Can Dogs get Dementia?
Dog dementia or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is similar to Alzheimers in human beings. Therefore caring for a dog with this condition can be challenging. It is not curable and managing your dogs last years with this condition can be difficult. However, often minor changes to routine may help your dog to live with the condition.
What causes Dog Dementia or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?
"Dogs affected by cognitive dysfunction have a buildup of a protein called beta-amyloid that forms plaques on the brain."
Melissa Boldan, DVM, What Is Dog Dementia? Signs of Canine Dementia and How To Help Your Dog
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) what are the signs to look for?
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Changes in behaviour
It is diagnosed more as a process of elimination as there is no single test which can be performed.
Let's break these down into simple terms
- Memory loss- this is similar to what human beings experience. For e.g.- your senior dog may forget where his/her water or food bowl is placed. This is significant because it is a daily activity.
- Confusion - does your dog loose his/her way in familiar territory maybe the route of your daily walk or even in the house. Vets recommend adding multiple small walks in a day. This may work better than long walks especially for senior dogs.
- Disorientation- Your dog may not be alert as they used to be, make sure to add as much new stimuli as possible. Maybe a new toy or a slow feeder so they have metal stimulation.
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Changes in behaviour - it is important to note that aggression may be a sign of pain.
How do vets determine if your dog has dementia?
Large breed dogs are more prone to dog dementia.However, cognitive decline can affect the small and toy breed dogs.
To delay the condition and help your dog stay active in mind and body, regular moderate physical exercise is important. It is simple to do with enrichment of their surroundings. Increased stimuli helps keep a human or canine brain active.
What diet is best for Dog Dementia?
Vets may recommend changes to your dogs diet. Including prescription diets specially formulated for dogs diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction. It may help to introduce anti oxidants - to slow the rate of decline. Vitamins C and E, beta carotene, selenium, flavonoids, carotenoids are all part of a diet which may benefit the condition. In addition, fatty acids into the diet which helps reduces the inflammation of the brain.
These changes to diet should only be done in consultation with your vet or canine dietary specialist. It is essential to include them because changes to diet can affect digestion of the senior dog.
Additional Reading: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s DogWatch newsletter. https://tinyurl.com/4ry3mdmw
Cover Photo: Photo by Victor Cayke: https://www.pexels.com/photo/side-view-of-a-black-labrador-13618533/
