ALISON LAURIE-CHALMERS: How older dogs can change their behaviour
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Remembering similar symptoms with our dear, old “Tilly”, occasionally older dogs may undergo behavioural changes that seem unusual and a bit more noticeable than just ‘slowing down’.
Just like us, older dogs can suffer from symptoms of dementia and cognitive dysfunction. As the brain ages, behavioural changes can occur that tend to get more severe over time.
In recent studies it was estimated that 28 per cent of dogs over 11 years old showed some signs of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, and this rose to over 68 per cent in dogs over 15.
Sadly, there is currently no cure but fortunately, there are many ways you can keep your dog to feel more content, settled and comfortable so they can continue to have some good quality of life.
The symptoms can be wide-ranging and often start subtly. At the start, you may just notice your dog acting slightly differently, but symptoms do tend to become worse over time.
Some of the common symptoms include confusion, loss of house training and urinating or defecating in the house, low energy or depression, decreased desire to play, not sleeping at night, forgetting learned commands, pacing, staring into space, barking more, eating less, or much more, new fears or phobias, anxiety and confusion, aggression and other changes in behaviours.
A diagnosis may be made if your older dog exhibits behavioural changes that have no apparent other clinical or physical cause. So, it is important that any concurrent illnesses are ruled out, as there are other medical conditions in older dogs that can manifest in a very similar way. For example, older dogs often have impaired vision and hearing, which can lead to confusion and diminished interaction.
If a diagnosis is made, possible supportive treatments may include diet changes, anxiolytic medications, and behavioural therapy. Talk to your vet about medications and strategies that may help. Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction do require support. Other strategies for managing this syndrome include environmental enrichment and nutritional support.
Maintaining a healthy and stimulating environment can help slow the progression. This involves a daily routine of exercise, play and re-training. Go back to using puppy toys and aids for your older pet, and encourage play with interactive games, like puzzle toys and mats, or food-dispensing balls.
Regular routine exercise helps ward off sleep during the day and provides mental stimulation.
Well-balanced meals using a senior diet with high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may help protect brain cells.
Also discuss if there is any medication that would be of benefit for your dog.
Making your home safer for your senior dog can also help. Night-lights can help them better navigate in the dark. Provide a comfy accessible bed, non-slip mats, gate off steps and check boundaries, as wandering can be an issue.
Do keep to a set routine, older dogs dislike changes in familiar schedules. Do try to avoid overly stressful situations, noise and bustle around them.
Make sure your dog has every opportunity to toilet outside by taking them out more frequently, and reward positive behaviours.
Unfortunately, Canine Cognitive Disorder is a complex disease with no single solution. After a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship, our dogs deserve all the help, care, and consideration we can give them in their twilight years.
n Alison Laurie-Chalmers is senior consultant at Crown Vets.
