Saturday, March 25, 2017
4 Healthy Oils To Add To Your Dog's Diet
Dogs may not be getting all the necessary nutrition he needs from eating his regular diet. While standard dog food can certainly come packed with plenty of essential nutrients, you can supplement your dog’s dietary regimen with certain healthy oils—jam packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids—to promote optimum heath.
In this simple guide, we’ll show you how to pick these natural oils for dogs, and offer best practices and feeding tips.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIEST OILS FOR DOGS?
Fish oil: Fish oil contains EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that help arthritis, and also has some anti-cancer effects, says Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA, MSFP, and executive director of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Foundation. Fish oil can also improve your dog’s memory.
“The primary reason I recommend fish-oil based omega-3 fatty aids is to yield a natural anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce overall inflammation in the body and potentially decrease my patients’ reliance on medications aimed at reducing inflammation and pain,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, and a certified veterinary acupuncturist with California Pet Acupuncture and Wellness (CPAW).
Krill oil: While fish oil usually comes from fish higher on the food chain, like salmon, krill oil hails from tiny shrimp-like organisms that rank a little lower. This makes krill oil less likely to be contaminated with mercury, Dr. Scanlan says. It also contains EPA and DHA, and will help give your pet healthier joints and skin, in addition to other benefits.
“All dogs are omnivores that lean towards the carnivorous side, so they best absorb non-vegetarian-based oils like fish and krill,” explains Dr. Mahaney.
Coconut oil: Extra-virgin coconut oil has become a popular choice for humans because it’s a healthier alternative to more processed saturated and trans fats, and the same applies to dogs. Coconut oil has also been shown to help dogs lose weight, give them more energy, and offer relief to dry skin. Bonus: It will help improve your dog’s bad breath!
Flaxseed oil: This oil is high in alpha linolenic omega-3s, which puts it in the same ballpark as wild fish when it comes to boosting heart health. Like many of the other healthy oils, flaxseed oil also helps with mobility for arthritic dogs, and can aid in blood pressure and kidney function.
HOW CAN I SERVE MY DOGS HEALTHY OILS?
Most oils come in either capsule form or free oil. “But a jar of oil, once opened and exposed to the air, can become rancid—so capsules are usually a better way to go,” says Dr. Scanlan.
However, it could depend on your dog’s taste preferences. “Hearty-eating dogs may readily consume a capsule or allotted portion of liquid out of their food,” says Dr. Mahaney. Most liquid oils mix best with moist food, but you can still pour them over dry food like kibble, he adds.
Capsules also tend to best be consumed out of moist food. “Pets that are unwilling to consume the capsule may take it in liquid form if the capsule is pierced, squeezed, and mixed into the moist food or a soft treat,” Dr. Mahaney says.
DO THESE OILS HAVE ANY NEGATIVE EFFECTS FOR DOGS?
Too much of any oil can cause weight gain, says Dr. Scanlan. “A large dose of oil all at once can cause pancreatis in a susceptible individual—especially if they are fat,” she adds.
Too much oil can also lead to a vitamin E deficiency if you don’t properly supplement with some additional vitamin E.
Fish oil can prolong the time it takes blood to clot, so if your pet is going to have surgery, it’s best to stop the oil for at least five days before and five days after the operation, Dr. Scanlan says.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO TELL QUALITY WHEN LOOKING FOR THESE OILS?
Companies that have the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal are required to show that their products have been tested in labs to have the right kind and amount of oil in each capsule, says Dr. Scanlan. Look for this seal.
HOW DO I KNOW IF OILS ARE RIGHT FOR MY DOG?
If your dog is consuming a commercially available pet food and is suffering from skin conditions (like skin flaking or a dull coat), inflammation diseases (such as arthritis and cancer), or organ system damage, then talk to your vet about potentially adding oils that are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 nutrients to your dog’s diet, says Dr. Mahaney.
5 Natural Remedies to Help Your Itchy Dog
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ITCHY DOGS
We all know the feeling of an itch that won’t go away. Whether it’s due to a bug bite, dry skin, or an allergic reaction, itching can be a real pain. But what happens when your dog won’t stop scratching, licking, or chewing on himself?
“Dogs manifest itching in a variety of ways,” says Dr. Andrew Rosenberg, a board certified veterinary dermatologist and the medical director of Animal Dermatology & Allergy Specialists in White Plains, New York, and Riverdale, New Jersey. “A lot of times, we’ll just see dogs licking at their paws as their way of relieving itch.” Other not-so-common signs may include scooting, rolling around on the ground, and crawling on their bellies, he says.
