Medication for Doggy Dementia
As our beautiful senior dogs grow older, some of the changes we notice are subtle; a little confusion here, restless nights there. Other shifts can be more obvious, like pacing, house-soiling, or getting stuck behind furniture. While these may look like “just getting old,” they can be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) — the canine form of dementia.
The supportive options we now have are growing every year. While there is no cure for CCD, there are medications and supplements that can help protect the brain, improve comfort, support sleep, and slow progression.
Here’s a gentle breakdown of the most commonly used options, and how they may help.
Prescription Medication
Selegiline — What It Is & How It Helps Dogs With CCD
Selegiline (sometimes known by the brand name Anipryl) is one of the most established medications veterinarians use to support dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) — the canine analogue of dementia.
Unlike supplements, which provide nutritional and neurological support, Selegiline is a prescription medication that acts on brain chemistry. It was originally developed to protect the brain and slow age-related declines in cognitive function, and has been used in veterinary medicine for decades.
How Selegiline Works
Selegiline belongs to a class of drugs called monamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors. In the aging brain, certain neurotransmitters like dopamine; which help regulate mood, motivation, and attention, decline over time.
Selegiline works by:
Blocking the breakdown of dopamine; so more is available for the brain to use
Supporting communication between neurons
Potentially protecting brain cells from oxidative stress
This has several practical effects that many families notice in their senior dogs.
What Selegiline Can Help With
While individual responses vary, research and clinical experience show improvements in:
✔ Alertness & Engagement
Dogs often seem “more with it”; responding more reliably to familiar people and routines.
✔ Daytime Activity
Some pets become more interested in walks, play, or social interaction.
✔ Disorientation
Reduced confusion in familiar environments; e.g., navigating around furniture more confidently.
✔ Anxiety & Night-Time Restlessness
Many families report calmer evenings and better settling after starting Selegiline.
✔ Overall Quality of Life
When behaviours are less chaotic and dogs feel more oriented, daily life feels gentler and more predictable — both for pets and their families.
What the Evidence Says
Selegiline is one of the most studied medications for CCD and has been shown to provide measurable benefits in senior dogs when used appropriately. Cats may also benefit, though evidence is more limited.
Veterinarians often combine Selegiline with nutritional supports and enriched routines for a truly multimodal approach, because CCD affects many aspects of brain function.
Practical Notes for Pet Parents
Here’s what most families want to know:
Is Selegiline safe?
Yes — when prescribed by a vet and dosed based on weight and health status. Bloodwork may be recommended before and during treatment. Selegiline cannot be taken with some common medication we use in vet med - please check with your vet before taking any regular medication.
How long until it works?
Improvements typically begin within 4–8 weeks, but some dogs may take longer. Patience and observation are key.
Can it be used with supplements?
Yes — Selegiline is often used alongside:
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
MCT oil
SAMe
Vitamin E
Ginkgo biloba
Medicinal mushroom formulas
Make sure your vet knows everything your dog is taking to avoid interactions.
What about side effects?
Most dogs tolerate it well, but possible, rare side effects include:
GI upset
Restlessness or agitation
Changes in sleep patterns
If anything changes dramatically after starting medication, contact your vet.
Selegiline & the Bigger Picture
Selegiline is one part of a compassionate, holistic plan for dogs with CCD — like brain-supportive nutrition, enrichment, gentle routines, and environmental adjustments. It doesn’t cure dementia, but it helps the dog feel more like themselves for longer.
Whether your dog is showing early changes or more advanced signs, asking your vet about Selegiline is a reasonable and evidence-supported step.
Quick Takeaways — Selegiline for CCD
Prescription medication that supports dopamine levels in the aging brain
Can help with alertness, anxiety, orientation, and overall engagement
Best used with other nutritional and environmental supports
Generally safe when supervised by a veterinarian
Often noticeable within a few weeks to months
What works best?
Every dog is different, and so is every brain.
The most effective approach is usually multimodal, such as:
✔ Prescription medication like selegiline
✔ MCTs + omega-3 fatty acids
✔ Antioxidants like Vitamin E or SAMe
✔ Gentle herbal supports (as appropriate)
✔ Consistent routines and enrichment
✔ Senior-focused veterinary monitoring
Together, these supports can improve:
Sleep
Comfort
Engagement with family
Confidence in familiar surroundings
And most importantly… quality of life.
A Final Word
If you are noticing changes in your senior dog — even small ones — it’s okay to ask questions. The sooner we recognise cognitive shifts, the sooner we can help your dog feel calmer, safer, and more like themselves.
I’m here to guide you and your pet through this stage with compassion, comfort, and good science.
You don’t have to navigate doggy dementia alone.
Reach out anytime for advice via a teleconsult or a home visit for a tailored cognitive-support plan.
Online clinical and educational resources
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Senior dog dementia (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction). CLICK HERE FOR DOGGY DEMENTIA QUESTIONNAIRE
VIN . Canine cognitive dysfunction: Overview & management.
References
Bain, M. J., Hart, B. L., Cliff, K. D., & Ruehl, W. W. (2001). Predicting behavioral changes associated with age-related cognitive impairment in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 218(11), 1792–1795. link Cummings, B. J., Head, E., Afagh, A., Milgram, N. W., & Cotman, C. W. (1996). Beta-amyloid accumulation correlates with cognitive dysfunction in the aged canine. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 66(1), 11–23
Cummings, B. J., Head, E., Ruehl, W. W., Milgram, N. W., & Cotman, C. W. (1996). The canine as an animal model of human aging and dementia. Neurobiology of Aging, 17(2), 259–268.
Head, E. (2001). Brain aging in dogs: Parallels with human brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Veterinary Therapeutics, 2(3), 247–260.
Katina, S., Farbakova, J., Madari, A., et al. (2015). Risk factors for canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in Slovakia. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica, 57(1), 1–7.
Madari, A., Farbakova, J., Katina, S., et al. (2015). Assessment of severity and progression of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome using the CAnine DEmentia Scale (CADES). Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 171, 183–194.
Salvin, H. E., McGreevy, P. D., Sachdev, P. S., & Valenzuela, M. J. (2010). Under diagnosis of canine cognitive dysfunction: A cross-sectional study of older companion dogs. Veterinary Journal, 184(3), 277–281.