Does my dog have dementia?
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:
1) Aumento de la cantidad total de sleep over a 24-hour period.
2) Mostrar disinterest and apathy. Decreased attention to the environment.
3) Observar una disminución de la intentional activity
4) Olvido de los comandos o previously acquired knowledge including training at home.
5) Tener 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:
Vacunas necesarias para los perros
Evita la sobre vacunación para reducir la carga tóxica. Un análisis de sangre puede indicarnos su protección inmunológica. Las vacunas obligatorias siempre son necesarias.
Exámenes médicos para perros senior
Son exámenes preventivos para identificar cambios físicos, mentales y análisis de sangre para chequear la salud de sus órganos.
Suplementos (Nutracéuticos)
Entre ellos tenemos los siguientes suplementos, vitaminas y minerales:
- 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.
Dieta canina adecuada
Somos lo que comemos, mejor dicho lo que comen nuestras bacterias. Al igual que nosotros, es muy importante que los perros tengan una microbiota saludable, y para ello es necesario seguir una alimentación lo más natural posible y llena de nutrientes.
– Mejorar el microbioma hace mejorar su salud cognitiva. Cada vez más investigaciones avalan la estrecha relación existente entre el intestino y el cerebro.
– Alimentarse de grasas saludables, ácidos grasos omega-3, como el aceite de krill y otras grasas no refinadas.
– Evitar subproductos tóxicos del proceso de fabricación de piensos. Comer alimentos vivos, frescos e integrales adecuados para un carnívoro. En un perro senior es más importante aún controlar su peso para que sea saludable y no afecte más a su artritis, ofrecer probióticos en caso de diarrea o malas digestiones, y multivitamínicos para suplir deficiencias de absorción debido a la edad.
Ejercicio físico y cognitivo
– Para evitar el sobrepeso y mantenerlo activo. Es muy importante regular el ejercicio físico a su edad y condición física y mantener a raya los niveles de glucosa e insulina. Los perros pueden padecer diabetes como nosotros y enfermedades neurodegenerativas.
– Ofrecerle estimulación mental: rompecabezas, dispensadores de comida, y que interactuar socialmente con perros y personas.
– También es muy recomendable (si sabemos) darle masajes, para así reforzar su musculatura y relajación.
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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