As dogs age, they can develop symptoms similar to
dementia in humans. It is termed Canine
Cognitive Dysfunction or CCD. Dogs with
CCD can show a variety of symptoms. Forgetting
how to do simple tasks, such as how to climb stairs or how to back up, is a
common symptom. Your dog may stand at
the bottom of the stairs as if he is confused, or he may get stuck in a corner.
Another common symptom is becoming fearful. Because your dog is fearful, his personality
can change causing him to growl or bite if suddenly startled. When approaching your dog, it is very
important to make sure he knows you are there in order to decrease the chance
of startling him.
Many dogs will also develop a fear of the
dark. These dogs often pace restlessly
at night. Finally, many dogs with CCD will
no longer be housebroken. They will
start to eliminate in the house.
There are medications available that will slow
the progression of CCD, but similar to humans with dementia, there is no
cure. The best thing we can do is gain
an understanding of these changes and do the best we can to accommodate our
geriatric pets. For instance, if your
dog has grown fearful, try to minimize the amount of stress in his life. One example would be allowing him a safe
place to go if there are small children in the house. If he has grown fearful of the dark, give him
a nightlight. Also, he may need to be
constantly shown how to do simple tasks.
Finally, he may need to be placed into a crate when you are not home. This can accomplish two things; one, it will
give him a place where he feels safe when he is alone; and two, it will keep
him from eliminating in the house.
Geriatric dogs can be a challenge. Our dogs give us unconditional love and the
least we can do is give them our patience and understanding as they age.
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