For many of us the perfect solution to a great night's sleep would be not worrying about unwanted puppies dumped in kill shelters or abandoned on the streets as we sleep.

Over the last 20 or so years dog, ownership has become not only a very popular trend, but a tremendous money maker for those who sell all of the items we are now told we need to buy to prove our love for our pets.

We are being programed to expect the same living standard for our pets as ourselves. While that is not normally a bad thing for some it may be getting a bit extreme. But this is a personal choice on whether to consider our animal friends as pets and loyal companions or if these animals in our homes are equal to human children. But we should remain aware that we are being heavily marketed into demanding things equal to human children.

The main Challenge:

 I see in this, is the growing demand for dogs from people who do not understand that these are living creatures. They will live sometimes longer than 10  years sometimes up to 20 years. While many of their needs are similar to humans, dogs are not human.  The cost of providing the basic standard of living for our pets is now exceeding over $500 plus a year. This does not include special medical costs that some may need, which runs into the thousands of dollars each year per dog. 
We should be prepared to respect and love them in their old age. Since we as their owners, brought them into our homes as young dogs, we should not throw them away when we tire of them or they become inconvenient.  If we are going to treat them almost equal to humans when they are young, then we should care for them in their old age with the same status.  That means caring for them until they cross over the rainbow.


Although dogs are classified as 'special property', under our human laws they are still property.

Their wellbeing is up to the owners of this property.  Many people are working now and have for many years, trying to educate pet owners to be 'responsible owners'. 

But what does that mean?  For most of us that means the owners should be held responsible, under law if necessary, to provide basic needs for these pets, i.e. appropriate amounts of water, food, shelter, emotional support and basic medical care. Also to ensure they are in a safe environment.  The problem arises when we try as a group to decide what these terms mean. This is a changing area and many people who in the past would have not been questioned in their methods of caring for their 'special property' are finding themselves on the wrong side of these new definitions of ’basic needs' and treatment of these wonderful loyal loving animals.   It is no longer found to be acceptable to just let one's dog run the streets, or not get basic medical care and to be covered with fleas and ticks or need to hunt to find its food. But many have not yet got the "memo". We recommend that everyone read their states laws concerning animal welfare.

The old norm of letting dogs breed, because "we want puppies" is another area that has become another area of growing contention. There are many reasons why this has become a target area to encourage a major change in attitude.  It is simple.  The numbers of homeless starving abandoned pregnant moms and their puppies. The noise deafening and the misery is devastating to the humans tasked to destroy them. Do not judge unless you have found out why these places even exist.
We suggest you might want to read this article:
Original Purpose of “Animal Control" Shelters, which you might not know

Not sure if this is an exaggeration?  When was the last time you visited your local 'dog pound' or kill shelter where the overflow is insane.

There are many dedicated groups desperately trying to change attitudes about kill shelters. In a very short time many are no longer tasked with destroying all of the dogs and cats that are turned over to them.  But that only makes the numbers of homeless unwanted animals grow.  While this saves many lives it also adds to the pressures to stop the unchecked breeding in the first place.  We are not even speaking about the additional money required to keep these animals in an upgraded healthier condition so that they might have a better chance to find a new home.

We also suggest that you may find this article informative.
 Should You Volunteer at a Shelter?

 Photo from files: NEWBORN WITH CLEFT PALATE

Just check out the ASPCA's numbers of abandoned young dogs, purebred or mutts, commonly called designer dogs in today's world.  Ask them what happens to the tremendous numbers of deformed, sick and mentally unstable animals being bred by the thousands every year. 

While I am still of the opinion we do need some controlled purebred breeding within established standards, if we are to keep the traits and breed out the bad ones. I can only support those breeders that truly follow the standard breeding basics, that when followed (In case you do not know, can cost thousands of dollars to follow) ensure healthier pups for the future generations of dog lovers.  But then these are strict breeding policies that ensure that the moms and the males are healthy and not carrying bad genes that cause so much of today's blindness, deformities, mental instability, breathing and heart problems etc.  Most of our current breeders cannot afford to do these tests and would be unwilling to only breed one litter every other year, or only for a few years before retiring both parents.   NO most of our amateur breeders have “no clue”. In fact, these details I have only found out by researching many different sources on how to breed and birth healthy litters. We know most hobby or causal breeders do not even know to look. In the case of puppy mills and many commercial breeding kennels, they plainly do not care, it is all about the money.

