La demencia canina puede pasarnos desapercibida. De este modo, muchas veces creemos que nuestro perro se comporta mal o ha dejado de querernos porque ya no quiere jugar con nosotros, duerme demasiado o no presta atención cuando lo llamamos. Se queja y ladra más de la cuenta, quiere comer a todas horas, etc. Pues para, y piensa en que algo le puede estar pasando pero no sabe decírnoslo.
Other age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis or cataracts are easy for us to recognise, but cognitive impairment can go unnoticed for a long time before we recognise it.
It may be a temporary pain, or a one-off, but it may also be signs of the onset of canine cognitive dysfunction or canine Alzheimer's disease, depending on their age and size. The best thing to do is to observe them and see a vet if the situation is recurrent. They will be able to do check-ups, tests and confirm a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Canine dementia research in 2021
Recently, a group of veterinarians in the UK have called for increased awareness of dementia in pets. Also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). So that treatment can be put in place in the early stages of the disease, when it is most effective.
According to Dr. Huw Stacey, animal behaviourist and director of clinical services at Vets4Pets in the UK, early diagnosis can improve and slow the progression of dementia.
Early diagnosis can improve and slow disease progression.
Dr. Huw Stacey, Animal Behaviourist and Director of Clinical Services at Vets4Pets
One in four older dogs will develop a cognitive dysfunction, and, it is estimated that 85% of these cases will go undiagnosed
Vets4Pets
According to this study, half of all dogs over the age of 11 years have symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. And by the age of 15, almost 70% show at least one sign of mental decline. And because large and giant breed dogs age more rapidly than smaller breeds, dogs as young as six years old can begin to experience mental decline.
Signs of canine dementia
Yes, dementia is not just for humans. It affects animals and here I bring you the most common signs that are indicators of the onset of cognitive impairment or dementia in dogs:
🐾 Increase in the total amount of sleep over a 24-hour period.
🐾 Showing disinterest and apathy. Decreased attention to the environment.
🐾 Observe a decrease in intentional activity
🐾 Forgetting the commands or previously acquired knowledge including training at home.
🐾 Have Intermittent Anxiety expressed through gasping, apprehension, shivering or moaning.
Other symptoms include lack of response to commands (possibly due to hearing loss), inability to recognise familiar people, and disorientation and difficulty getting around. Other physical manifestations may include excessive licking, lack of grooming, faecal and urinary incontinence and loss of appetite.
How to treat my dog with canine dementia
I admit that I am a maverick when it comes to health - both human and canine😅. It doesn't work for me:"It's an age thing." and do nothing.
Here are five measures that can help slow cognitive decline in your dog:
🧠 Vaccines: Avoid over-vaccination to reduce the toxic load. A blood test can indicate your immunological protection. Compulsory vaccinations are always necessary.
🧠 Senior Examinations: Preventive examinations to identify physical and mental changes and blood tests to check the health of your organs.
🧠 Supplements (Nutraceuticals)
- Medium-chain triglycerides such as coconut oil help to reduce cognitive dysfunction.
- 𝘚𝘈𝘔 adenosylmethionine), aids methylation and other important metabolic functions.
- 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭, reduces free radical damage and beta-amyloid deposits.
- The 𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘬𝘨𝘰 𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢 improves blood flow to the brain.
- Phosphatidylserine and the ubiquinol feed the mitochondria and improve cellular energy.
- Lion's mane mushrooms slow down certain cognition problems.
🧠 Adequate diet: Improves microbiome and cognitive health.
- Eat healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, such as krill oil and other unrefined fats.
- Avoid toxic by-products of the feed manufacturing process. Eat live, fresh, whole foods suitable for a carnivore.
🧠 Exercise:
- Avoid being overweight and keep them active with regular exercise appropriate to their age and physical condition and keep glucose and insulin levels in check.
- Mental stimulation: puzzles, food dispensers and social interaction with dogs and people.
- Massages to strengthen their muscles.
But beware! 👀, the occurrence of any of these signs from time to time may not be a sign of dementia. Be vigilant and ALWAYS, ALWAYS go to a vet at the slightest suspicion. The important thing, as with any disease, is the early diagnosis and intervention to slow disease progression and improve cognition and quality of life.
Conclusion
Well, it's going to be true that in the end we humans are not so different from canines. Nala is my big puppy and as she gets older she demands more cuddles, praise and treats, which she receives with pleasure, because what matters most to me is to improve her quality of life as much as possible.
By accessing My Dog Shop you can find the best-selling dog toys and food supplements rated by users on Amazon. You have no excuse not to help your dog.
As you have come all the way to the end, I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU.Leave me a comment to encourage me to keep writing and I will thank you by emailing you a link to a very useful tool that will help you to check whether or not your dog has signs of cognitive impairment and to decide whether or not to make an appointment with your vet.
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