MANAGING CANINE DEMENTIA

MANAGING CANINE DEMENTIA

WRITTEN BY JEANNE TAYLOR, Staff Writer

If you have lived with a senior dog, or especially an elderly one, you may have observed symptoms of canine dementia at some point. Just like humans, not all within the population will be afflicted; genetics, lifestyle and environmental exposures play a critical role in determining whether a dog will become affected with any degree of canine dementia.

Referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), this degenerative condition creates symptoms similar to Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. The aging brain can cause behavioral changes and the areas that are most often affected are a dog’s comprehension, learning skills and memory.

There will be good days and bad. You’ll have moments where you see your old furry friend from years ago – and days when you feel you don’t recognize them. That’s all normal as this condition progresses.

The decline can be gradual and can go unnoticed for quite some time, with some pet parents simply chalking it up to the aging process. But the sooner we can recognize the symptoms and receive a diagnosis, the sooner we can begin to take steps to curb the advancement of the disease. Like Alzheimer’s, it is not curable, but there are measures we can take to help our beloved companions as they navigate this stage of their lives.

Who Moved My Cheese?

You may notice that your senior pet has a daily routine and may become agitated if you break it. Whether it’s a feeding schedule (don’t be one minute late!), a preferred daily walk time, or a regular bedtime, it’s important to help keep them on track with their schedule. That doesn’t mean their life has to be boring though! You can still take them to explore new places and let them get their sniff-on! Just be mindful of any physical limitations so you don’t over-do it.

Engage their brain.

Depending on your dog’s age and physical condition, making them sit to learn a new trick or even practice old ones may not be comfortable. An arthritic pup will not enjoy sitting to earn that treat – let them stand. They have earned that right. Try instead offering a snuffle mat or even a feeder puzzle to occupy their brain while being rewarded with treats. As with humans, keeping the brain engaged is key.

Keep things where they are familiar – resist the urge to move furniture and keep dog beds, food bowls and the toy box where Fido knows they have always been. In all things, consider “accommodation.”

Our Peanut found walking very difficult with her brain not communicating with her hide legs very well.

Photo by Jeanne Taylor

Physical Decline.

Elderly dogs will likely experience some physical decline and your once perfectly housetrained pup may have accidents from time to time. Staying on schedule will help with that as will giving them plenty of opportunities to eliminate outside during the day and before bed. But do be prepared for the possibility and know that it can’t be helped. Bodies age, muscles weaken. Remember they aren’t doing it on purpose. Be patient and give them some grace. If they are beginning to have more accidents, check with your vet to be sure they don’t have an infection, and perhaps ask your groomer to shave the areas that are most likely to become matted from a potty accident.

Grooming will always be important too. Keep their nails well-trimmed. Any pad-fur could also be kept trimmed to prevent slipping on hardwood or tile floors. These things will improve your senior pet’s overall comfort.

Awareness and Accommodations.

If your pet has reached this stage of their sweet, long life, you are probably already blocking off stairways, and maybe even gating off room areas where it may not be safe for them. Small accommodations for seniors can be very beneficial overall.

You can strategically place nightlights in your hallways, for example, if you have a pet who doesn’t sleep through the night, as occurs with some CCD dogs. For those who like to wander the house at night, some suggest a later night walk to help them rest better and sleep longer.

Veterinary Support.

Veterinary visits may become more frequent, i.e., every six months vs. annually. Many practices now offer additional services such as cold laser therapy or acupuncture. Others may refer you for hydrotherapy. Canine massage could also be considered to help your senior remain physically comfortable and enjoy life to the fullest. Dr. Stacy Bostian of Tidewater Veterinary Hospital, who so compassionately treated Lowcountry Dog’s own Peanut for CCD late last year, states, “As veterinarians, we help pets off to a healthy start as young animals, and get the joy of following them along the journey into their golden years. Cognitive Dysfunction affects each pet differently, and their needs and medical care will also vary by dog. Contact your veterinarian and their support staff to discuss any changes in your pet so a treatment plan can be made to assist with their health and aging needs. Nutraceuticals and nutrition that support brain health are a good place to start. Also, most senior pets are struggling with some arthritic pain. Medical management, supplements, laser therapy, and acupuncture can help relieve that. Most importantly, keep their routine the same at home to decrease confusion. I know this firsthand from experience with my own aging pets. Animals give so much love to us over the years, so in return we want to make their golden years their glory years!”

Photo by Jeanne Taylor

Diets and Supplements.

There are also diets that support brain health, and you may want to include antioxidants in their daily supplements along with other helpful omega-3s. Further, some CCD patients may be prescribed medication such as Anipryl to help control certain symptoms. Always work closely with your veterinarian to determine what is best for your pet.

If you are concerned that your dog may be exhibiting signs of CCD, there is an assessment that you can pursue and then can work closely with your veterinarian to develop a plan of care. Known as “DISHAA”, the key areas focused on are Disorientation, Interactions, Sleep, Housesoiling, and Activity and Anxiety. These indicators of a dog’s cognitive health will then yield a score that can help guide any prognosis and treatment plan.

Also, the Dog Aging Project offers additional reading on our aging pets’ cognition, different conditions affecting seniors, and has made a host of other interesting information available to pet parents. One of my dogs, turning nine later this year, has been a “Pack Member” of the Dog Aging Project since 2020, so we complete questionnaires annually, and participate in additional exercises where we record and submit cognitive data to measure changes. It’s quite fascinating to know that his experiences may someday help another dog! Visit dogagingproject.org to learn more.

The Bottom Line.

Always work with your veterinarian or trusted medical resources to ensure your senior pet has everything they need to live the longest, healthiest, happiest life possible with you by their side. As Sidney Jeanne Seward said, “Blessed is the person who has earned the love of an old dog.” It truly is a gift. ■