Non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction: A scoping review

Abstract

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease, likened to Alzheimer's, most commonly seen in dogs over the age of 10 years. CCD is difficult to diagnose and there is no cure, consequently research efforts are focused on maintaining a good quality of life for these dogs for as long as possible. Our scoping review aimed to identify, critically appraise, and map the existing literature on the impact of non-pharmacological treatments for CCD. We followed a systematic approach and utilised established tools to assess the literature. Thirty-one papers were extracted for full review. Of these, 29 investigated supplements or diets as their intervention, with the most common a combination of antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, which are known for their neuroprotective qualities. There were almost twice as many experiments conducted on laboratory dogs than on pet dogs. The inclusion and exclusion criteria for each study varied widely and was often not well-defined, making comparisons between treatments difficult. This scoping review highlights the need for an accepted measure to determine the presence of CCD, standardised testing methods for cognitive ability in senior canines that translates between laboratory and pet dog populations, and a broader view of non-pharmacological interventions that go beyond supplements or diets.