But there is hope as the growing numbers of rescues and similar organizations and individuals every day of the year 'save' thousands of dogs, one dog (Cats are also caught up in this out of control situation) at a time. Slowly the word is getting out that there is a better way to ensure a slowing of the bad breeding and over-breeding of these pets. There are standards and methods that should be minimally kept. Sometimes a new hobby breeder thinking this would be a great way to make money, sadly too late, discovers all of the hidden costs associated with breeding.  When they cannot find paying homes for the pups because of the numerous puppies available, they land up dropped off at the closest shelter. Or worse yet they just sell the dogs to anyone offering money without even ensuring the new owner will take care of the dog.  

                                                                                                                                                Photo from our files RESCUED PUP

But as long as it is 'cool' to breed dogs just to show what birth looks like, or people think having a puppy is cute without knowledge on the basic costs of raising a dog or cat or how to train them how to behave in the world of humans (hmm, many don't even teach their own children either, but that is a whole other issue we leave to others) this problem will continue.
As the numbers of unwanted excess animals continue to rise, more cities, towns, counties and states are stepping in with regulations, laws and licensing in a patchwork fashion in their frantic attempt to stem this rising tide. But in many cases it's simply because these animals are threats to human health, and not totally to protect the animals.  This is a growing area of law and many more of us are rising up with 'enough is enough' of the animal abuse...

What can an individual pet owner do to help? 
As a responsible dog owner, one of the things you should do for your dog is have it spayed or neutered before it becomes sexually mature. The recommended age to do this is usually around six months old. Dogs reach sexual maturity when they are about six months old. Your veterinarian can help you make an informed decision about the best age to neuter your individual pet. Mainly this recommendation at this young of an age is made because of the astonishing number of abandoned dogs and cats born “accidentally” or unwanted. By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis, which results in millions of healthy dogs and cats being euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. Yes you have heard this tiresome tirad before. But can you be 100% sure your young dog will remain with you its whole life?  The numbers are staggering of how short their life span remains with the original owner. Remember dogs can live up to 10 to 20 years. Alot can change in this time.

There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets) your animals.

For dogs: While the traditional age for neutering is six to nine months, puppies as young as eight weeks old can be neutered as long as they’re healthy. Dogs can be neutered as adults as well, although there’s a slightly higher risk of postoperative complications in older dogs, dogs that are overweight or dogs that have health problems.¹

Some people say they want their children to witness birth. OKAY, you can still do that. There are plenty of rescue groups out there trying to help animals that have been abandoned by irresponsible pet owners. Many have pregnant animals. Volunteer to help...

The ASPCA states “We (ASPCA) spay or neuter dogs at our clinic at eight weeks as long as they weigh at least two pounds. Of course, it varies by breed. Some of the tiny breeds have to be done later. But larger breeds are usually ready by two months of age.
There are still some people who say pediatric spay/neuter is dangerous, but that’s not true. It has become much more widely accepted.

Those ideas about needing to wait until after a dog is six months or a year old are really antiquated and the evidence is to the contrary. Even the American Veterinary Medical Association supports early spay/neuter.²
Neutering a male will remove its psychological need to mate, it will tend to lose any aggressive tendencies and the danger of testicular cancer is removed. Spayed bitches are often healthier and live longer and will not attract male dogs when they no longer come in season for three weeks twice a year. The American Kennel Club allows spayed and neutered animals to participate in all phases of obedience, agility, and junior handling, but not in most conformation classes.
Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter.

