The last few months we have noticed our sweet girl, Sissy (blue heeler) has been showing signs of forgetfulness, confusion, lathargy, lack of energy, no spark, staring off into space. Now I know she is 16 years old which is a good long age for a dog but we also notices she can't hear us.
I did some research and discovered dog's can get alzheimer so after filling out the check list and finding she has many of the classic symptoms it was off to the vet for confirmation. Sure enough we have her diagnosed correctly.
We are puting her on medication recommended specifically for this disorder as well as Hills animal food for the brain (made to help decrease the symptoms or stop them). She is not in any pain what so ever, she just forgets she is a dog and she gets mixed up where the doors are and such. She has also been confirmed to be completely deaf and has cataracts developing but her sight is still good because she saw a squirrel and took off after him up the tree. Funny she forgot she cant climb trees and gave it a good try.
I am just curious if anyone has ever gone through this with any of your dogs and if there was certain things recommended to you to make the quality of life they had left a great one. Sissy is healthy as can be considering, to look at her she does not look like a 16 year old dog, she just has become more docile in her demeanor and a little less active.
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A Real Southern Canadian Beaver
I am Proud to be 100% Canadian "Y'ALL"
110% Redneck Woman "Yehaww"
Researchers believe Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is caused by physical and chemical changes that affect the brain function in older dogs. Dogs with CDS may show signs of confusion and/or various other behavioral changes that are not a normal part of aging.
This confusion can lead to a life of lonely isolation, separated from family members who have come to cherish their older dog's companionship. This can be as hard on family members as it is on the dog. Pet owners often describe their dogs as less responsive, forgetful or confused.
Please if your dog shows any signs of these symptoms, have them checked out, they still have lots to give to you, they just cant remember how to do it.
Check list for older dogs:
Does your dog:
(Disorientation/Confusion)
Appear lost or confused in the house or yard?
Fail to recognize familiar people?
Fail to respond to verbal cues or name?
Have difficulty finding the door or stand on the hinge side of the door?
Appear to forget the reason for going outdoors?
(Interaction with family members)
Seek attention less often?
Walk away when being petted?
Show less enthusiasm upon greeting you?
No longer greet family members?
(Sleep and activity changes)
Sleep more during the day?
Sleep less during the night?
Wander or pace more?
(Loss of house-training)
Urinate indoors?
Have accidents indoors soon after being outside?
Forget to ask you to go outside?
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A Real Southern Canadian Beaver
I am Proud to be 100% Canadian "Y'ALL"
110% Redneck Woman "Yehaww"
Could my brother have this as he exhibits many of the symptoms? usually after drinking too much.
Throw in some omega 3, it ain't going to hurt any dog at any stage of life.
heheheheheh OMgosh too funny - not sure if it is the same thing but I am certain the symptoms may be very close lol
we give her glucosemine and the food she is on has omega 3 in it - it is so heartbreaking to see her getting frustrated with herself cause she can't find the door to go outside and then pee's - we are using my little chihuahua now as Sissy's guide pooch - Remington goes into the garage to wake her up and then he runs to the door for her to follow - quite cute how he has taken over when not so long ago she was his teacher.
She spends her days outside with our lab Hunter, whom Sissy raised as her own baby when we added Hunter to the zoo, now Hunter makes sure Sissy stays safe outside. I wish humans behaved this way, it seems animals pick up on the needs of others and just know what has to be done.
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A Real Southern Canadian Beaver
I am Proud to be 100% Canadian "Y'ALL"
110% Redneck Woman "Yehaww"
...
ary to come spank you
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