How you can fight this canine brand of dementia
If you have a senior dog in your family, you may notice, from time to time, that it exhibits strange behaviours. If your dog seems confused in very familiar spaces within your home, doesn’t respond to calls or commands, spends very long periods in just one area of the home, or experiences abnormal sleeping patterns, your four-legged friend may be suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD, occurs mostly in dogs over 10 years of age, with researchers estimating around 28 per cent of dogs aged 11-12 suffer from CCD. That number increases to 68 per cent in dogs 15-16. Due to the striking similarities, the condition is likened to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The cause of CCD is not yet known, but damage to the dog’s brain occurs because of protein deposits (plaques), and the death of nerve cells, which leaves vacant spaces that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.
If you suspect your senior dog suffers from CCD, look out for these symptoms, which together point to the presence of the disease:
- Housebreaking issues – not going outside/signalling before it defecates
- Decreased physical activity – little interest in being outside, decreased response to noises, people, other animals
- Disorientation – forgetting where specific places are, loss of ability to navigate the home
- Sleep cycle changes – sleeping heavily through the day, restless sleeping at night
- Interaction changes – decreased interest in social interactions such as playing, brushing, patting
If you notice these symptoms, you should see your vet, because there may be another medical explanation. If, however, it is CCD, you may wish to seek treatment.
While medication is the most effective way of treating CCD, there are simple things you can try to help fight back. Even in younger dogs, or those not exhibiting signs of CCD, these tactics can help keep your pup’s mind sharp.
The right foods
Foods that have plenty of vitamins C and E are great for your ageing dog. Also, keep an eye out for foods that have beta carotene, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Krill oil is a great way to improve cognitive health. If you’re unsure about what the best diet for your dog is, ask the vet – there may be a specially formulated dog food they can recommend.
Toys and tricks
When dog’s brains are working on solving a problem or learning a trick, it can slow down degeneration. If your dog is getting on in years, try introducing brand new toys (especially ones unlike anything they’ve had in the past), new ways to exercise, or even work with them to learn new skills (go beyond the basics of sit, stay, heel to challenge your dog.
Dietary supplements
There are a number of supplements on the market that have tested well as treatments for CCD (coconut oil being one of them). However, just as you should speak with your own doctor before introducing any drastic dietary supplements into your own regime, speak with your dog’s vet before you try any remedies – they have more up-to-date information on studies. Always listen to the experts, and follow their advice.
Have you noticed CCD symptoms in your dog? Have you tried any of these tricks to help keep them active?
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