SENILITY AND DEMENTIA

Canine Cognitive Disorder

This is a relatively common disorder in old dogs. While it isn't necessarily senility, many people are concerned that their dogs appear to be senile. The reason this occurs is due to an age related process where chemicals in the brain aren't as plentiful as required, so the brain doesn't function as well as it always used to.

Signs of this problem include crying or howling for no apparent reason (often during the night), pacing, loss of coherence or understanding of previously known commands, and a need to be with you always.

Many other things can cause these signs, including pain, sudden blindness and deafness, and other neurological problems. This is why it is important for us to assess your dog if these signs are occurring.

These problems can often be exacerbated by medical problems or other anxiety related problems.

There is a medication that can help in these older dogs to settle this behaviour. It is not a sedative and does not affect their behaviour in any other way. It has very few side effects. We consider treatment for these problems quite successful.

As stated above, there are many other disorders that mimmick this disorder and it is therefore important that we examine your dog. Blood tests or other tests may be required to assess for these other problems and your dogs suitability for the medication.

If you are unsure of your dog's behaviour please contact us to discuss it.

For more information on caring for your elderly dog check out  

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