Allergies are a common cause of itchy skin in dogs, according to Rosenberg. He cites three major allergy categories: environmental (grass, weed, trees, dust, etc.); flea, tick, or bug bites; and food allergies.
Dogs having allergic reactions tend to be itchy around their paws, ears, groin area, and rear ends, he says. With other skin diseases like flea allergies, dogs scratch and bite more on their rump area. Dogs experiencing an autoimmune skin disease or skin infection can be itchy anywhere.
Occasional or mild itching by itself isn’t too serious, but it could be a sign of a more serious condition when accompanied by other symptoms, Rosenberg says. He recommends that pet parents consult their veterinarian or seek the help of a veterinary dermatologist “if there’s itching that’s chronic and the dog is breaking its skin and that results in skin infection. Or if the dog is just uncomfortable, itching to the point where they can’t sleep at night.”
To give your itchy dog some relief, consider these five natural remedies offered by our vet experts. It’s wise to consult a veterinarian before starting on any therapy, Rosenberg advises. “We want to make sure we’re recommending things that are going to help with the individual dog.” If the treatment doesn’t appear to be effective or if the condition worsens, seek professional help.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
“Omega-3 fatty acids in general can help reduce inflammation,” Rosenberg says. You can administer omega-3s topically like you would a spot-on flea medication, give them orally, or spray the essential fatty acids on the spot directly. In addition to reducing itchiness, omega-3s also might help a dog with dry skin.
FISH AND SWEET POTATO DIET
Feeding a fish and sweet potato diet might help your itchy dog, suggests Dr. Diane Richter, owner of Compassion Veterinary Hospital in Bradford, New Hampshire, who practices both Western and alternative medicines.
Richter recommends fish because most dogs with food allergies are allergic to proteins commonly found in dog foods, such as chicken, beef, or turkey. Another perk of feeding your dog fish is that certain types are high in omega-3 fatty acids. “You’re picking a protein source that’s going to get more fatty acids and oils into the diet,” Richter says. This can decrease inflammation in the skin and help with potential food allergies, she adds.
She also frequently sees dogs with wheat and gluten sensitivities. Sweet potatoes provide the carbohydrates that dogs need in their diets, but lack the wheat that might trigger an allergic reaction, Richter says.
Richter suggests trying the diet for six weeks and only feeding that diet. For variety, you can make treats using salmon or sweet potatoes, she says. Richter also recommends buying a commercial dog food with fish and sweet potatoes (as opposed to making it yourself) since it’s tough to get all the nutrients your dog needs into a home-cooked diet.
COLLOIDAL OATMEAL
To help calm your dog’s irritation, you can grind plain oatmeal into a fine paste and spread it onto his skin, Richter suggests. “The oatmeal itself seems to draw that heat out and dry that moist, red, hot skin and cool it down.”
Oatmeal is non-toxic, so there is no need to worry if your pet licks it off. Alternately, you can purchase dog shampoo with oatmeal as an ingredient, Richter says. Bathing your pet with an oatmeal shampoo has the added benefit of removing potential allergic triggers, like pollen and mold spores, that get trapped in the fur.
LAVENDER, TEA TREE, AND CALENDULA FLOWER OILS
Lavender, tea tree, and calendula flower oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can help dogs, Richter says.
She cautions that tea tree oil can be toxic if ingested, so it’s important to watch your dog to make sure he doesn’t lick it off and always dilute it before use.Concentrated tea tree oil can be quite dangerous for dogs. If you’ve never used essential oils on your dog before, consider doing a patch test with a small, diluted drop to ensure he doesn’t have a bad reaction.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera can be applied topically to soothe your dog’s skin and promote healing. “Aloe is a wonderful healing agent,” Richter says. “It cools the skin and takes down the redness.”
Richter says it’s important to use an aloe vera lotion that doesn’t contain alcohol, because it can burn the skin. You can either buy aloe vera from a grocery store or drugstore, or harvest fresh gel at home if you have an aloe vera plant.
How to Stop Diarrhea in Dogs
Diarrhea In Dogs
Diarrhea is a common problem in dogs, often because they will put almost anything in their mouth. But it can also be caused by more serious health problems, some of which require close attention, especially if the diarrhea is severe or occurs frequently.
