Why Supporting Your Pet’s Cognitive Function Matters
Cognitive function plays a crucial role in your pet’s overall well-being, influencing her ability to learn, remember, and respond to her environment.
Much like in humans, a pet’s brain health can decline with age, leading to issues such as confusion, disorientation, as well as fear and anxiety. And, like with humans, this process can affect memory, problem-solving skills, and behavior.
Symptoms of cognitive decline can include the following in dogs and cats:
Disrupted sleep patterns
Altered awareness and decreased interaction
Loss of learned behaviors
New onset of house soiling
Increased vocalization
Change in appetite
Cognitive health isn’t just a concern for aging pets – a pet of any age can be impacted.
Chronic stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins can negatively impact brain function, leading to decreased focus, sluggishness, and heightened anxiety.
So what can you do to help support your pet’s cognitive health?
First, let’s address what may be the most important factor for maintaining brain health, especially with dogs.
The No. 1 Way to Help Keep Your Pet’s Brain Sharp
One of the most powerful ways to support your pet’s cognitive health is to keep him physically active.
As with humans, staying active helps keep your dog’s brain engaged, improves circulation, and supports neural function.
Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness – it provides essential mental stimulation, helping to prevent cognitive decline.
A study from the University of Washington’s Dog Aging Project found that dogs who are inactive have a 6.5 times greater risk of developing brain and cognitive issues compared to their very active counterparts.
This highlights the critical connection between movement and brain health, showing that regular physical activity can play a key role in maintaining mental sharpness as a dog ages.
Activities such as daily walks, interactive play, agility training, and even hydrotherapy can help your dog stay both physically and mentally engaged.
And for older dogs or those with mobility challenges, gentle exercises like stretching, massage, and balance training can still offer significant cognitive benefits.
Beyond physical movement, combining exercise with enrichment activities – such as puzzle toys, nose work, and new learning challenges – can help strengthen neural pathways, keeping your dog’s brain adaptable and engaged.
But it’s not just dogs that benefit from movement…
These same principles apply to cats. You can help keep your cat’s body and mind active with regular exercise and mental stimulation.
Engaging your kitty to play with a feather toy or chase a laser pointer – as well as hiding treat-release toys around your house – can help keep your cat physically and mentally alert.
Keeping your cat or dog at the appropriate weight is key, too. Physically fit pets without excess pounds are more likely to chase after a ball or climb their indoor cat tree.
dog training course
The Best Diet and Supplements for Cognitive Health
Regular movement, paired with a nutrient-rich diet that supports brain health, may help delay age-related cognitive decline, allowing your furry companion to stay sharp, happy, and active well into her senior years.
So what kind of diet is best for supporting brain health?
The best diet to support cognitive health in both dogs and cats is a species-specific, whole-food-based diet with minimal processed ingredients. It should include…
High-quality proteins (avoid animal by-products)
Omega-3 fatty acids from krill, salmon, sardines or herring
Antioxidant-rich ingredients like blueberries, spinach, and turmeric, or curcumin.
Fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli, kale and other leafy greens
Eggs, as they provide choline, a key nutrient for brain health
Something known as nootropic compounds may help support brain health and performance, too.
Studies show that natural cognition-supporting compounds like Lion’s Mane mushroom, Bacopa monnieri, and Rhodiola root may help support memory, learning, and overall brain function and even manage stress-related behaviors in pets.
By proactively supporting your dog’s or cat’s brain health with proper nutrition and targeted supplements, you can help your pet stay alert, engaged, and emotionally balanced – ensuring he enjoys a vibrant, fulfilling life for years to come.