Diagram of a female dog - spaying

For those who still insist on their "right " to breed their dog: Please read the following information as a starting place for healthy pups.
You should consider breeding your Boston Terrier only if it has passed an eye examination by a Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist (CERF), a hearing test (a BAER test if you can find someone to give a hearing test in your area), and a physical given by your veterinarian indicating that your Boston has normal patella's (knees), is in good health, and shows no sign of genetic disease. Additionally, no Boston Terrier showing any indications of bad temperament should ever be used for breeding.
Any Boston Terrier used for breeding should be a good representative of the breed as defined by the AKC Standard for the Boston Terrier. Before you consider using your stud dog or bitch for breeding, remember that only dogs free from any genetic defects should ever be used for breeding. If ever a puppy is born with any genetic defects, it means that the parents are carriers of that hereditary disease, and the breeding should not be repeated.

                                                                                                                                     

       Photo from our files breeder surrended breed mom

 BUT some Boston owners cannot pass up the lure to try hobby breeding. If this is an idea you have been toying with, then you need to know how to ensure the Boston’s health and that of the possible puppies.

PLEASE READ THIS:
You also need to consider the fact that breeding Boston Terriers requires a certain amount of skill and knowledge. Litters can be small (the average litter is 3.5 puppies), and C-sections are often required in order to protect the life of the mother and the puppies.
Breeding Boston Terriers is rarely a financially profitable venture. Birth defects sometimes occur.
Breeding dogs requires a financial investment as well as good veterinary care. Breeders also need to devote the time and energy to properly socialize their puppies so that they become good members of human society. Responsible breeders should also be very careful with their puppy placements so that Boston Terriers never turn up in dog shelters like other “short-snouted” breeds like Shih Tzu and Pugs. Boston Terriers can be susceptible to problems caused by its head and face shape.

BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK REMARKS:  Because many of our readers will have strong opinions on this subject we ask that comments be respectful.  Any disrespectful or inappropriate comments will be removed.  We do welcome comments that can add in a positive mature balanced way to this discussion.  Thank you

TO READ MORE ON THESE AREAS:
Through an animal shelter managers eyes - United Kingdom (UK)
Cleft Plate in Boston Terriers part 1 of 2 How to keep puppy alive
10 common reasons dogs end up in shelters
Miss Katie: The Life and Times of a Backyard Breeder Dog
SOURCES USED:

¹http://www.aspca.org
²http://pets.webmd.com 

“If pet owners don't make arrangements, the outcome for their animals can be uncertain. If left to chance after the owner’s death, or incapacitation, the animals may be left without proper care or be taken to a shelter where the animals may be euthanized.”

Providing for the continuing care of companion animals should be an important part of estate planning for owners. Recently, we wrote an article exploring the problems and concerns of planning for our companion pets, to prevent them from becoming another victim of the growing numbers of beloved pets rejected by otherwise caring family members who were expected to deal with pets left behind whose owners were no longer able to provide homes. If the family is not willing or cannot take in a pet, they may not know where else to turn and out of lack of knowledge drop them at local shelters thinking they are really helping the dog.




Providing for the continuing care of companion animals is an important part of estate planning for owners. Companion animals are often considered members of the family.  There are 38 states that have statutes specifying that trusts for animals are valid. However, few practitioners have drafted such trusts.

Many Americans are very concerned about providing continuing care for their dearly loved pets. Sadly, a considerable number of domestic pets are unwittingly condemned to imprisonment and a life without love because their owners did not know—and were not well advised—to make arrangements for them.

One reason why setting up a pet trust is better than dealing with pet issues in a will: Trusts take effect quickly in the event of the owner's death, or incapacitation, compared with the execution of a will, a process that can drag on for weeks, if not months or years, in probate court.³

Because pets are considered property, they must be bequeathed to the trust.

For most pet lovers, animals are part of the family. In fact, the Friedman family of Deerfield calls their "high-maintenance" 12-year-old Portuguese water dog, Payton, their "oldest child."

It is recommended that the estate plan provide instructions on how to fund the pet trust. The amount will depend on such factors as the pet's age, cost of routine care, food and toys, Cordell said.

