Dementia in Senior Dogs

Just recently I was asked to care for a 16-year-old senior dog that had dementia.  He was also partially blind and deaf as well and has some motor issues as well.  I decided to meet the pup at a meet and greet and my heart melted but I was a bit nervous as I had never cared for a dog this old, let alone one that had dementia.

Some of the symptoms the dog exhibited were walking in circles.  There were times were he would just walk in large circles which is probably due to disorientation.  Then there were times he would just stop and stare in the distance.  It’s almost as if he forgot what he was doing or going.  Another thing that would occur is that he would get stuck in corners.  There were times he figured it out and there were times we had to assist him.  He would also get stuck in between furniture.

When he was initially dropped off we let him wander in our enclosed living room so that he could get used to his surroundings.  Once we saw what the problem areas were for him we had to make changes to ensure his safety.  He also had to be monitored outside and kept on a leash.  But as I said we both survived and he taught me acceptance because as much as we don’t want to talk about, if you own a dog, they too will age and the inevitable will occur.  He also taught me that we can all learn new ways to do things when the old ones don’t work.  As we age we have to make adjustments, well the same applies to our beloved companions.  No one said it would be easy, that’s why it’s called unconditional love.

Below is some more information for those that may come across a client that may have dog dementia.

First, what is dementia, canine cognitive dysfunction or doggy Alzheimer’s?  According to VetInfo, it is largely a result of old age; as they age the brain begins to naturally accumulate beta amyloid, a protein found to damage nerves. When there is a large buildup, the protein will cause plaque on the brain that inhibits the transmission of neurological signals. This leads to progressively more severe cognitive dysfunction.

• Below are some other symptoms that a dog may exhibit courtesy of Canna-Pet:
• Pacing back and forth or in circles
• Getting lost in familiar places, particularly in your own home or yard
• Staring into space or walls
• Walking into corners or other tight spaces and remaining there
• Appearing lost or confused
• Waiting on the wrong side of the door to go out
• Failing to get out-of-the-way when someone opens a door
• Failing to remember routines, or starting them and only getting part of the way through
• Barking for no apparent reason and/or for long periods
• Ceasing to bark when she used to be very noisy
• Forgetting cues and trained behaviors she once knew
•  Startling easily
• Getting less enthusiastic about toys or stopping playing altogether
• Showing an unwillingness to go outside or for a walk
• Performing repetitive behaviors
• Having trouble with eating or drinking, including difficulty finding their bowls, aiming their mouth, and keeping food in their mouth
• Losing appetite
• Failing to respond to her name
• Having difficulty getting all the way into bed
• Trembling for seemingly no reason
• Falling off of things
• Getting trapped under or behind furniture
• Sleeping more during the day and less at night
• Forgetting house training, despite how often it goes outside
• Having difficulty learning new tasks, commands or routines
• Seeking attention less; growing withdrawn
• Acting frightened of familiar people
• Having trouble with stairs
• Getting generally more fearful and anxious

If you suspect that your senior dog may have dementia, call your veterinarian and set up an appointment to see what you can do to make your dog more comfortable.  There are many treatment options such as medications, behavior modifications and nutritional support.

Below is a list of some treatment options by Rover.

• CBD oil is proving a new and exciting alternative to drugs for many pet owners. Not only is it effective for anxiety but for serious conditions including epilepsy. Many independent pet stores now carry it.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Consider switching your dog to a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants. Some good studies have demonstrated that antioxidants may enhance brain health.
• If you have access to a holistic vet you can speak to them about lemon balm, gingko, and bacopa.
• You can speak to your vet about prescription drugs.   There are medications known as Selgian and Anipryl.  They have been shown to be effective for dementia in dogs by prolonging the activity of your dog’s remaining dopamine. This improves memory and helps dogs think more clearly.

If your dog is still young enough, you can feed them a diet high in antioxidants which can slow down the aging process when it comes to the brain.  Remember, you are not in this alone.  Seek support by either a family member or friend.   Check to see if there is a support group in your area.   There may be others who are dealing with aging pets and they too can be a great resource.

Here is a great website called Day By Day Pet Care Giver Support.  They even have an online support chat.