Toys and Games that Slow Down Alzheimer's in Dogs

In the January, 2011 issue of Fido Friendly Magazine, Veterinarian Shawn Messonnier states, "It is estimated that 45 percent of people over the age of 85 will develop Alzheimer's disease, and death usually occurs within eight years of the initial diagnosis. A comparative disease occurs in dogs and cats and is called canine and feline cognitive disorder (doggy and kitty Alzheimer's), respectively. As in people, it is most commonly seen in older pets. It is estimated to affect 10 to 15 million pets in the US alone." about how dogs are afflicted with Alzheimer's in the same way as humans.

I was faced with witnessing the symptoms of dog Alzheimer's in my 16 year old beagle, Hunter. Sadness and confusion about how to deal with his symptoms of disorientation, incontinence, and increasing separation anxiety overwhelmed me. Hunter also developed a compulsion to lick the entire living room floor and nothing could deter him from it. I watched helplessly until he was completely exhausted and panting before he would stop.

Diagnosis

I consulted with the veterinarian and he performed a blood test to determine whether Hunter suffered from any other physical problems like diabetes, Cushing's disease, or renal failure but his blood tests were normal for a 16 year old dog. The veterinarian concluded that he was suffering from Cognitive Disorder Syndrome.

Treatments

According to Ohio State University's, College of Veterinary Medicine, "Anipryl^® (selegiline) is the only drug approved for use in dogs with CDS."
The veterinary college also recommends, "Environmental enrichmentin the form of exercise, new and interactive toys, and learning new tasks - "teach an old dog new tricks" - has been shown to improve learning and memory.

I decided to try the toys rather than the medication because Hunter was very old to begin with and I didn't want the medication to haveany adverse affects on him.

Brain Development Dog Toys

I researched smart toys and games that might keep Hunter's brain stimulated enough to deter more brain damage and found ideas for dog puzzle games. He has his good days and bad days, but I think the puzzles really helped him, plus it gave us time to interact with each other during his senior years.

Puzzle Game - I saw a few puzzle games online but decided to make a dog puzzle with objects I had around the house. I placed eight empty, plastic butter containers on a wooden board and placed one of Hunter's favorite treats under one of the containers. He had to examine the puzzle and figure out which butter container had the treat under it. Once he figured out where the treat was, he had to get the treat from under the container. This game kept him busy enough so that he forgot about licking the living room floor, at least for awhile.

Hide and Seek - This game really makes Hunter think and gives him exercise too. I have Hunter sit and wait for me to call him. I hide somewhere in the house and then call him to me. He has to track me down and then I reward him with a treat. I think Hide and Seek helps remind him of where he is and how to get around the house. Sometimes, he will just stop and stare at a closet door or a wall, not knowing which way to go but I believe this game helped him immensely with that problem.

Resources:

Fido Friendly, Jan.-Feb., 2011: "Forget Me Not", Shawn Messonnier, DVM

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences: "Caring for the Canine Senior Citizen"

Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine: "Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)"