Jeffrey Schmidt, Fifth Third trust officer, said if pet trusts are part of a person's overall estate planning, they should cost no more than $250 to $500.

Todd Cordell, vice president of Chicago Trust Co. in Hinsdale, said establishing an estate plan can cost $500 to $3,000 or more depending on its complexity. It should be little to no extra cost to establish a pet trust as part of that estate plan, he said. If provisions of the pet trust need to be changed, amendments to the trust could cost $300 to $1,000 depending on the complexity.

In Illinois, a judge has the authority to reduce the amount of money used to fund a pet trust if the amount is deemed to be excessive.

The Friedman's estate plan, handled by Lindsey Paige Markus of Chicago law firm Chuhak & Tecson, calls for Payton to be adopted in the event of the premature deaths of dad, Brad, 38, an executive vice president for Chicago-based real estate development firm Urban R2, and mom, Jolie, 35, who works at Northbrook children's clothing store Peek A Boutique.

Interestingly enough the PAWS (PETS ARE WORTH SAVING) of Chicago, the city's largest No-Kill animal shelter has a special program for just this area of concern.

Guardian Angels are dedicated friends of PAWS Chicago who have committed to leaving a legacy of financial support through a bequest or other planned gift arrangement. They state that they receive no city, state or federal government funds.

Guardian Angel Pet Care Program
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who will care for my pets when I’m gone?” PAWS, Chicago’s Guardian Angel Pet Care program is for you.

The Guardian Angel Pet Care program is designed to give peace of mind to PAWS Chicago supporters who are concerned about the safety of their pets, should something happen to them. By making a planned gift and working with PAWS Chicago representatives to enroll their pets in the Pet Care program, these Guardian Angels know that upon their death, or incapacitation, their pet has a safe place to go, will be given quality care and will ultimately find a permanent home.

In addition to providing for their own pets, these Guardian Angels are helping other at-risk homeless cats and dogs by financially supporting PAWS, Chicago’s important lifesaving work¹

Do you know of other programs like this that you can recommend?

The idea of legally enforceable documents that ensure companion animals’ continuing care is relatively new.

There are three documents to consider when planning the estates of pet owners. The will is valid after death, and its purpose is to distribute property. The free-standing, traditional pet trust enlists a trustee who distributes funds and ensures that the person caring for a pet follows the owner’s instructions. The pet protection agreement is the layperson’s pet trust—an affordable, fill-in-the-blank, legally enforceable document.³

Alternative Options

If your state has not enacted a pet trust law and/or you are interested in what else you can do to plan for the care of an animal, please review the options listed below.

Option 1: Life Trust

Pet owners have the option of creating a living trust for their pets. Such a trust appoints a caretaker and creates a monetary gift for the caregiver, conditioned on their continued care of the pet owner’s animal in the event of the pet owner’s death. If the conditions are not met, the money in the trust will go back to the pet owner’s estate and will not be given to the caretaker.

Option 2: Will

Pet owners have the option of putting a provision in their will for the care of their pets. Such provisions designate a caretaker and commonly set aside an amount of money with a request for the money to be used by the caretaker in the care of the pets. Pet owners can provide alternative caretakers if the original is unable or unwilling to accept the animals and can designate temporary guardians for pets while estate issues are being settled.

Caveat when using Option 2: Unlike a trust arrangement for the care of a pet, there is no continuing obligation for the executor under a will to see to the well-being of the pet once the administration of an estate is complete. The integrity and moral commitment of the caregiver will be your only assurance that the pet’s care will continue. Therefore, choose your primary caregiver and alternate caregiver, wisely.

Option 3: Humane Society or other trusted animal rescue group set up to accommodate pets in trust

Consider making arrangements with a humane society, animal rescue group or animal “rest home” to take possession and care of your pet. You should review the type of care offered by each organization, its facility and staff, as well as the costs associated with that care.

Option 4: Pet Protection Agreement

Created by Rachel Hirschfeld, the PPA is a check-the-box, fill in the blanks, legally enforceable contract between a minimum of two individuals or entities—the pet parent and the pet guardian. No attorney is required and it is valid in every state. (Currently available through Legalzoom.com) 3

Please consult your states full pet trust statute or a licensed attorney for further information.

