Just like Alzheimer's disease in people, canine cognitive dysfunction affects mostly older dogs. It is the age-related deterioration of cognitive abilities characterized by behavioral changes in dogs not caused by a particular physical health problem or reaction to medication.
The exact cause of this syndrome is not clearly known. However, it appears that physical and chemical changes in the dog's body affect the brain function of the dog. Microscopically, abnormal protein accumulations can be seen within the brain of a dog with cognitive dysfunction, and its blood vessels become visible (as in people with Alzheimer's). Ultimately, the brain lesions interfere with proper nerve transmission, resulting in behavioral changes in the dog.
In a pet owner study, nearly half of all dogs aged 8 years and older showed at least one sign of canine cognitive dysfuntion syndrome.
Signs and Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
The top most common signs and symptoms of canine cognitive disorder include:
- Deafness
- Lethargy, weakness
- Excess sleep (sleeps a lot during the day)
- House-training problems (urinating at inappropriate places)
- Staring at the wall
- Restlessness
- Aggression because the dog cannot recognize his friends or family members
- Disorientation - the dog may wander aimlessly; may appear lost or confused in familiar places such as own house or yard; may get stuck in corners or under/behind furniture
- Poor coat
Conventional Treatment of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
The drug
Anipryl has been approved by the FDA for treating canine cognitive dysfunction. Most dogs are prescribed one tablet per day. While effective in some dog patients, the drug can cause some side effects in others, such as restlessness, disorientation, confusion, vomiting, increased thirst, anemia, stiffness and lack of appetite. If no side effects are shown, this drug has to be used for the lifetime of the dog.
Since the medication is rather expensive, if your older dog is showing signs of CCD, you may want to consider natural alternative remedies.
Natural Remedies for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Quite a few herbs and nutritional supplements can be used to help prevent and improve canine cognitive dysfunction. They include:
- Choline: Choline is an organic compound, classified as a water-soluble essential nutrient and is usually grouped within the Vitamin B complex. Choline is a "building block" needed to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, responsible for mediating brain functions such as memory, intelligence and mood. A deficiency in acetylcholine is believed to be a contributing factor in senility in general and Alzheimer's disease in particular. A clinical study has found that choline supplementation was effective for reversing signs of cognitive dysfunction in both dogs and cats. Recommended dosage is 50 to 100 mg daily for a 50-pound dog.
- Ginkgo: The herb ginkgo is widely considered as an "antiaging herb". It has proved effective in treating Alzheimer's disease in both people and canine. Ginkgo enhances both long-term and short-term memory in puppies and senior dogs alike.
- Rosemary: Rosemary is another effective herb that can help prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain. In addition, rosemary is an important antioxidant.
- Bacopa: Commonly known as Waterhyssop, bacopa is an Ayurvedic herb and has been used for a long time in India as a brain tonic to enhance memory and concentration.
- Gotu Kola: This is a traditional herb of both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and has antioxidant properties that can protect the body from damage by free radicals. It is particularly useful for memory problems and stress-related disorders.
- Flaxseed Oil: Flaxseed oil is beneficial for older dogs as it is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, the "good fats" that have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce cholesterol and prevent blood clots.
Natural Remedies for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
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