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Just like people, dogs can get dementia as they age. The spry speedster that used to zoom out the door may one day amble unsteadily to the closet to be let out.

It's an unfortunate reality many dog owners might have to face, especially if their dog's breed lives 10 years or more. A new study that is part of the Dog Aging Project found the risk of developing cognitive issues rises by 52% each year after age 10 in many dogs.

But there's no reason to despair if your furry best friend is showing signs of canine cognitive decline, or CCD, said veterinarian Dr. Dana Varble, chief veterinary officer for the North American Veterinary Community.

"Too often, pet owners think their dogs are just 'slowing down' and don't realize there are things they can do to ease, slow or even stave off cognitive decline as dogs age," Varble said.

"Studies show that mental activity and exercise are important for a dog's mental well-being just as it is in humans. Stimulating the brain is important and this can be done easily with food puzzles for example," she said.

Food puzzles are toys in which owners hide treats, and it's up to the dog to push, jiggle or jog the treats out of them. Such activities help keep both dogs' and cats' brains engaged, experts say.

In addition, "nutritional supplements have been shown to improve signs and slow the decline of CCD. There are also special foods for aging dogs," Varble said.

In the new study, published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers asked over 15,000 dog owners to complete two surveys between December 2019 and 2020 on their dogs' health and cognitive status. Then the scientists grouped the dogs by age and analyzed the results.

Based on age alone, a dog's odds of developing CCD increased by 68% for each year after a decade of life. But when other factors were taken into account, such as the breed of dog, existing health problems, sterilization and physical activity, the risk fell to 52% per extra year of life.

Inactive dogs of the same breed, health status, age and sterilization status were nearly seven times more likely to get doggie dementia than comparable active dogs. Whether it's the inactivity that leads to the dementia or vice versa is unclear, the study authors said.

In addition, dogs with a history of neurological, eye or ear disorders had a higher risk of cognitive decline, according to the study.

There was good news as well: The study found almost no cognitive decline in dogs below the age of 10.

Veterinarians have been studying the signs and symptoms of doggie dementia for years, trying to better understand and help the pets in their care. Here is what to look for, according to experts:

Disorientation: Dogs with cognitive issues can begin to have trouble getting around the house or start wandering around as if lost. They can get stuck behind furniture and not know how to get out or stare without a purpose at the floor, walls or out into space. They may even fail to recognize family members.

Changes in sleep cycles: Dementia can cause dogs to confuse day and night, and your pet could wake during the night and begin pacing the house, barking or whining. The sleeplessness at night may lead to excessive sleeping during the day.

House training: Some dogs forget years of house training and begin relieving themselves inside, which can make them anxious. They may forget to alert you when they need to go out, or even forget to do their business while outside and soil the home when they return.

Changes in social behavior: Interactions with you and other people in their lives can change. A dog could become extra clingy, fearful or needy. Or the dog might become antisocial, withdrawing from interactions and spending time alone.

Changes in physical activity: A dog with cognitive decline may lose interest in favorite toys, other dogs and people or start pacing aimlessly with no ability to settle down.

Take your dog to the vet if you see any of these signs, and the sooner the better, Varble suggested. "Early intervention can extend and improve the quality of life for our pets," she said.

First, the vet will check the dog for other causes of the symptoms, eliminating such things as diabetes, loss of vision and hearing, kidney or urinary issues, arthritis, hypertension, and Cushing's disease, caused by an excess of the stress hormone cortisol.

If you and your vet catch the signs of dementia early, the doctor may suggest a behavior-altering drug approved for dogs by the US Food and Drug Administration which works on the neurotransmitter dopamine to help the decline.

The vet may also put your dog on a brain-healthy diet and encourage more physical activity, socialization and brain-stimulation via food puzzles, teaching new tricks and encouraging snuffles and sniffs on walks.

One way to watch over your furry friends is to choose pet-friendly houseplants for your home.

While houseplants have the ability to bring life to a room and purify the air, a drawback is that many houseplants are toxic to animals. Here are 10 plants that add beauty to your home without worry.

First, keep in mind that while many plants are technically safe for cats and dogs, it’s best to eliminate temptation and place all houseplants out of reach. This will prevent possible tummy aches and digestive problems in your pets. If a pet ever does ingest a plant, make sure to watch them closely for signs of a negative reaction. Just because a plant is nontoxic for cats and dogs doesn’t mean ingesting it will make them feel good.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Want pet-safe houseplants with blooms? Look no further than African violet. This versatile, hardworking houseplant is right at home with your pets. It comes in a range of purple hues, and it’s low maintenance and thrives without bright light.

The variegated gray-and-green leaves of this plant make it an attractive option for the home. It’s one of many great easy-care houseplants safe for pets.

Unlike their dangerous holiday counterpart amaryllis, Christmas cacti are not poisonous for pets like cats and dogs. The cactus may cause intestinal discomfort if ingested, but overall it’s a safer choice than many other festive plants.

This plant is named for the ease with which it can be divided and shared—so if you happen to receive such a gift, rest assured it’s safe for your cats and dogs. But beware, pets may be especially drawn to the fuzzy, crinkly leaves.

Indoor herb gardens are an easy, fun way to add fresh flavor to your cooking. But not all herbs are created equal when it comes to pet safety. Standards like lavender and oregano are off-limits, but pets are fine around basil, sage and thyme.

This quirky plant has blooms that resemble tubes of lipstick, and is safe for cats and dogs alike. A native of the tropics, it thrives in bright light and loves being outside in the warmer months.

This is the perfect solution for pet owners looking to add a small tree indoors. Safe for cats and dogs, it’s also great for green-thumb beginners.

This plant is perfect for adding a fun splash of pattern to miniature gardens, terrariums, mixed containers and more. Available in colors such as white and pink, it’s as versatile as it is whimsical.

Topping out at 6 to 8 inches, this plant is ideal for small spaces such as bookshelves and end tables. Its red, cream and green leaves curl up at night, giving it its name. What’s more, it’s one of the easiest houseplants you can grow.

Many of the most popular succulents — including hens and chicks, echeveria and rosettes — aren’t problematic. However, with so many varieties on the market, it’s best to research each individual plant.

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