Little is known about doggy dementia. In fact, most dog owners dont
know this condition exists. Doggy dementia is otherwise known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). It is a degenerative brain disease in older dogs, mirroring Alzheimer's disease in humans.
While
advanced age is a primary risk factor, genetics also play a role in
certain breeds. Dogs that have had little mental stimulation in their
lives, also have a high possibility of getting CCD.
Symptoms
include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, altered behaviour,
and loss of house training. Early recognition is crucial for effective
management. CCD also comes in different forms such as eating but forgot
that they had eaten, obsession with doors, going in and out, in and out,
non-stop – Zeus had this. In the video, you see Zeus biting the
playpen, not because he was teething 😊 but because he was so obsessed
with going in and out that he just had to bite the fences to go in and
out! CCD is a horrible disease that plays tricks on their brains ☹
Most
common of all is getting stuck in corners and not knowing how to
reverse out – basically their brain only have forward gear and no
reverse gear. Some walk for hours; Chloe the piglet, in her final
months, would walk from 1am to 5am or 7am. Initially medication worked
but over time, her body got immune to these sleep meds and she became
invincible 😊 Thankfully we loved her just the same <3
Mental
stimulation and physical activity are vital in delaying the onset of
CCD. Dogs engaged in regular outdoor walks and provided with enrichment
activities tend to exhibit better cognitive function as they age.
Providing a stimulating environment with interactive toys, puzzle
feeders, and regular training sessions can help keep a dog's mind active
and potentially delay cognitive decline.
Proper nutrition is
essential for overall health, including brain function. Some diets
support cognitive health in aging dogs, with ingredients like
antioxidants, selegiline, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Regular vet
checks can help in early detection and management of CCD. Vets may
recommend specific treatments or medications to slow disease
progression.
CCD is progressive and irreversible but
interventions can enhance a dog's quality of life and slow the decline.
Maintaining a consistent routine and providing affectionate care are
crucial.
Combining mental stimulation, physical activity, proper
nutrition, and vet visits/advises are the best chance of delaying CCD.
However, genetics is also an influence so it’s important to detect it
early and get treatment for it.
