Doggy Alzheimer's Disease.

Have you noticed changes in your aging dog's zest for life? Has she stopped greeting you at the door? Has he forgotten once familiar old tricks or stopped responding to even basic commands? Many dog owners attribute changes like this to normal aging, but personality changes and forgetful behavior is not a normal part of dogs growing old. Dogs are living longer than they did in the past, due to better nutrition, advancements in preventative health care, and access to medical procedures that were once available only to humans. Loving, responsible pet owners help too. Dogs are increasingly cared for like family and many people are willing to spend whatever it takes to keep their pets alive and healthy as long as possible.
Living longer means age-related health problems are now more common and older dogs are susceptible to many of the same diseases that affect older people... arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a canine version of Alzheimer's disease. A medical condition known as canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) causes disorientation, confusion, memory loss and personality changes that are very similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is sometimes referred to as "old dog syndrome", "brain aging", "doggie dementia" or "senility".

These changes in behavior could be signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.... Sometimes a disoriented dog....

Stops responding to his name.
Forgets once familiar tricks May stop responding to even basic commands.
No longer remembers routines.
Stares blankly into space or at walls.
Gets stuck in corners, under furniture or behind furniture.
Engages in repetitive and compulsive disorders.
Paces or wanders aimlessly. Compulsively walks in circles... around a table or from room to room.
Appears lost or confused, even in familiar surroundings.
Dogs who knew exactly where their yard ended and never crossed the line, wander past the normal boundaries, becoming lost and confused.
Easily agitated and/or barks for no reason.

Large breeds show signs of aging earlier than small dogs. Some giant breeds are actually senior citizens as early as age 5 or 6, while some of the smaller breeds show few signs of aging before age 10. At 7 years of age, about one in five dogs show some signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. By age 11, about one in three dogs are affected. Almost two-thirds of dogs age 11 to 16 have CDS symptoms.

Watching a dog you love become forgetful and confused can be heartbreaking. If your senior dog shows any unusual changes in behavior, tell your veterinarian so a proper assessment can be done. Symptoms of CDS will not show up during a routine physical exam. Many people put up with a variety of senile changes and wait until bladder or bowel control is lost before trying to find out if something can be done. There is no cure for CDS, but drug treatment can provide a better quality of life and slow the progression of symptoms.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is defined as the occurrence of one or more geriatric onset behavior problems, which are not sufficiently accounted for by medical conditions. For pet owners who seek a more natural therapy, studies have shown that supplementation with the B vitamin choline supplement, CholodinR, is a safe and effective method of for reversing signs of cognitive dysfunction in dogs.

The following solutions can help senior dogs feel better and enjoy a better quality of life whether they are suffering from canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or not.
Provide mental stimulation.... Play with your dogs - Go for short walks - Talk to them - Pet them - hug them! Prevent wandering away by keeping the dog on a leash or in a fenced area when outdoors. Attach a bell to the dog's collar to help keep track of him indoors. Minimize stress and change... Don't rearrange furniture or change familiar surroundings. Stick with a daily routine. Take more frequent potty breaks. Watch your dog. Remind her why she's outside and tell her what she must do. Praise good behavior. Feed a senior formula pet food that's designed to combat signs of aging. Provide raised food and water bowls so large dogs won't have to reach down uncomfortably to eat and drink. Provide a soft, comfortable bed, away from drafts and at a height your dog can easily get in and out of. You might want to place doggy beds or cushions in several rooms of the house to provide comfortable, convenient places to sleep and relax - always near you. For a dog who has always been allowed on furniture but can no longer jump up, place a ramp or a small set of steps near the bed, sofa, or chair your senior dog is unable to reach.