A KINDER GOODBYE Spot dementia in dogs and ease pains
DEMENTIA in dogs is on the rise – and vets are warning owners to look out for the signs.
Half of dogs aged ten and almost three quarters at 15 show signs of the disease, known as CCD or canine cognitive dysfunction. Symptoms include pacing, anxiety, unexplained barking, getting lost and appetite loss.
My dog Daisy, a Parson Russell terrier cross was diagnosed in January, aged 13, after she began snapping at dogs. She would shake at night and I would walk her at 3am to settle her.
Her ability to judge distance changed and she began leaping over kerbs. She was clingy and confused by doors.
Stuart Becker from Willows Vet Group, says owners who notice symptoms like these should speak to their vet because while it is an incurable illness, there are things that can help.
He said: “Many owners put signs like mood changes, decrease in activity and going to the loo inside as their dog slowing down. But there are ways to help senior dogs carry on enjoying life.”
Stuart recommends Vivitonin, a prescription drug that increases blood flow to the brain and heart. And he also suggests trying Aktivait, a nutritional supplement.
Adapting the home and keeping to a strict routine can also help.
He said: “The severity of dementia can be improved if owners continue with training, play, exercise and use interactive toys.
“They can also add smell, texture or sound cues to different places in the home such as the bed or food bowl to help their pet navigate more easily.
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“All these things will make life more comfortable for them.”
Medication helped with Daisy’s sleep and mood – within a few days of taking Vivitonin and Activait she was much brighter.
I also got her a crate to sleep or relax in, put down rugs and carpet to help with her mobility and kept bowls in the same place.
Sadly, Daisy had a brain tumour and was put to sleep last month.
But recognising her dementia and treating it certainly helped her quality of life in her final months. OUR vet Brian WE‘VE Faulkner, from Petplan, got four has 22 years of experience goldfish and is a freelancer working all in a tank and over the country. Send your they all seem questions to Brian at: Petplan, healthy but Great West House, Great recently one has West Road, Brentford, developed Middlesex, TW8 9DX bulging eyes. Is or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ it ill? What can Petplanuk. we do? If you have a story about wildlife email us at pets@people.co.uk