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As a result of an improved health care system, more dogs are living longer than ever before. The result is a corresponding increase in geriatric-related problems. Many of the health problems you find in older dogs mimic, to a large extent, those of their human counterpart. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), for example, is similar to Alzheimer’s disease. With an aging dog population, CCD can and does present a present and ongoing problem.
Description
CCDS is a form of senility. It is hard to recognize the symptoms. Many owners believe them to be indicative of an aging dog. They do not perceive it as a specific health issue. In fact, signs of senility do seem to blend into many of the signs associated with the aging of your dog. Owners of senior dogs should look out for these indications.
• There is an obvious decrease in the amount and type of play.
• The dog is slow responding to commands.
• The sleeping patterns change drastically. Your dog may sleep when previously he or she was wide awake.
• The dog may undergo a major change in their interaction patterns with your family. Your pet might ignore you instead of greeting you. He or she may walk away from you and other family members. They may not initiate any type of interaction such as petting.
• The dog may stare in space, pace or wander aimlessly. Like humans with Alzheimer’s, your dog may not seem to know where he or she is going. The animal becomes easily disoriented.
• The animal experiences difficulties in bladder control. The dog may also demand to go out but fail to do anything.
To complicate further the problem of identification, these indicators do not occur immediately. Moreover, your pet may not display all of the signs. Your veterinarian may not even suspect or diagnose the syndrome. This professional can only do so with your help.
If you notice changes in your senior dog’s behavior, document them. Take your concerns up with the vet. Do so backed up by information. If your vet is to diagnose your dog with CCDS, he or she has to have all the data. This includes knowing what the problem is, when the problem first manifested and the specific pattern of the problem(s). You also have to provide the vet with information on any other specific health problems your dog has or has had.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for CCDS. You can, however, treat it on several levels. The vet can give you drugs to help reduce physical problems. The common choice is L-selegiline. You can also use an integrative approach. This will combine diet, training and environmental aspects.
• Make sure your dog is eating a diet rich in antioxidants. This will help him or her maintain some mental acuity. It also slows down the progression of CCDS.
• Enrich your dog’s life. Stimulate them more. Challenge them daily with frequent if short walks. Praise them every time they do eliminate outdoors.
• Continue to train them. This will help their brain continue to function. Do not try elaborate new signals. Use and reinforce simple and familiar ones. Make sure they are clear.
• Be sure the outdoor and indoor environments are safe and sound. This means keeping gates and exits tightly secured. This will prevent the dog from wandering out of the yard, becoming lost and even more confused. Indoors, you may use baby gates or other forms to provide a sense of security.
• Keep the room and yard clear from all clutter. This will prevent your dog bumping into objects.
If you pay heed to the needs of your senior dog, you can help him or her live comfortably with CCDS.
Information written by Gary Washington of www.ohmydogsupplies.com, look for new discounts on dog seat covers online.
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