Alabama

Code of Ala. § 19-3B-408
Year of Enactment: 2006

Summary of law: A trust may be created for the care of an animal, or animals, alive during the settlor’s lifetime. The trust terminates upon the death of the animal, or upon the death of the last surviving animal covered by the trust ²

Remainder beneficiaries. Most people incorrectly believe that all of the funds must be spent on the pet. This is not true. As a matter of fact, it is vitally important to direct the distribution of all funds remaining in the documents so that the court doesn’t get involved in doing this. The majority of pet owners leave the remaining funds after the pets’ death to animal charities and family. It is important that the remainder is left in percentages as opposed to whole numbers; you never know what the final number may be.³

Pet’s detailed description. Identifying the pet in detail is critically important to prevent a pet guardian from replacing the original pet in order to illegally extend trust distributions or benefits.³

Instructions for care. Instructions regarding the pet’s care should be detailed instructions that a parent might provide when leaving a baby in a sitter’s care for an extended period. Detailed instructions help ease the transition between pet owner and pet guardian. However, the instructions should allow the pet guardian to exercise some discretion when facing new circumstances.³

Keeping pets together. If the pet owner wants to keep together certain pets because they were raised together or have otherwise bonded, make sure to include this instruction in the document; it will not happen automatically. The ability to keep pets together can have a significant impact on the choice of pet guardians.³

Including all present and future pets. All pets owned by the pet owner, including those that the pet owner does not yet have at the time the documents are written, should be included. It saves the effort of having to formally amend or create a new document every time a pet dies or a new one comes into the family. Including the term “all my pets” accomplishes this.³

SOURCES USED
¹GuardianAngel@pawschicago.org
²http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning/pet-trust-laws (has list of states and the summary of the law for all of the states and much more information.)
³Estate Planning Issues Involving Pets

OTHER SOURCES:
State Laws on Pet Trusts     

and
http://pettrustlawyer.com/faq.php#comparison

You might also want to read
Do you have a plan what if something happens to you?

 Edited by Jan Mitchell

"I found her wandering through the house again aimlessly. Molly started showing signs that something just wasn’t quite right. There were early signs but they were very slowly and gradually. It took me a long time to figure out what was happening to her. She could make anyone feel good about themselves, even on a bad day. But that was when she was younger. I had to learn that sometimes you have to put the past behind and get a grip on what is currently happening. And I did not like it, the changes scared me. I did not see it coming and then BAMM... There it was….."

Canine and feline cognitive dysfunction syndromes are degenerative brain diseases that are often missed until the signs become so advanced that it may be too late to help the pet or owner.

"One of the greatest problems we have with cognitive dysfunction is the lack of awareness, not only on the part of the public, but on the part of the practicing veterinarians. They understand that it is out there, but they don’t appreciate how common it is,” said Jeff Nichol, DVM, a veterinary behavior practitioner at the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in Albuquerque, N.M.

Another concern is when do you know it is time to let your pet go?  This is a great worry no one wants to face or talk about but something we must. Eileen Anderson, a dog blogger and author of a new book about canine dementia, recommends that pet owners use a scale developed by veterinarian Alice Villalobos to determine an aging pet’s quality of life. The scale lists seven criteria, including the animal’s hunger and pain levels and hygiene habits, and suggests pet owners rank each on a scale of 1 to 10. When the pet suffers “more bad days than good,” Villalobos says, it is probably best to humanely put the animal to death.
Read more here:

 

The technical term for the condition, "Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome," has only more recently become recognized as a disease in dogs. Now, it is estimated that more than 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 will exhibit symptoms of cognitive decline".  Well learning this did not make be feel any better. Nor did the statement  "Although dementia is almost never fatal on its own, cognitive dysfunction and physical health problems are a debilitating combination,"  that I read somewhere... no help either. This is just making me sadder.