DOG DIARRHEA: WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Loose stools are, of course, the main indicator of diarrhea. Diarrhea may also be accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, lethargy, and other symptoms of disease.
PRIMARY CAUSES OF DIARRHEA IN DOGS
Diarrhea that develops suddenly in an otherwise healthy dog is often due to scavenging behavior, stress, a sudden change in diet, or viral, bacterial or parasitic infections.
More chronic diarrhea can be caused by dietary allergies or intolerances, stress, some types of parasites (e.g., Giardia, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms), bacterial infections, pancreatic disease, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, some types of cancer, and diseases outside of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., liver failure or heart disease).
IMMEDIATE CARE FOR DOG DIARRHEA
If your dog is very young, very old, has a preexisting health condition, call your veterinarian for advice on how to handle the diarrhea. These individuals can become severely debilitated even when suffering from relatively mild diarrhea. Also, call your veterinarian if your dog’s diarrhea is frequent and/or very watery; contains more than just a streak of blood; is dark and tarry; or if your dog is vomiting profusely, lethargic, depressed, and/or is in pain. These can be signs of potentially serious health conditions.
But if your dog is an otherwise healthy adult and, it is reasonable to try some home treatment.
For dogs who just have diarrhea:
- Make sure the dog has access to plenty of clean water to avoid dehydration. Encourage the dog to drink. If needed, offer dilute chicken, beef broth or Pedialyte in addition to the water.
- Give the dog a small meal of boiled white meat chicken (no bones or skin) and white rice. This can be the dog's diet until the stool consistency returns to normal.
- If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or your dog’s condition worsens at any time, call your vet immediately.
For dogs with diarrhea who have vomited only once or twice:
- Remove all food for 12 hours.
- To avoid dehydration, offer the dog small amounts of water frequently throughout the day. If needed, you can also offer some dilute chicken or beef broth or Pedialyte in addition to water.
- When the dog has not vomited for at least six hours, offer a small amount of boiled white meat chicken (no bones or skin) and white rice.
- Wait two hours. If the dog has not vomited then offer another small meal of cooked chicken and rice.
- Continue this treatment, gradually increasing the amount of food offered at each meal and lengthening the time between meals until the stool consistency returns to normal.
- If the diarrhea continues for more than 24 hours or your dog’s condition worsens at any time, call your vet immediately.
DIAGNOSIS FOR DOGS WITH DIARRHEA
If your dog suffers from frequent liquid bowel movements, or the current attack is severe and/or associated with vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain or weight loss, make an appointment with a veterinarian. Diagnosing the cause of dog diarrhea can sometimes be as easy as running a simple fecal exam; at other times it can be challenging and require different procedures such as lab work, abdominal x-rays or ultrasound, endoscopy or exploratory surgery.
PREVENTION OF DIARRHEA IN DOGS
There are several ways to reduce the occurrence of diarrhea in dogs:
- Do not suddenly change a dog’s diet.
- Do not give the dog bones as toys (firm rubber chew toys are a better choice).
- Do not let the dog play with small objects that could be swallowed.
- Do not feed your dog table scraps.
- Do not allow your dog to scavenge.
- Always keep your dog up-to-date with deworming and vaccinations.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Bacterial Infection: Streptococcus in Dogs
STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTIONS IN DOGS
Streptococcal infection refers to a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus. Puppies and older dogs are most suscetible to developing this disease, as their immune systems are not fully developed or have declined.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Some of the common symptoms of this infection include:
- Pain
- Fever
- Arthritis
- Lethargy
- Coughing
- Pneumonia
- Abscess(es)
- Difficulty swallowing due to swelling (tonsillitis)
CAUSES
Age often determines the propensity for developing this bacterial infection. Both the oldest and youngest dogs have less developed immune systems -- the youngest because of the lack of antibodies to fight infection, and the oldest because of a decline in antibodies and a weakened immune system.
Some of the causes for infection are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, often resulting from recent exposure through a wound or surgical procedure.
TREATMENT
Antibiotics and hydration will be part of the prescribed treatment.
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Good nursing care is important to help the dog recover from this bacterial infection. Rehydration is also important for restoring the body with fluid and flushing the system of the infection.
PREVENTION
Avoid environments overcrowded with other animals. Other than avoidance of contact with other animals, there are no known preventative measures for this bacterial infection.
