[Dailydrool] Canine Cognative Disfunction

[Cary Riker-Shutt via Dailydrool]

Sadly, Canine Cognitive Disfunction (dementia in dogs) can happen to older dogs. One of my basset mixes who was the smartest dog I ever had, seemed very out of it near the end. She was a rescue, so I have no idea how old she was. If you catch it early, there are some medications that can help.  Here is some info from Wikipedia:
There is no cure for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, but there are medical aids to help mask the symptoms attributed to the disease as it progresses. Therapies are a major form of symptom masking, such as exercise increase, new toys, and learning new commands have shown increases in memory. Changing the dog’s diet is also a helpful tool in improving memory and cell membrane health. Medication is also one of the most effective ways to mask the symptoms of CCD. Anipryl (selegiline) is the only drug that has been approved for use on dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.[5] Anipryl is a drug that is used to treat humans with Parkinson's disease, and has shown drastic improvement in the quality of life in dogs living with CCD. Additional aids for dogs with CCD include acupuncture and special blends of Chinese herbs.

Acupuncture worked very well for one of my other dogs suffering a lot of pain. He found it very relaxing. 

Best of luck to you and Janie Anne! 


Cary Riker-Shutt
Happy Valley Pet Services
http://happyvalleypet.com
503-278-4249
text msg: 805-509-3736
caryriker at gmail.com



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