Senility
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Studies have shown that many older dogs with geriatric behaviour problems have lesions in their brains similar to those seen in Alzheimer's patients. Symptoms of canine senility include:
Getting lost in the house – wandering up the wrong corridor, standing in corners. Dogs may stand at a door, waiting for it to open, unable to work out the next step.
Pacing or anxiety – wandering around the house for no apparent reason.
Not relating to family members as before. Wandering off while being petted. No longer greets family members when they come home.
Unusual barking. This may be because they no longer recognise you, or because they feel lost in places that used to be familiar. An air of confusion.
Loss of appetite.
Disrupted sleep patterns. A senile dog may sleep more than usual, or may want to sleep all day but stay awake at night.
Doesn’t respond to your voice any more. The dog can’t seem to process your commands and act on them as he used to do.
There are, of course, a few conditions to rule out before senility is diagnosed. These include anaemia, heart failure, liver abnormalities, pancreatic function, immune-mediated disease, metabolic disease, deafness, blindness, and urinary tract infection.
See also:
Complementary Healthcare
Complementary Healthcare Products
Studies have shown that many older dogs with geriatric behaviour problems have lesions in their brains similar to those seen in Alzheimer's patients. Symptoms of canine senility include:
Getting lost in the house – wandering up the wrong corridor, standing in corners. Dogs may stand at a door, waiting for it to open, unable to work out the next step.
Pacing or anxiety – wandering around the house for no apparent reason.
Not relating to family members as before. Wandering off while being petted. No longer greets family members when they come home.
Unusual barking. This may be because they no longer recognise you, or because they feel lost in places that used to be familiar. An air of confusion.
Loss of appetite.
Disrupted sleep patterns. A senile dog may sleep more than usual, or may want to sleep all day but stay awake at night.
Doesn’t respond to your voice any more. The dog can’t seem to process your commands and act on them as he used to do.
There are, of course, a few conditions to rule out before senility is diagnosed. These include anaemia, heart failure, liver abnormalities, pancreatic function, immune-mediated disease, metabolic disease, deafness, blindness, and urinary tract infection.
Conventional vets now have drugs with which to treat canine senility. Are they better than the drugs used to treat human Alzheimers?
Tocopherols, found in vegetable oils and leafy greens, and present in vitamin E, have been shown to improve cognitive function. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, cartenoids (yellow, orange and red plant pigments), flavonoids (in plants), digestive enzymes, and omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cognitive function. The ideal diet for a dog suffering from senility would be cooked chicken and fish, and plenty of vegetables. Don’t forget the fish oils.
“Ginkgo is one therapy that has been proven to be of benefit in people with mild cognitive disorder, and is one of the supplements I recommend for dogs and cats with this problem as well. Currently, my favorite treatment of cognitive disorder is choline supplementation plus B vitamins and antioxidants; ginkgo is another option I occasionally recommend.” Dr Shawn P Messonnier DVM
On a practical level, you can help your old dog by avoiding changes in the house (such as moving the furniture around) that may disorientate him. Make sure he has a safe area for his bed. It should be comfortable and easy for him to find. Protect him from slippery floors, obstacles and stairs. Encourage him to interact with people and other animals, and continue to praise and reward your dog. Keep him interested in life. Take him for short walks. Remember that he may feel safer with the lead on.
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