Monday, March 20, 2017
Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
Chronic Vomiting in Dogs
Vomiting is characterized by the contents of the stomach being ejected. Regurgitation, on the other hand, is the expulsion of the contents of the esophagus -- food that has not yet reached the stomach. Diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract are the primary implications in both cases. Secondary implications are diseases of other organs, which bring about an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood, stimulating the vomiting center in the brain.
Chronic vomiting can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects cats, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of vomiting include heaving, retching, and partially digested food coming up, along with a yellow fluid called bile. Regurgitating symptoms are fairly passive. The contents being expelled may be in predigested form, tubular in shape, and often covered with a slimy mucus.
A symptom that may be indicative of a more serious condition is blood in the vomit, which can signal an ulcer or cancer.
CAUSES
The biggest problem with determining the cause of vomiting, and devising a treatment plan, is that there are so many possibilities. Some of the possible causes for chronic vomiting are as follows:
- Ulcer
- Cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Tumor of the pancreas
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Uterine infection (more common as an animal reaches middle age)
- Ketoacidosis, a form of diabetes
- Addison’s disease
- Diseases of the inner ear
- Ingestion of foreign object
- Gastritis from ingestion of bad food or hair
- Bladder obstruction or rupture
- Infectious diseases such as canine distemper and canine parvovirus
DIAGNOSIS
There are so many possibilities for this condition that determining a cause for the vomiting or regurgitation may take some time. You will need to cooperate with your veterinarian in trying to pinpoint if there is anything related to your pet’s background or habits that might account for it.
To start, your veterinarian will need to differentiate between vomiting and regurgitation in order to determine whether the cause is gastric or non-gastric (i.e., based in the stomach, or not). You will want to pay close attention to the pattern of your pet's vomiting so you can give a thorough description of the symptoms, as well as how soon after eating the vomiting occurs. Your doctor will ask you to describe the appearance of the vomit, and what your pet looks like when it vomits.
If your pet is retching, and heaving from the belly, it is probably vomiting. The food that is in the vomit will be partially digested and somewhat liquid. A yellow fluid called bile will normally be present along with the expelled stomach contents. If the pet is regurgitating, your pet will lower its head and the food will be expelled without a lot of effort. The food will be undigested and probably will be tubular in shape, more solid than not. Often it is covered with a slimy mucus. Your pet may try to re-eat the regurgitated food. It is a good idea to keep a sample of the expelled content, so that when you take your pet to see the veterinarian, an examination can be made to determine whether the material is vomit or regurgitation, and what might be present in the contents.
Your veterinarian will need to know about your pet’s activities, habits, and surrounding environment, as well as what medicines your pet may be taking. Over the counter medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause severe stomach ulcers in dogs. Factors that are significant and must be followed up on immediately are instances when the vomit looks like it has granules, like coffee grounds, in it. These granules are indicative of blood being present in the vomit. Fresh blood in the vomit will often indicate stomach ulcers or cancer. If your pet has a fever, a stomachache, jaundice, anemia, or masses in the stomach, your veterinarian will be able to make a more specific diagnosis.
Sometimes, something as simple as coughing will cause a pet to vomit. If this appears to be the case, the cause of the coughing will need to be investigated. Your doctor will look into your pet's mouth to see if a foreign object has become caught in the esophageal opening (back of the mouth), or, if indicated, an x-ray imaging may be used to determine if there is an object deeper in the esophagus, or in the stomach.
TREATMENT
Once the cause of the vomiting is determined, your veterinarian will be able to come up with a course of treatment. Some possibilities:
- Cimetidine to control vomiting
- Anti-emetics to prevent nausea and vomiting, especially for post surgery and chemotherapy related nausea
- Antibiotics to treat ulcer causing bacteria
- Corticosteroids for inflammatory bowel disease
- Drugs to treat delayed gastric (stomach) voiding
- Dietary changes
- Surgery if a tumor is found to be the cause
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Pay close attention to your pet so that you will be aware of its condition; whether it is improving or getting worse. If there is little or no improvement, you will need to consult with your veterinarian to see if your pet needs to go back for further evaluation. Do not experiment with medications or food without your veterinarian's approval, and remember that it is important that you follow through on your doctor's recommended treatment plan so that the illness can be thoroughly eliminated.
