Dementia in Dogs

After bringing us many years of love, joy and devoted companionship, our dogs inevitably start to slow down and show their age. The passing of time is a fact of life, and one that can start to show its effects on our dogs.  This is usually difficult for us to realize and understand, as we want our loved companions to stay young and vibrant.

Hearing loss and decreased mobility are the signs of aging you would expect any dog to show, but if your dog starts showing signs of confusion, disorientation or changes in behavior, he could be suffering from a condition known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD).  CCD is similar to Alzheimer’ disease in people, and is often called doggy dementia.  It is the name given to some of the behavioral changes seen in older pets.

What is CCD?                                                                                                                                                                             

CCD is a degenerative neurological condition seen in dogs which results in a gradual, progressive loss of brain function.  In dogs with CCD, the brain undergoes a series of physical and chemical changes that result in a decline in the dog’s mental faculties. Sadly, it’s also a fairly common condition, occurring in approximately 12-14 per cent of older dogs aged more than 10 years old.  It affects all breeds of dogs, but it is perhaps more common in smaller breeds because, overall, they tend to live longer.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of CCD vary in severity. Often, one of the first signs of the problem is a loss of learned behaviors, such as house-training.  There may be changes to the dog’s character in that a dog may become more aggressive, or their relationship with another pet in the household may change – dogs who have always gotten along may start to fight.

CCD dogs can often look lost and confused, or be found staring vacantly at a wall or immobile object.

If you think your dog may be suffering from CCD, you should have him checked out by your veterinarian. There are other conditions that mimic the symptoms of CCD and can be treated, and your vet will be able to advise you accordingly.

Keep an Eye Out

Some of the behavioral changes commonly associated with CCD include:

• Confusion and disorientation; your dog may become lost or even trapped in familiar places around the home     and backyard
• A decreased ability to recognize familiar people
• Failure to respond to familiar commands
•  Forgetting house training
• Startling easily
• Wall staring
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Learned behaviors being forgotten, like housetraining
• Repetitive wandering or pacing
• Irritability and aggression
• Persistent barking, especially at night
• Disinterest in food
• Frequent trembling or shaking
• Failing to respond to his name

If your dog is showing any of these signs, head to your vet for a checkup.

Diagnosis

Because symptoms of dementia are often subtle, many owners attribute them to old age and forget to mention them to their veterinarian. It’s recommended for senior dogs to visit the veterinarian for wellness exams twice annually, so if your dog is experiencing any behavioral changes mention them to your veterinarian.

Dementia shares its symptoms with many other illnesses, so your veterinarian may need to do a complete behavioral and medical workup to eliminate other potential causes of the behavioral changes.

Treatment

Sadly, there is not cure for CCD, but there are ways of managing and potentially slowing down the development of the disease.

There are two major factors in helping to manage CCD.  One way is the prescribing of drugs by your veterinarian which can help with brain function and reduce anxiety.

Your veterinarian may prescribe Anipryl, which has been shown to slow the progression of canine cognitive dysfunction. It is a drug that is used to treat Parkinson’s in humans, and is available now for dogs in tablets and chewables. If your vet prescribes it, try to shop around because its price varies. The doses prescribed for dogs can be quite expensive, but it can also be purchased in generic tablets (Selegiline).

The other major factor is behavioral work, and although it will not cure your dog, maintaining a healthy and stimulating environment will help in slowing the progression of “cognitive decline.” This typically involves maintaining a daily routine of exercise, play, and training.

In addition to medication and behavioral therapy, your veterinarian may suggest employing a special, balanced diet to improve the dog’s cognitive functions (memory, learning ability, etc.). This diet is also typically supplemented with antioxidants, vitamin E and C, selenium, flavonoids, beta carotene, carotenoids, Omega-3, and carnitine — all considered excellent for improving the dog’s cognitive functions.

There are steps you can take at home to help your dog cope with the disease.

• In order to prevent confusion, try not to change or rearrange furniture
• Leave wide pathways free of clutter so that your dog can easily move around the house
• Try to stick to a regular routine of feeding and walking
• Don’t push your dog too hard when introducing him to new people or animals
• Most importantly, remember to have patience

If you think your beloved pet might be suffering from CCD, head to your vet to get the problem diagnosed and work out the best treatment option for your pooch.  Dogs with this condition require life-long therapy and support. With careful management and plenty of TLC, your help can make a world of difference when it comes to improving your dog’s cognitive functions.