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Do Dogs Suffer Senile Dementia?
Although senility in dogs, in many ways similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people, has not been widely studied; people who work and live with dogs over a long period of time know that senility does affect dog in every sense of the way humans do.
What Cause Dogs To Go Senile?
Mental deterioration occurs due to aging brain cells that no longer being replaced. This disease may also affect the brain and cause premature senility. This is usually a problem with geriatric dogs called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
What are the Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?
- Increasing need for owner’s companion—he may whine and/or bark to seek your attention; or maybe for no apparent reasons.
- Disoriented in daily simple tasks, such as climbing of stairs.
- Incontinence—loss of bladder and bowel control especially resting hours.
- Periods of restless and reduce activity.
- Increased sleeping. You may catch him gazing into blank space while he is awake.
- Decreased interest in the environment.
- Inability to recognize familiar people and places.
- Decreased ability to interact correctly with humans and other pets or animals outside—at times the dog may attempt to bite.
Any Treatment for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?
Unfortunately, there is no cure. Various treatments have been tried in order to assist with the overall mental problems seen in older dogs and some can improve their mood. Please seek veterinary (conventional or alternative) advice for these two common treatments for dogs suffering cognitive dysfunction—Deprenyl and Ginkgo (herb). Your veterinarian may suggest special diets formulated for aging dogs to help delay the onset or slow the process of brain and body deterioration.
To know more about Deprenyl (Selegiline) dosage, check out The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat. I believe it’s on page 491 to 494.
What Can I Do To Aid my Dog’s Senility?
Sympathy. Tolerance. Love. Attention. Understanding. And most importantly, plenty of touch. It is increasingly important to older dogs as it provides reassurance in a social context with pack-mates (including family members) and helps him relate to the environments.
Do make sure that your dog has a warm and comfortable place (bed or crate) where he can lie and sleep without being disturbed. If you have young children, do not allow them to play around that area. Have a good discussion with your children of your dog’s needs and his illness. Children are more “compassionate” and they are willing to reach out to help make Fido’s life easier.
Having been your friend for over a decade, serving and accompany you by guarding your life and property, your dog does deserve his space and comfort during his twilight years.
Jan 21st 2007
1:40 AM
My Maltese will be 18 on January 30th 2007. He has cataracts in both eyes, one developed three years ago, the second one came on very soon after his 15th birthday. According to my vet, his heart and organs are exceptionally strong. Mostly he eats very well. But the last 2-3 months have been a nightmare. He wakes up at 2 am, then goes to where his food bowl normally is, then screams and barks for food. I give him food, he starts to eat, then proceeds to do the same, barking and screaming - and I mean, not whining, screaming! So I give him different food, again and again, and this carries on until he feels comfortable about eating or liking what he is eating. He seems to prefer very spicy food, seems to hate dog food, even cat food. (He has alwas eaten everything I have given him). My vet gave me medication for his CCD, but it did not seem to work. When we go out, he will hobble for a while(some arthritis in his back legs) but once the legs start moving, he will run around the entire block, and run so fast that people on the street think he’s a puppy. I have tried keeping him awake in the evening, so that he will sleep through the night, but that has not worked so far. I am beside myself, and find it very hard to even think about putting him to sleep, but this is getting beyond ridiculous. I have given him a quarter tranquillizer, prescribed by my vet, but even that seems not to work. He will not let me hold him, or pet him, he fights me every step of the way. I feel so bad for this little guy, who has been the love of my life for so many years, and I am so loathe to have him put down, but unless I receive some ideas about how to deal with this, I will have to take that step. Please help!
Jan 21st 2007
10:54 AM
Hi Yvonne,
I’m sorry to hear about your dog’s condition!
On Food: Have you tried asking your vet to run a Creatinine test? This is a blood test of kidney function in the dog.
I do not recommend dogs eat cat food as it contains higher protein as compare to dog food. Furthermore, when dogs reach their senior years with lesser activities and/or exercises; it is highly recommended to reduce their protein intake. One, not to put their kidneys on overdrive. Two, to prevent being overweight.
Over the years, I have met a few dogs who have no problem eating spicy food—I’m using the word spicy very loosely. For me, Mexican chili beans and Japanese curry are no way near my spicy category; more like black pepper. Anyway, whatever spicy food your dog is eating, do make sure is given in moderation. Most importantly, check with your vet that the ingredients used in the spicy food are safe for moderate consumption.
On alternative treatment: Have you thought of seeking second opinion as in complementary medicine? For example acupuncture, shiatsu, herbal therapy. I do not know exactly the illness your dog is suffering, so I can’t “suggest” the best alternative treatment. You could try consulting homeopathic vets to see if there is any imbalance of specific salts—i.e. silica dioxide or potassium phosphate.
On Sleep: Before this incident, how many meals does your dog take a day? If it is two, I suggest feeding the bigger portion after his evening walk. Try this method for a few days and see if it works. You may have to push the time a little forward if you’re a late sleeper.
7pm: Go for a long walk about 30 to 45 minutes, if his arthritis doesn’t give him too much problem.
8pm: Dinner time. (the bigger portion)
8.30pm: Go for another walk about 20 to 30 minutes.
9.30pm: Therapeutic massage (TTouch) or canine aromatherapy.
Finally, one thing about aging dogs is that they tend to be grumpier and resent being touched—if they are not used to massages at young age.
Hope this helps! And thanks for commenting!
Feb 10th 2008
8:29 PM
I also have a dog who’ll be eighteen in a couple of months.
And while his blood work appears to be that of a five year old dog, some of his physical and mental behavior had changed. But, a lot of his issues have been alleviated since giving him a product called Stem Pets.
Beside a real food diet,and digestive enzymes, I started him on the Stem Pets tabs. It’s especially effective for older animals and addresses many of the issues related to aging. It releases stem cells from the dog’s own bone marrow and quickly goes to the area in the body where it’s most needed.
My dog began to stand up and walk more easily, hold his tail up again, stop pacing at night, take an interest in his surroundings, people, and dogs, as well as hear and see better.
It’s easy to give because he likes them and he’s always been rather particular about his treats, so for him to readily eat this is wonderful - no struggle.
Hope this is of help.
http://www.stempets.com or http://www.stemenhance.com (more info)