I recently wrote about my elderley (14 years) galga developing dementia after a stroke a year ago. Here’s an article in the Whole Dog Journal about the problem, with links to a book if you are interested in learning more.
‘Here’s how to love and care for a dog with dementia
Recognize the signs of dementia earlier so you can take steps to slow the process.
Is your dog pacing in circles, barking for no apparent reason, or forgetting his housetraining? Is he starting to get stuck in corners, stare at walls, or act a little distant? These and other behavioral changes may indicate that your dog is developing canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), a disease akin to Alzheimer’s.
It’s been estimated that more than 14% of pet dogs over the age of 8 show some symptoms of age-related cognitive dysfunction – and a whopping 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16 years have symptoms of cognitive impairment. Some pet owners might joke about “doggie Alzheimer’s,” but this degenerative brain disease is a real thing.
It can be sad to watch our beloved companions age and grow increasingly confused – but there are things you can do to help. Remember Me? gives you tips to help recognize the signs of CCD. It includes questions to ask the vet, how to care for a dog with dementia, and the latest in prevention and reducing the symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction. The book also discusses the hard topic of whether and when to euthanize a pet who is failing cognitively.
You’ll learn about the symptoms of CCD, and the medications typically used to treat it, as well as other interventions that have shown promise in peer-reviewed studies. You’ll learn how to arrange your home and adjust your habits to keep your dog safe, including what specific products may be helpful. You’ll learn how to keep yourself physically and emotionally healthy while caring for your dog. And there’s deep, thoughtful advice here for when it’s time to make the hardest decision of all about your dog’s quality of life.
Provide your dog with the best care possible, so you can keep him happy and safe to the very end. Get your copy of Remember Me? today.