Has your Dog got Dementia?
Summary
Like humans’, as dogs age, they can suffer dementia (cognitive dysfunction) . Like us the causes are not fully known and there is not a cure as such but they are things we can do like, diet, exercises, management, supplements and medication, that can help slow down the process and help you dog cope better.
General information
According to PDSA; Cognitive dysfunction is a condition can made worse by changes such as a build-up of a harmful protein (beta amyloid), and poor blood flow. It affects memory, makes it difficult for your dog to learn anything new, and leads to behaviour/personality changes (similar to Alzheimer’s in people). Dogs with cognitive dysfunction often appear senile, forgetful and confused.
Symptoms
Confusion
Peeing or pooing in the house
Low energy or depression
Not sleeping at night
Forgetting commands
Pacing
Staring into space
Barking more
Eating less or much more
New fears or phobias
Diet and supplements
St John’s Wort has been reported to help as well as Foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil. Blueberries, spinach, and lean meats are all good to.
Essentially ensure your dog is on a varied whole prey diet.
Absolutely DO NOT put your dog on some rubbish prescription kibble!
More info on diet see here.
Routine
A bit like with humans it is important to keep up activity and working the mind so a human might do walks and suduko. Your dog wants its walks little simple training exercises. For example:
Medication
Your vet may prescribe something like Propentofylline or Selegiline.
Selegiline is reported to enhance the amount of chemicals within the brain that act as messengers between individual nerve cells and prolongs the activity of your pet's remaining dopamine
Propentofylline is reported to increase the blood flow to the brain to improve energy levels and concentration.
Note drugs may have side effects and according to Reisner (2022) Selegiline can cause agitation, repetitive movements and disorientation too.
“In one clinical trial of dogs treated with selegiline, 4% of the study population experienced events sufficiently adverse to result in a reduction of dose or withdrawal from medication. Side effects experienced by these dogs’ included restlessness, agitation, vomiting, disorientation, diarrhea, and diminished hearing. Also, during clinical trials conducted on dogs as a part of safety and efficacy testing, three dogs showed an increase in aggression (Pfizer Animal Health and Product Information 2000).” (De Souza Dantas et al, 2020)
For more information and to come up with a behavioural plan to help your dog book a consultation.