"Veterinarians assume that the owner will tell them ‘My older dog is not acting the same’ during the course of an exam,” Dr. Nichol says. "But many pet owners assume the behavior changes are a normal part of aging.” Traditionally, these old-dog behaviors have been dismissed as normal aging changes, but modern veterinary research has found that many of them are caused by changes in the brain similar, although not identical, to the effect of Alzheimer's disease in people.

Dementia is more common in pets past 10 years of age   
 The symptoms include personality changes, cognitive dysfunction, fixed gaze and confusion. The vet will prescribe certain medicines to control nerve impulses in the brain. Pet owners also have to learn techniques to manage pets suffering from dementia.

 It has became apparent that caring for a senior human who has Alzheimer's, that the symptoms and behaviors are almost identical.  For many caretakers of humans this helped owners of older Bostons to understand what they are going through.

Okay, so what should you do? Here are some ideas to deal with different behaviors you might see. 

 Not all of our dear seniors will have the same symptoms, so some of these you may not have to deal with. Like human dementia this could be slow moving in an otherwise healthy dog...

 WANDERING/ Seems lost in a familiar room 

Use your intuition as a guide to help you guess what your dog is attempting to communicate. Ask yourself, is there a need that is not being filled? First check if he needs to go outside to do his business, after that if he continues, take/guide him to his water bowl for a drink, after that if he continues, guide/take him to his bed sit down with him and give him some petting and talk to him.

ZONES OUT/IN THE ZONE / FIXATED/STARING

If your Boston seems to just sit and stare out into space or become fixated for long periods of time. One suggestion was to use distraction to bring her out of it. Try leading her to her bed or play a little game, cuddle, brush, take her out into the yard or even a little treat to help her come out of it.

NEW/ STRANGE/ THINGS ARE OUT OF PLACE

Just as recommended for blind or sight impaired Bostons, it is suggested not to move things like furniture. Sometimes even things we would not normally think a problem might cause confusion; like water bowls, their beds, shutting a door that is normally open, moving a foot stool or moving a potted plant to a different corner. For the demented their territory is not the same, it is not recognizable.

ROUTINES BECOME IMPORTANT

Because keeping a daily routine will help the dog's body clock. If events happen the same time every day this might prevent  wondering lost or other strange behaviors. Having the same walking time, bed time and eating done at the same time and place is less confusing for them.  Just like with humans loud crashing noises, loud music and crowds of people can be frightening for the dog with dementia.

LOST AND DISORIENTED IN THE DARK

It appears that it is not unusual for a dog to start barking in the middle of the night. Even when you take the Boston outside thinking that was the reason for the barking. One person suggested their dog was waking them up every night until they realized the dog was getting out of his bed getting lost in the dark and barking because he could not find his bed. They put some “SOLAR LIGHTS” on the floor on either side of his bed, a bit like a guiding light and the problem went away. The reason for the solar lights is because they are portable, cheap to use and you can place them wherever you want, in this case close to the bedding. These practical suggestions were from Judith Collins.

A suggestion that also made sense from another reader was that "older dogs might get cold at night and putting on a sweater or even doggie PJ's might help keep them warm and provide a "cuddly feeling"  or ensuring there are loose blankets to snuggle up on or under. 

A large 2011 study out of Australia bears this out.
Researchers found that the overall prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was a little more than 14 percent, but only about 1.9 percent of cases are diagnosed. The same study found that the chances of having cognitive dysfunction increase with age, so that by the time dogs are 15 years old, 41 percent will have at least one sign consistent with cognitive decline. Neilson and Hart estimated the prevalence in geriatric dogs at 68 percent.

In a 2011 review, Gunn-Moore estimated that one-third of cats 11 to 14 years old has age-related cognitive decline, which increased to more than 50 percent of cats 15 years old or older.

Unfortunately, less is known about the cognitive effects of aging on senior cats than on senior dogs, but their management is similar.

