What is Canine Alzheimer's Disease?

Rebecca Said
Canine Alzheimer's Disease is also known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, Dog Dementia, and Dog Senility. It's a heartbreaking condition in which your dog gradually deteriorates over time. In this article, you can discover what Canine Alzheimer's Disease is, learn the signs, and how to properly care for a dog with Canine Alzheimer's Disease. After reading this article, you should be better able to recognize this condition, and provide the best care for your older dog.

Canine Alzheimer's Disease is a condition that mainly affects older dogs. It's not to be confused with common signs of old age. When dogs get older they move a little slower, gray around the muzzle, and tend to need more sleep. With Canine Alzheimer's Disease it's proven that there are actual brain lesions which cause the brain to gradually deteriorate, as with Alzheimer's Disease in humans. If your dogs displays the symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, a veterinarian may be able to prescribe a drug that can slow down the process.

There are many signs of Canine Alzheimer's Disease. You may be taking your dog out for a walk, and he'll suddenly stop and appear confused. Your dog may seem disorientated and not remember how to find his way back home. Even though your dog has always been friendly, he may not be able to recognize certain friends and family. Eating patterns may change, and it's as if they can't remember if they ate or drank. Your dog may forget that he's housebroken and start having accidents around the house.

A dog suffering from Canine Alzheimer's Disease will obviously need additional care, patience, and reassuring. With a dog with Alzheimer's, take it slow. If they appear to be confused, give them a moment to regain their composure. Be patient with them, and speak softly. You will need to watch them eat and drink, to make sure they don't forget. With CDS dogs may display behavior that was not a concern previously, such as wandering off, becoming excessively frightened, or not coming when called.

If your dog is in beginning stages of Canine Alzheimer's Disease, there may still be many happy years left. Your dog has been your faithful companion, it's only fair to stand by his side in old age. You'll be able to do just that if you know what Canine Alzheimer's Disease is, are able to recognize the possible signs, and know how to provide care for your aging dog.

Published by Rebecca Said

Rebecca Said enjoys writing about a wide variety of subjects. Strong interests include animal welfare, dogs and cats, internet marketing and politics.  View profile

1 Comments

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  • Abby Willow11/17/2010

    Oh, how sad. I hope this doesn't happen with my dog. If so, I'll just have to help her as much as I can. Thank you for the warning signs

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