Last week I shared how antioxidant supplementation may benefit a dog, cat or even a human. This week, I would like to share a little more about the benefits of antioxidants and how they might help with brain health and complement the management of established cases of cognitive dysfunction.
A little over a year ago I sought out information from Animal Health Option “The Antioxidant Company.” Not that I was having a problem with any pet I currently have, but because I want to make sure I am doing all I can to prevent them from experiencing the cognitive decline that my heart dog experienced.
Let’s start with by identifying the behavioral signs of cognitive decline. Behavioral changes associated with age-related cognitive decline in both dogs and cats may include:
- Regressions in house training, orientation, and social interaction
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Fear or anxiety not previously exhibited
- Increased or repetitive activity or vocalization
- Decreased responsiveness to know commands and activities
These are the most frequently observed signs. Unfortunately, I have observed all of them. I had a friend last week describe to me what she thought were the typical signs of aging that included three of these. We both believe the first sign shown by our dogs was fear or anxiety which was displayed as general nervousness.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized system of capillary cells that determine which substances in the blood stream may pass into the brain. The BBB protects the brain from harmful substances. However, this barrier also presents a rate-limiting factor for the passing through of therapeutic drugs and beneficial nutrients into the brain.
Age-related changes that occur in the brain can result in cell death or damage, reduced chemical signaling, and increased oxidative damage. The overall effect is deterioration of a dog’s cognitive functioning, which is any mental activity related to thinking, memory, learning or perception.
According to Animal Health Options there are five behaviors that help one evaluate a dogs behavioral signs or conditions related to oxidative stress and aging. They are:
Disorientation/Awareness – Gets lost in familiar locations
Goes to wrong side of door
Less responsive to stimuli
Interaction – Decreased greeting behavior
Alterations or problems with social hierarchy
Sleep-wake cycle – Increased daytime sleep
Wandering after dark
House-soiling/Learning/Memory – Indoor elimination at random sites
Impaired working ability
Decreased ability to perform tasks
Activity: Decreased or Repetitive – Pacing or aimless wandering
Decreased exploration or activity: apathy
Appetite decreased or disinterest
Just this week I read an article shared by the AKC on this topic. You might also find it interesting.
Have you experienced cognitive dysfunction with any of your pets? Please share. We learn more from other’s experience.
“Many owners are quite willing to do what they can for a 14 or 15 year –old dog, but if they knew they could intervene early on and prolong the life span of their pet, even more pet owners would be willing to do that. Antioxidant therapy is probably going to be number one for ease of delivery and increased owner compliance.” – D. Horwitz, DVM DACVB
That’s such an insightful post, and I couldn’t agree more with the importance of proactively supporting the cognitive health of pets! At Another Home, where we offer pet boarding, grooming, and care services, we often see firsthand how subtle changes in behavior can indicate underlying cognitive or emotional shifts in pets, especially with aging dogs and cats. It’s always heartwarming to see owners invest time in learning how to enhance their pet’s well-being, whether through antioxidants or other preventive care measures.
While we don’t offer medical services, we do prioritize mental stimulation and emotional support through personalized care during a pet’s stay with us. We’ve found that small routines—like interactive play, social engagement, and consistent feeding schedules—can make a big difference in reducing anxiety and fostering familiarity, especially for senior pets.
In fact, I recently had a conversation with one of our regular pet parents about how her 12-year-old Labrador started pacing and becoming restless at night, behaviors that resonate with what you mentioned. We made some adjustments to the dog’s boarding setup by introducing a calming environment and structured activities to engage his mind throughout the day. The difference has been amazing, with less nighttime restlessness and a happier demeanor overall.
It’s so true that early intervention can prolong the quality of life for our pets, and it’s always inspiring to see owners become more conscious of this. If anyone else has tips on cognitive support or anxiety management, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Creating a community where we share such experiences can only make us better pet caregivers.