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Senile Dementia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Senile Dementia in Dogs: When we decided to welcome a dog in our home. We know that this relationship will give us many positive results that derive from the beautiful bond between a person and their pet. However, we also accept the great responsibility of providing our pet with an optimal state of health and well-being.

Dogs are susceptible to numerous diseases and as with us, some of them are directly linked to the aging process. The case with dogs and although having a long-lived pet by our side is endearing. It also requires more attention on our part.

Senile Dementia In Dogs
Senile Dementia In Dogs

So in this article, we talk about the symptoms and treatment of senile dementia in dogs. We will explain each and everything in a clear manner and in the best way. Continue Reading to know more…

What is Senile Dementia in Dogs?

The older dogs begin their aging between 6 and 10 years, although it is true that large dog’s age before those dogs of a smaller size. The aging process in the dog is associated with a progressive loss of some functions such as those associated with the sense of sight and hearing. With the sense of smell being the last to diminish its capacity.

Senile dementia is a disorder that affects very often and very long-lived dogs and is a disease that we can also observe in humans as they age. Senile dementia is cognitive dysfunction, which can be translated as follows: the dog begins to lose its ability to reason.

Symptoms of Senile Dementia in Dogs

The symptoms of senile dementia in dogs can also be observed in other pathologies of very different nature. So if you notice some of these manifestations in your pet you should go urgently to the veterinarian. The behaviors of the senile dog are the following

Symptoms Of Senile Dementia in Dogs
Symptoms Of Senile Dementia in Dogs
  • The dog is not oriented well in space, is lost in places that are familiar, cannot overcome obstacles and walks to the wrong side of the door (try to exit by the hinge).
  • It decreases its response to different stimuli, there is a loss of interest and it does not enjoy human contact. Although on the contrary, it can also develop a behavior of great attachment.
  • Presents the lost look and walks without any concrete objective.
  • He is restless and agitated, sleeps during the day and wanders during the night.
  • It takes time to respond or does not respond to orders. Even it takes time to recognize family members.
  • Shows changes in appetite.
  • Start to realize your needs inside the house.

The owners suffer greatly from the senile dementia of their dog because they see progressively as they diminish the faculties of this one. But far from cornering us in the sadness that can cause us to see our dog like this. We must do everything possible so that our pet transite this stage with the highest quality of life possible.

Treatment of Senile Dementia in Dogs

Veterinary attention is essential, the doctor will conduct a thorough behavioral and physical examination that will verify the diagnosis of senile dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome. In the case of confirming the diagnosis, we must clarify that senile dementia has no cure but it is possible to alleviate their symptoms to improve the quality of life of the elderly dog.

As we will see later, the owner has a lot to determine in the treatment of senile dementia. Since the use of drugs is reserved for those cases in which the degeneration is not serious. Otherwise, the response to treatment pharmacological can be practically nil.

In the event that the veterinarian decides to prescribe a pharmacological treatment will generally resort to the following drugs:

MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors):

This group of drugs by inhibiting this enzyme reduces the action of free radicals, which exerts a neuroprotective function.

Ginkgo Biloba:

It is the most natural treatment since it is a plant extract that improves the blood supply to the brain and with them the functions of cognition.

Nicergoline:

This active ingredient increases blood flow to the brain and decreases the release of free radicals, which also exerts a neuroprotective effect.

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Accompany the Dog with Senile Dementia

If you are the owner of a long-lived dog suffering from senile dementia, far from frustrated. You should know that you can do a lot to improve the quality of life of your pet

dementia in dogs when to euthanize

  • The stimulation of the sense of touch is of vital importance, caress your dog as much as you can, as long as you do not interrupt his rest.
  • Taste stimulation is also important. There is nothing better to feed a dog with senile dementia than homemade, tasty and fragrant food.
  • The senile dog perceives its environment as more threatening and generates anxiety in the face of obstacles that it can not overcome. So that in its environment it can hardly find barriers that hinder its mobility.
  • Respect the sleep-wake cycle of your dog. If your dog wanders at night, try to provide a safe environment to do so.
  • Love him as you have never done before and above all, under no circumstances do you reproach him for his behavior.

So these are some of the best things you can do in order to cure your dog of senile dementia.

Conclusion

Hence, you have finally got all the details of Senile Dementia in dogs and what are the cause for it in dogs. You have also explored the symptoms and treatment for senile dementia in dogs. We hope you like this article. Feel free to ask your questions in the comment box below. We are here to help you out. Support Dogsfud website by sharing the site and this article on your social media networks. Stay tuned to dogsfud for the more informative article on dogs.

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