Does My Senior Dog Have Alzheimer’s?
"There is no faith which has never yet been broken, except that of a truly faithful dog." -Konrad Lorenz
“Many of the terriers and other vermin hunting breeds possess an extremely high pain threshold that gives them a stoicism which hides all but the most severe pain.” -AKC
We all freak out when we hear these words as a diagnosis in our human friends and family. Though remember, our canine friends are not on this Earth for as long as our humans- though I wish they could be here forever- but that also means that some of the symptoms our human have, may not have the time to progress in the way it does for our humans.
Our senior dogs also have the ability, like humans, to still have a peaceful happy life after diagnosis - pending proper care.
For humans, the best thing is to have conversations with them and not remind them of memory lapses or mistakes they make, but rather just roll with it - add in music therapy, exercise, a diet consisting primarily of fruits and veggies and dietary supplements - and the symptoms can decrease greatly, and even slow deterioration! —Same for your senior dog! Okay, not the music therapy, but you get the picture.
I recently rescued a senior dog that was found wondering the streets, confused and in obvious pain. He is taking pain mediation and a strong anti-inflammatory. For dogs in their last years, symptom management is the most import to focus on. We are realistic, in looking at his health care in terms of quality of life and not quantity.
May favorite food for senior dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and even, Kidney Disease, is The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Fruit and Veggie Mix, though skip the animal protein and use Organic Spirulina-(also in our Modern Herb Superfood Supplements) , it is the most protein dense food in the world - and is a very easily digestible plant protein. It is much gentler on the kidneys, digestion, and is anti-inflammatory (animal proteins contribute to inflammation and is hard to digest for seniors). Spirulina is also packed full of antioxidants that will help ease the symptoms of CDS.
High quantities of fruits and vegetables serve to decrease the effects of cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs because of their antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs such as lemon balm, gingko, bacopa and gotu cola have also helped reduce the symptoms of CDS. In as little as two weeks, owners feeding these recommended supplements began to see the signs of
CDS diminish. —AKC
Now, because they did such a great job explaining CDS, there is no need for me to continue further!
I suggest following this link to learn more about the symptoms and treatments of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.
