Canine cognitive disorder, also known as dog dementia or doggie Alzheimer’s, can strike any senior dog and is not part of the normal aging process, according to Pet Wellbeing. Initial symptoms include pacing, crying and eating less, and in time cognitive dysfunction progresses to diminished interest in activities, potty accidents in the house, wandering, confusion and a lack of recognition of caregivers, according to the Senior Dog Project. Proper veterinary care, medication and lifestyle changes can help stave off continuing mental decline and improve quality of life for a cognitively impaired dog.
Things You'll Need
- Correct diagnosis
- Prescription medication
- Supplements
- Daily routine
- Patience
Instructions
Determine the correct diagnosis. Ask your veterinarian to assess your dog’s symptoms and rule out non-cognitive causes, such as hearing loss or advancing arthritis. Your vet may order lab and other tests in addition to performing a physical exam, according to Pet Education. While the cause of canine cognitive dysfunction is unknown, changes in the chemicals of the brain and deterioration of the nervous system play a role in the development of symptoms, according to the Senior Dog Project.
Administer prescription medication accurately. With a diagnosis confirmed, your vet likely will offer Anipryl, a drug known to restore some cognitive function in dogs. You should see improvement one to two months after your dog starts the medication, according to Vet Info, and you must continue to give the drug daily at the recommended dose. Watch for potential side effects, which can include diarrhea, vomiting and restlessness, and discuss with your vet if these develop. In addition, prescription dog food enhanced with antioxidants can slow a dog’s mental decline, according to the "Merck Veterinary Manual."
Discuss natural treatments approaches with your vet. In addition to prescription medication, your vet may recommend vitamin supplements. Choline, one of the B vitamins, has been shown to reverse the signs of cognitive dysfunction, according to Vet Info. Antioxidant supplements and omega-3 fatty acids might help as well, according to Pet Wellbeing. Your vet can advise you on dosages for these supplements.
Adjust your lifestyle to accommodate the needs of a cognitively impaired dog. According to Pet Wellbeing, mental stimulation from playing and walking helps a senior dog maintain interest, so keep up these activities every day as your dog’s mobility allows. Maintain a daily routine and walk your dog on leash, even if you did not in the past; confused dogs easily wander off and get lost. And avoid disrupting the furniture in the main rooms your dog inhabits.
Discuss the needs of your senior dog with everyone in the household. Just as living with a cognitively impaired family member requires increased understanding, caring for a senior animal requires increased patience. Your once playful and energetic dog may be confused and lethargic from the medication. You may not see the same personality in your dog that you used to know and love. All household members, especially children, should be instructed to interact attentively and gently with an aging pet.