This month our practice focus remains with behaviour, but concerning our senior companions.
The brain of dogs ages in a very similar way to those humans with Alzheimers. As dogs live longer, Canine Cognitive Disorder has become a condition increasingly diagnosed.
Unfortunately there are no clinical tests which can prove Canine Cognitive Disorder. However reduced circulation and damage to the brain cells result in a combination of behaviour changes which can lead us to a diagnosis.
Typically our oldies become disorientated, suffer altered interaction with us and other pets, change their sleep patterns and forget their learned behaviours such as house training.
This can be really distressing for the household, but importantly, it is something that can be treated.
The good news is that early detection, use of medications to improve brain circulation and restore nerve cell function and some retraining can bring our old dogs back.
Please ask us for more information at your next visit and grab a behaviour questionnaire at reception. We can definitely put new life in the old dog!
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