Acute Vomiting in Dogs
Acute Vomiting in Dogs
SUDDEN ONSET OF VOMITING IN DOGS
It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to vomit from time to time. They might have eaten something that upset their stomachs, or just have sensitive digestive systems. However, it becomes acute when the vomiting does not stop and when there is nothing left in the stomach to throw up except bile (a yellow fluid). It is important you take your pet to a veterinarian in these types of cases.
While vomiting may have a simple, straightforward cause, it may be an indicator of something far more serious. It is also problematic because it can have a wide range of causes, and determining the correct one may be quite complicated.
SYMPTOMS
- Vomiting that will not stop
- Pain and distress
- Weakness
- Bright blood in the vomit or stool (hematemesis)
- Evidence of dark blood in the vomit or stool (melena)
CAUSES
- Dietary indiscretion
- Change in diet
- Gobbling food/eating too fast
- Intolerance to a particular food (i.e., be careful feeding pets food intended for humans)
- Allergic reaction to a particular food
- Obstructing objects
- Acute inflammation of stomach (gastroenteritis)
- Parasites (e.g., whipworms, roundworms, giardia)
- Dislocation of the stomach (prone in deep-chested dogs; very critical)
- Tumors
- Metabolic disorders (e.g., kidney disease)
- Liver disease
- Heat stroke
- Adrenal gland disease
DIAGNOSIS
Bring a sample of the vomit to the veterinarian. If there is a lot of mucus, an inflamed intestine may be the cause. Undigested food in the vomit can be due to food poisoning, anxiety, or simply overeating. Bile, on the other hand, indicates an inflammatory bowel disease or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). If bright red blood is found, the stomach could be ulcerated. However, if the blood is brown and looks like coffee grounds, the problem may be in the intestine. Finally, strong digestive odors are usually observed when there is an intestinal obstruction.
The veterinarian will generally look in your pet’s mouth for foreign objects that may be wedged inside, such as a bone. Enlarged tonsils are another good indicator for this. The pet’s temperature will be taken and an examination of the abdomen will be done. If it turns out to be no more than a passing incident, the veterinarian may ask you to limit the diet to clear fluids and to collect stool samples over that period as the underlying cause may be passed along in the stool. Occasionally, the animal's body may use vomiting to clear the intestines of toxins.
TREATMENT
Treatment will be recommended according to the underlying cause behind the vomiting; some possibilities include:
- Dietary changes
- Medication to control the vomiting (e.g., cimetidine, anti-emetic)
- Antibiotics, in the case of bacterial ulcers
- Corticosteroids to treat inflammatory bowel disease
- Surgery, in the case of tumor-caused vomiting
- Special medications for treating chemotherapy induced vomiting
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Always follow the recommended treatment plan from your veterinarian. Do not experiment with medications or food. Pay close attention to your pet and if it does not improve, return to your veterinarian for a follow-up evaluation.
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Pseudorabies Virus Infection in Dogs 'Mad Itch' : Your Pet Care
SUID HERPESVIRUS IN DOGS
The pseudorabies virus infection is an uncommon but highly fatal disease found in dogs, especially those that come into contact with swine. Unfortunately, many dogs with this virus die suddenly, often without characteristic signs.
When symptoms do occur, they include excessive salivation, intense itching, and neurologic behavioral changes. Because of the extreme itching it causes, pseudorabies is sometimes referred to as “mad itch.”
The virus infects both dogs and cats -- primarily those living on farms -- as well as other domestic animals such as swine, cattle, sheep, and goats. Otherwise, there is no breed, gender, or age predilection for this viral infection.
If you would like to learn more about how this pseudorabies affects cats, please visit this page in the petMD health library.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
As previously stated, it is possible a dog suffering from pseudorabies displays no symptoms at all. However, some signs which may be seen include:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Excessive salivation
- Rapid and labored breathing
Other symptoms and signs may be neurological in nature, such as:
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Ataxia
- Convulsions
- Reluctance to move
- Lying down excessively
- Intense itching and self-mutilation from scratching
- Coma
CAUSES
Other than direct contact with swine, dogs may contract the pseudorabies virus (or Suid herpesvirus 1) by eating contaminated, uncooked meat or offal from swine, or by ingesting infected rats.
DIAGNOSIS
Your veterinarian will make a diagnosis of the pseudorabies virus infection by comparing it to diseases with similar symptoms. For example, dogs with the regular form of rabies will attack anything that moves, and there is no itching or sudden death. Meanwhile, a dog that has been poisoned displays no signs of itching or personality change. With canine distemper, there is no hypersalivation, sudden death, or personality change, but respiratory and gastrointestinal signs are common.
