Dementia in dogs: A few suggestions to help

Robin was barking all the time, for no reason. She will sit and stare into corners and does not know where she is. It got so bad I thought her life was just misery and brought her to my vet. The vet and I agreed, she was no way ready to leave us so I put her on those two medications. They have helped. Robin is 12 now.....had a tough life in a puppy mill for 9 years. There are days I wonder about Robin's quality of life because it can get really bad. But I have been assured by many of my dog friends, that she will tell me and I will know when she is ready to cross the rainbow... In the meantime we are going to enjoy each others company and rejoices in each days pleasure. Besides her Facebook Friend a 3 legged Boston named Queen Izzy is her heron, and Izzy is only 17 or more. So there will be lots of wonderful days ahead...

 If you have a senior Boston you may have asked this question or one like it. 

Do dogs get dementia like humans?  How do you know a new or odd behavior is age or memory related and not a medical concern? Is there a medical name for memory loss in pets? So many questions...
Personally I would rather deal with seniors, even if they are aging, than those crazy, loveable forever moving puppies. Over the last couple of years we have had the pleasure of sharing some time with several senior Bostons.  I can attest, I did not see any of the signs of canine dementia in any of the Bostons that graced our home with their wisdom.

 Canine dementia (known clinically as canine cognitive dysfunction) can be a serious problem. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from many of the same symptoms. For those that might be curious as to what those symptoms are here is a list of some of them. Sleep-wake cycle disturbances, Generalized anxiety, Lower threshold for aggression, Decreased activity levels, Inappropriate vocalization (howling, barking or whining), Repetitive behaviors (pacing),Elimination disorders, Staring at walls, Fewer social interactions, Disorientation (getting “lost” in the house or yard).

If you pay attention, you may notice changes in hearing and vision loss. These changes can cause some of our Bostons to show signs of anxiety. When your Boston seems to fail to hear you when your calling them, or due to their limited vision they have to relearn where everything, is daily life can become more challenging. Take the challenge, you can do wonders just by a little positive intervention.

The main problem for humans is understanding and accepting that we cannot do anything to change the aging process. And that there may be some diseases that are developing at the same time, that we can help with treatment. The secret is knowing when something is a medical issue and when something is the dog's natural life span being exhibited.

We do still have options for treating some diseases of the aging eye. Cataracts, for example, are super common and highly treatable. You should ask your vet if this is the best option for your dog.
Just like dealing with our human elders, adhering to a set schedule when it comes to feeding, walking, turning lights on and off, and bedtime can be excellent therapy for confused pets.

After observing humans it is not surprising to me, that most dementia dogs display some degree of stress, especially when lost in the corner of a room or if they find themselves awake and alone in the middle of the night. Managing anxiety requires owners to know what works best for their individual dog, such as soothing music, aromatherapy or a long walk.

 Another case for early crate training that I had not thought is conditioning older dogs to sleep in thier "room" a crate, which can sometimes help curtail stress-exacerbating nighttime wanderings.

I do recognize that, it could cause further stress to the animal. If the wandering is extreme, talk to your vet about whether anti-anxiety medication may also be effective.

 Another symptom of old age and not necessarily dementia is incontinence although the condition may be age related there is usually a reason. a weakening of the muscles or an infection.

 Some times you need to look at the houmous side of life no matter the age.  I remember reading a post that caused me to have a smile when I imagined this statement My dog Siuzie, was about 13 when she would poop when she barked. She would run to the window when someone got home and bark and out it came. She would run to greet you and it would happen. I could just see a projectiles flying across the room...

 ¹By Marie Rosenthal, MS For Veterinary Practice News