Just as veterinarians monitor other body systems in aging pets, they should ask pointed questions about behavior, according to Marsha Reich, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, owner of Maryland-Virginia Veterinary Behavioral Consulting in Silver Spring, Md."Just because he’s getting old doesn’t mean that we just stand on the sidelines and let him get old. There are things we can do to intervene and improve the dog’s ability to function and improve its quality of life,” she said."This is critical. Early recognition allows for early intervention,” added Gary M. Landsberg BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, Dipl. ECAWBM (behavior), director of veterinary affairs at CanCog Technologies and a veterinary behaviorist at the North Toronto Animal Clinic in Ontario, Canada.

But older dogs have many co-morbidities that must be managed, so veterinarians might need help assuring that behavior issues are addressed.

So many conditions in an older pet mimic cognitive decline that it is important to rule out any other physical reason for the complaint.
For instance, if the pet is just standing in the middle of the room staring for a moment, it might be having a partial seizure. If it has disengaged with its owner, it could be in pain. Relieving itself in the house or outside the litter box could signal kidney disease.

Therefore, every senior pet with suspected cognitive dysfunction should receive a CBC and chemistry panel, urinalysis and a neurological examination, the experts said.

"You want to find out what is going on with the pet before you put the dog on medication because the medications for cognitive dysfunction won’t help if the dog has kidney disease,” Reich said. Nichol suggested reviewing the medications the pet is taking because sometimes the senior pet metabolizes drugs differently than younger pets. For instance, he had a patient that had been taking an anti-anxiety drug for a long time, but as it got older, it became confused.

If a cat is not using the litter box, make sure that it doesn’t have trouble getting in and out of the box. Perhaps it needs a ramp or a space cut out of the side to make access easier. Older dogs that are house soiling might need to go outside more often.

  It cannot be cured and veterinarians need to make sure that owners recognize this inevitability. Depending on how far the cognition has declined before it is discovered, the goal is increasing quality of life for months, maybe a few years.

Changes in the diet are the first steps. The behaviorists recommend putting the dog on an anti-oxidant-rich diet, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d or Purina’s One Vibrant Maturity 7+ Senior formula. Many also prescribe fish oil because omega fatty acids might be good for brain health. Selegiline (Anipryl, Zoetis), which is used to treat human dementia, is the only medication with a veterinary indication to treat canine cognitive dysfunction. However, several dietary supplements have also been shown to improve cognitive dysfunction.
Some dogs seem to have more problems at night. They sleep all day and are awake all night. They pace. They make noise. They might be anxious and uncomfortable. Behaviorists recommend melatonin, which not only promotes sedation, but is also an antioxidant.

If the dog appears anxious, Reich recommends an additional nutraceutical, Anxitane (suntheanine, Virbac).

They tend to use all of the supplements together. "The scientific way is to start with one treatment, and see how it works. But dogs don’t have that much time. We use all these modalities at once,” Nichol explained.

Exercise is another important component of the program. Taking the dog for a leash walk enables it to use all of its senses, but Reich said to make sure the owner understands the dog’s limitations. Don’t turn a simple walk into an endurance contest. No one benefits if it is too strenuous or stressful.

"Exercise is helpful,” she said, "but one has to stay within the dog’s physical limits. Make sure that people don’t overdo it.”

Just as staying active helps a person with dementia, playing and working with the owner helps to mentally stimulate the pet. Puzzles and toys that require mental agility can stimulate their brains.

"Enrichment plays a key role in slowing cognitive decline,” Landsberg said. "Both physical exercise and mental activities--training, food manipulation toys and games--are beneficial. In addition, behavior counseling (and sometimes other psychotropic drugs or natural supplements for anxiety) will often be needed to improve behaviors such as night waking, house soiling and fears and phobias.”
None of these will provide much help for a dog that is in the end-stages of cognitive decline, so it is crucial to diagnose this disease and start making changes, such as one of the supplements or diets for brain aging, as the dog hits its senior years.

How long the dementia lasts?
It can last up to several years if the dog is otherwise healthy. There is sometimes an appetite change, or the dog just gets more and more frail. 

 YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE TO READ:

Dementia in dogs: A few suggestions to help
Young is out and old is in!