If your dog does recover from this infection, a blood test will reveal pseudorabies virus antibodies. If sudden death should occur, your veterinarian will examine its brain tissue for confirmation of pseudorabies.
TREATMENT
Unfortunately, there is currently no effective medical or medicinal treatment for the pseudorabies virus.
LIVING AND MANAGEMENT
Expected course and prognosis:
- Classic Form of the Infection -- in 60 percent of cases the condition lasts 24 to 36 hours; it is almost invariably fatal.
- Atypical Form of the Infection -- in 40 percent of cases the condition lasts more than 36 hours; it is almost invariably fatal.
There is a mild potential for human infection. Precautions should be taken when treating infected animals, and when handling infected tissues and fluids. Dog-to-dog transmission does not usually occur.
PREVENTION
- Avoid contact with infected swine, the reservoir host
- Avoid ingestion of contaminated pork
- Avoid ingestion of infected rats.
How to Care for A Dog With Dementia - Your Pet Doctor
5 Signs of Dog Dementia:
While your beloved senior dog can’t really forget where he put his car keys, it turns out that he is capable of experiencing “senior moments.” If your dog forgets the route on your daily walk or if he’s not enjoying the things he once did, like chasing after his favorite toy or greeting you at the door, he could be suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), or the doggy version of Alzheimer’s.
Canine cognitive dysfunction can occur for a number of reasons, like an accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain. This creates a build-up of plaque, which eventually damages nerves and results in the loss of brain function, which can affect your dog's memory, motor functions and learned behaviors.
Most dogs, regardless of breed, experience some form of CCD as they age. In a study conducted by the Behavior Clinic at the University of California at Davis, researchers found that 28 percent of dogs aged 11-12 years, and 68 percent of dogs aged 15-16 years, showed one or more signs of cognitive impairment.
Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, says a lot of dog owners aren’t aware that their dogs can suffer from CCD until they take them to the vet for what they think are physical or behavioral problems.
“The first thing you should do is to talk to your vet to make sure that it’s cognitive dysfunction and not something else. It comes on gradually and owners don't always notice things,” says Dr. Beaver.
“What did your dog stop doing that he used to do? Is he not chasing his ball because he has arthritis? Or is it that he doesn't care anymore? It's important to differentiate between physical and mental causes."
Some symptoms of CCD can overlap with other age related conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney issues, as well as hearing and sight loss. Depending on your dog's symptoms your vet may propose x-rays, blood tests,urinalysis, or other diagnostic tests.
Dr. Denise Petryk, a former emergency room vet who now works with Trupanion pet insurance, says the widely accepted DISHA acronym can help dog owners characterize the most distinct signs and changes associated with CCD.
The term DISHA refers to the symptoms Disorientation, [altered] Interactions with their family members or other pets, Sleep-wake cycle changes, House soiling, and Activity level changes.
“It gives us the ability to check against a list of things to show that something else isn’t going on. If your dog has one of the symptoms or some combination then we’re more likely to call it cognitive dysfunction.”
Dr. Beaver says to keep in mind that there isn’t necessarily a progression to the symptoms your dog may be experiencing.
“The more signs and frequency we see, the greater significance of the problem. Each sign or symptom doesn’t really signify a particular phase,” she says.
Here’s the DISHA list of possible symptoms that may demonstrate cognitive dysfunction in dogs:
DISORIENTATION
One of the most common things pet parents may notice is that their senior dog gets disoriented even when he’s in his normal or familiar environment.
“This often happens when the dog is out in the backyard and he goes to the wrong door or the wrong side of the door to get back in. The part of the brain that is involved with orientation has been affected.” Beaver says.
Your dog may also experience difficulty with spatial awareness. He may wander behind the couch and then realize he doesn’t know where he is or how to get out.
At bedtime you may find your dog in a different part of the house staring at the wall instead of curled up in his dog bed. Petryk says dogs have a good sense of timing, so this is a sign that something is wrong.
“The first thing you should do is to take your dog in for a check-up. It might not be a cognitive issue, so your vet may want to rule out some other possible medical causes which could involve a brain tumor or diabetes.”
INTERACTIONS
Canine cognitive dysfunction can affect your dog’s interactions with people and other animals. Your once sociable dog who used to be the most popular pooch on the block now acts cranky and irritable, or even growls at other animals or children. He may lash out and bite his once favorite playmates. Petryk cautions that this behavior could be the result of something serious.
