Paws to Consider

Published:  Wednesday, December 19, 2007 (11 months, 1 week ago)
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By April Shattuck

Rocky sleeps all day and spends all night pacing.  Tramp stares or barks at the wall for hours.  Lady has been potty trained for 12 years, but has suddenly started having accidents in the house. And, Max used to be affectionate, but now acts distant, fearful and at times, aggressive.
These are just a few examples of dogs with a condition called “cognitive dysfunction.”  As a dog ages, its brain size and chemistry becomes different resulting in changes in memory and behavior. Signs of cognitive dysfunction include anxiety, fear, confusion (staring at nothing, failing to recognize familiar faces), disorientation, wandering, lack of interaction, memory loss (forgets to eat or drink, does not respond to its name or familiar commands) and house soiling.
Many people compare canine cognitive dysfunction to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, even labeling it “doggie Alzheimer’s.” Although there are many similarities between the two diseases, dogs do not develop Alzheimer’s. However, physicians have been able to use our canine companions as research models for treatment of Alzheimer’s and other dementia disorders.
Cognitive dysfunction is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. Other physical ailments such as pain and incontinence (difficulty controlling eliminations) can result in behavioral changes that may mimic cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, each pet should undergo a thorough veterinary exam to assess pain, loss of hearing and/or eye sight and undergo blood testing to evaluate thyroid, liver and kidney function. Cognitive dysfunction is then diagnosed after ruling out, diagnosing, and treating all other underlying diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cognitive dysfunction. There are things an owner can do to improve the quality of life of their dogs, and possibly delay the onset or progression of the disease. One option is addressing nutrition. Antioxidants are important in preventing aging of the body as well as the brain. Therefore you should feed your pet a high quality senior food enriched with antioxidants, along with a daily multivitamin.
Along with food and vitamins, your senior pet program should include “enrichment” and exercise.  Researchers suspect cognitive exercises increase blood flow to the brain to promote new brain cell growth and/or reduce death of old cells. Enrichment is using your brain, not just exercising. Practice hide-and-seek games with food, use food puzzles, teach a new trick or re-teach an old trick. Contrary to belief, old dogs CAN learn new tricks.
Don’t let your dog become a couch potato. Exercise, such as a short walk, will stimulate its senses, improve circulation, and help keep arthritic joints mobile. Instead of staying in the house or yard, take your pet to an unfamiliar spot. Even if your pet is blind and/or deaf, I guarantee their “sniffer” still works.
One of the most frustrating aspects of cognitive dysfunction for dog owners is house soiling. Living with a senior dog can be as frustrating as living with a new puppy. Because dogs with cognitive dysfunction may forget to eliminate, don’t assume they “pottied” outside when you let them out. Go out with them, watch them and tell them to go “potty.” It may also take longer, so be sure to give them ample time outside.
The aging canine population is becoming a big part of veterinary practice. With advancements in medicine and early detection of disease, our pets are living longer, happier lives. Therefore, diseases such as cognitive dysfunction are becoming more prevalent. Please remember cognitive dysfunction cannot be cured, and it is progressive. There are, however, options to help senior pets be comfortable and to improve their quality of life.
Don’t give up on your pet just because “they are old.” Ask your veterinarian what you can do to help your senior pet feel and act younger.

2 Reader Responses to “Paws to Consider”

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  1. #1 — Added 11 months, 1 week ago

    I have a senior dog with a number of the signs listed above and was glad to read someth ing about these problems.

    Posted on December 19, 2007 at 10:41 am by karen phillips

  2. #2 — Added 11 months ago

    Hi, really enjoyed the article, and plan to include it in a blog on our newly developed web site, which is based on a book that I’ve co-authored with Dr. Peter Whitehouse, a neurologist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The book is (somewhat provocatively) titled “The Myth of Alzheimer’s: What You Aren’t Being Told About Today’s Most Dreaded Diagnosis.” Definitely is interesting to note that our domestic animals are living longer and aging in a congruous way to humans–thanks for the story. Please do visit our website and check out the book! http://www.themythofalzheimers.com/index.php
    take care

    Posted on December 20, 2007 at 12:38 pm by Danny George