Nicole Davidson asked 2 weeks ago
What Can I Do for My Bulldog's Cognitive Decline?
Hi, Dr. K,
We have a senior bulldog mix foster dog, Meat, who is approximately 11 years old.
Recently, we have noticed a change in his behavior, particularly at night.
He is pacing a lot and whining more than usual. It sounds like cognitive decline to me and was wondering what products you recommend to help him out.
Thank you!🙏
Nicole
Dr. Roy Kraemer Staff answered 14 hours ago
Senility and Cognitive Decline In Bulldogs & French Bulldogs
Dear Nicole and "Meat" 🐾
What you’re describing sounds a lot like Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)—sometimes called doggy dementia.
Think of it as the canine cousin of Alzheimer’s in humans.
What Are The Symptoms of Bulldog Cognitive Dysfunction?
Like some of the issue you mentioned with Max dogs with CDS often exhibit the following:
- Pacing: Aimless pacing or staring at walls
- Hygnie: Accidents in the house (even though they were house-trained for years)
- Sleepless: Restless nights
- Crying: Odd vocalizations
- Forgetful: Forgetting routines
In other words, that “senile bulldog look” isn’t just in your imagination.
How To Diagnose Senility and CDS in Bulldogs?
Rule out other causes before we call it CDS
We want to make sure nothing else is going on. Its a good idea to run a few screening tests:
- Thyroid imbalance
- Liver or kidney blood and urine
- Blood pressure
If needed, a neurologist can do more advanced tests (EEG, CT), but we often start simple.
What Bulldog Medical Conditions Can Mimic CDS?
- Toxins: Make sure there are not due to environmental toxins
- RX: Review the medication your bully is on and their potential side effects
- Liver disease like cirrhosis of the liver or a shunt can effect your bulldog cognition
- Vascular, Inflammatory or Cancer of the Brain
How To Prevent and Treat Bulldog Cognition Decline and Senility?
Sadly, there’s no “cure” yet, but we can slow the decline and improve the quality of life. My approach is always multimodal
#1 Brain Healthy Nutrition:
There are specialty prescription diets to help protect the brain function. As prevention you can start a senior diet when your bulldog reach's late age
#2 Brain Health Bully Therapeutic Supplements
- Bully Fish Oil Formula: Omega-3s EFA
- Bully Multivitamin Formula: Antioxidants, vitamins, minerals
- Probiotics to keep the gut healthy (gut-brain connection is real!).
- Immune Boosting Supplement
Our Senior Ultimate Bundle is designed with this in mind.
#3 RX For Senility and Cognitive Decline
Prescription medications like selegiline can support brain chemistry.
#4 Healthy Lifestyle Impact on Brain Health:
Think doggy bingo, mental stimulation, toys, gentle exercise, even new scents and games can spark brain activity.
#5 Monitor & Adjust Cognition Status
Every bulldog is unique.
Watch for changes, jot them down, and share updates with me so we can tweak the plan as needed.
With the right mix of nutrition, stimulation, and a bit of medical support, your senior bulldog can stay comfortable, and maybe even surprise you with bursts of his old self.
Warmly,
Dr. Kraemer Vet4Bulldog