“He may be acting this way because he’s in pain. He could have arthritis or some other ailment that hurts when he moves or is touched. Your vet may want to do x-rays to rule out a painful condition.”
Some dogs withdraw from their family and their favorite activities. They may fail to notice when the doorbell rings and seem disinterested in greeting visitors, or they may stop barking at the mailman. Your dog may not even respond when you get his leash out to go for a walk.
"I've had patients whose dogs don't recognize that their favorite cookies are treats for them, “ says Petryk. “The owner's first instinct is to buy other cookies. They don't realize something else could be going on.”
SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE CHANGES
A change in sleep patterns or a disruption in circadian rhythms is one of the more specific symptoms related to cognitive dysfunction. Dogs that used to sleep soundly may now pace all night. Many dogs reverse their normal schedules, so their daytime activities become their nighttime activities. This “up all night” routine can be frustrating and tiring to pet owners.
“If your dog is active at night and you want to get him to sleep, a nightlight or white noise may help him,” Beaver says.
If this doesn’t provide relief, consult your vet for medications that may ease your dog’s anxiety and reestablish normal sleep cycles.
HOUSE SOILING
Urinating or defecating in the house is one of the most common ways cognitive dysfunction is detected in dogs, especially if the dog was previously housetrained.
Petryk says that when this happens it’s important for owners to consider that their dog may have lost its ability to voluntarily control elimination or even let them know that he needs to go outside.
“After we run tests and rule out a bladder infection, kidney problems, or diabetes, then there’s usually been a cognitive change. If your dog is staring out at the sliding glass door and then poops in the house anyway and it’s not because of bowel trouble, then he’s lost the understanding that he should poop outside,” Petryk explains.
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may show a decreased desire to explore and a decreased response to things, people, and sounds in their environments. They may not greet you or they may no longer respond on cue to fetch their favorite toy. They may also be less focused and show an altered response to stimuli. Some dogs have trouble eating or drinking or finding their food bowls.
"They may drop something when they’re eating and they can’t find it,” says Petryk. “If they don’t have sight or hearing issues, this can be a true indication that they are experiencing cognitive dysfunction.”
Although older dogs experience a normal decline in activity levels, they may also experience restless or repetitive locomotion.
"They may exhibit repetitive motion; things like head bobbing, leg shaking, or pacing in circles. This kind of action is more related to cognitive dysfunction or a degeneration of the brain. It’s less likely to be mistaken for anything else," Petryk says.
Owners should also be aware if their typically quiet dog now barks excessively or if he barks at times when nothing is going on.
Diet, Medication, and Environment
Watching your dog lose his cognitive abilities can be a difficult and disturbing process, but there are things you can do to help ease his discomfort.“You can’t stop the process but it’s possible to slow it down so they don’t go from one problem to three problems,” Beaver says.
Certain dog foods are formulated to help slow down cognitive dysfunction and include anti-oxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to promote and strengthen cell health.
Beaver says combining an enhanced diet with efforts to enrich your dog’s environment provides the greatest chance for cognitive improvement.
“Introducing things like food puzzles encourages mental stimulation,” she explains. “Any type of food dispenser toy where they have to roll it around to get the food out helps keep them mentally active.”
Regular scheduled play sessions can also stimulate your dog’s brain and improve his learning and memory abilities.
“If your dog doesn’t have physical restrictions, grab his leash and take him to the dog park where he can socialize with other dogs,” says Petryk. “It’s possible to slow deterioration by keeping him physically and mentally active, just like it is for us.”
Psychoactive drugs and dietary supplements can also help slow your dog's decline, but Beaver recommends visiting your vet for specific recommendations that can be tailored to your dog’s health and medical history.
“If, for instance, your dog also has a heart problem, the medications he takes for that is going to factor into any medications prescribed for cognitive decline,” says Beaver. “Vets and owners need to work together to establish a plan.”
Regular Check-ups
“As your dog gets older he should be having twice yearly check-ups. That way they can help differentiate between normal aging and what's pathological or wrong,” says Petryk.She suggests going into the vet with a list of questions and observations—things that you notice when you’re at home. If changes happen gradually, it’s easy to overlook them, says Petryk.
“People can be blind to the changes in their pets because they’ve happened slowly,” she says. “They may not notice things and it may be too late to fix them.”
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