Fecal microbiota transplantation shows promise in slowing or reducing cognitive impairment in aging dogs.

FMT shows preliminary promise for CCD but requires larger controlled trials.

This preliminary study investigated fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential therapeutic intervention for canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Eleven dogs with suspected CCD received oral FMT capsules twice daily for 90 days. Cognitive assessments using the DISHAA scale and fecal microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed at baseline and days 30, 60, and 90. One dog developed gastrointestinal adverse effects and was withdrawn. Of six dogs with complete cognitive data, four showed improvement (mean -8.25 points) and two worsened (mean +7 points) on DISHAA scores. Microbiome analysis revealed increased richness and diversity in four dogs, with beneficial compositional changes including reduced Streptococcus spp and increased Peptacetobacter hiranonis, Prevotella copri, and Bacteroides spp. While results suggest FMT may have potential as adjunctive therapy for CCD, the small sample size, incomplete data collection, and lack of control group significantly limit conclusions. Optimal dosing regimens and treatment duration remain undefined.

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