-11. So, it is important that it is removed from a senior dog’s diet and eat a wholefood diet where possible or a grain-free diet.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – high levels of omega-3 fatty acids can benefit an older dog. After all the brain is comprised of 60% fat (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014). It is in fact the DHA and EPA components of omega-3 fatty acids that have been reported to support brain health and mood. (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014) and (Scott, D. 2021). However, it is important that this isn’t confused with increasing fat generally in the diet. The fat must “highly digestible and rich in essential fatty acids EFAs” (Case and Al, 2011, p271).
Alternative sources to the fish oils include green lipped mussels and phytoplankton both excellent sources of the important DHA and EPA, with Phytoplankton also a rich source of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), a powerful antioxidant, which can “help slow aging by preventing oxidative stress in your dog’s body and brain (Scott, D. 2021).
Coconut Oil / Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – Coconut oil contains good levels of the fatty acids medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) and has been shown “to improve brain function in older dogs and people” (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014, p163) and can be a “game changer for senior dogs with “doggy dementia called [] CCD. Studies repeatedly show that it improves memory and learning in older dogs
(De La Harpe, 2023). This is because MCTs are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream, can cross the blood brain barrier, produce ketones supplying extra food for brain and help support the efficiency of how omega-3’s are used (Dodds and Laverdure, 2014). P163
