Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

Most of these behavior changes are the result of physical ailments (such as
diminished hearing and smell, arthritic stiffness, and muscular weakness) that
restrict a dog’s activity and his ability to participate in family life. Arthritic
changes in the dog’s joints are often accompanied by pain and irritability,
which can lead to aggressive encounters with family members and visitors.
Encourage your dog to participate more actively by finding a warm, comfortable
resting spot near the center of family activity. Take the dog outside twice a
day for a comfortable walk in the neighborhood. Extra short walks for elimination
may be needed. Activities that provide human companionship will be
deeply appreciated and will give the dog a sense of being valued and loved.
Old dogs don’t tolerate boarding and hospitalization well. The older dog
away from home often will not eat and will become overanxious or withdrawn,
bark excessively, and sleep poorly. If possible, care for him at home
under the guidance of your veterinarian. When leaving town, ask a friend to
stay over so the dog can remain in familiar surroundings. Dog-sitting services
are available in most communities. Pet Sitters International and the National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters are two organizations that maintain
standards through a code of ethics, certification, and attendance at national
conferences. For information about these organizations and members serving
your area, see appendix D.
COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME
GERIATRICS • 547
This condition, once called the senile or old dog syndrome, is a newly recognized
disease, somewhat similar to Alzheimer’s disease in people. In dogs with
cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the brain undergoes a series of changes that
result in a decline in the mental faculties associated with thinking, recognition,
memory, and learned behavior. Fifty percent of dogs over age 10 will
exhibit one or more symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Cognitive
dysfunction is a progressive disease with increasing signs of senile behavior.
Disorientation is one of the principal symptoms of cognitive dysfunction
syndrome. The dog appears lost in the house or yard, gets stuck in corners or
under or behind furniture, has difficulty finding the door (stands at the hinge
side or goes to the wrong door), doesn’t recognize familiar people, and fails to
respond to verbal cues or his name. Hearing and vision loss must be ruled out.
Activity and sleep patterns are disturbed. The dog sleeps more in a 24-hour
period, but sleeps less during the night. There is a decrease in purposeful
activity and an increase in aimless wandering and pacing. Dogs with cognitive
dysfunction may also exhibit compulsive behaviors with circling, tremors,
stiffness, and weakness.
Housetraining is another area that suffers. The dog may urinate and/or
defecate indoors, sometimes even in the view of his owners, and may signal
less often to go outside.