We don't like it. I don't like it. Talking about our pets getting older hurts and sucks!
It's important, as we are their guardians, that we do the best we can for their welfare. It's not all bed news either! Read on.
Firstly, I am not a vet or nutritionist❗I am a golden oldie owner and behaviourist who studied this during my education.
Talking to your vet is a must if you notice behavioural or physical changes in your pet . There's evidence that owners don't discuss symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or pain in their older pets with their vet, thinking it's just a sad aspect of aging whereas sometimes symptoms can be lessened or stopped!
➡️ What is CDS?
A neurogenerative disease. Diagnosed through clinical and laboratory tests. Causes gradual decline in cognitive function, similarities to Altzhiemers
➡️ Symptoms:
Use 'DISHA'
• Disorientation
• altered Interactions with people or animals
• Sleep-wake cycle altered
• House soiling
• changes in Activity level
Presentation could look like a dog that seems lost and confused, doesn't respond to cues they used to know and/or is awake and distressed at night and asleep during the day.
Increase in anxiety is commonly seen as well.
Prevelance increases with age.
➡️ Help:
Diet
Several studies show dietary supplementation can help:
🐾 an antioxidant enriched diet increases cognitive performance in senior dogs. Antioxidants may cause a decrease in the deleterious effects of free radicals, which play a negative role in aging, and the brain is particularly susceptible.
🐾 long term supplementation with medium chain triglycerides can increase cognitive function of senior dogs, suspected to help by providing the brain with an alternative energy source
🐾 tryptic alpha-S1 caesin hydrolisate (alpha-casozepine) (comes from milk!) can reduce anxiety when also combined with behavioural modification. This is why good trainers/behaviourists work with vets!
🐾 low protein diet supplementee with Tryptophan can reduce aggression. Serotonin is synthesised in the nervous system from tryptophan. Availability is dependent on diet and the presence of other amino acids that compete for transport to the CNS from blood.
Aktivait is a supplement I use that provides a lot of the dietary supplements proven to help CDS.
Pharmacology
Speak to your vet, there are drugs available, for example, Selegiline.
Environment
Aged dogs are much more likely to become stressed, especially due to novelty. Provide an environment that avoids unnecessary stress, including avoiding sudden changes in routine.
Environmental enrichment has a great positive effect in aging dogs, this is more pronounced when combined with dietary treatment.
Guiding principles for the environment:
🐾 increase control or contingency between animal and environment (provide choice)
🐾 cognitive challenges (think puzzle feeders etc)
🐾 meet behavioural needs (allow expression of natural behaviours)
🐾 stimulate and reward exploration (free choice, scatter feeding)
🐾 stimulating social interactions
Aging is inevitable, but the decline in your dog's health and cognitive function doesn’t have to be. By working closely with your vet, adjusting diet, providing enrichment, and creating a stress-free environment, you can help your senior pet stay happy and comfortable for as long as possible.
It's important to enjoy the time you have together. Savour the slower walks and the extra cuddles.
If you're noticing any changes in your senior pet you’re not alone, reach out and get help.
Thank you for reading - give your golden oldies a pet from me!
References: • Manteca, X. (2011). Nutrition and Behaviour in Senior Dogs. Elsevier Inc • Heath, S., Barnabas, S., & Craze, P., (2007). Nutritional supplementation in cases of canine cognitive dysfunction - a clinical trial. Applied animal behaviour science • Osella, M., et al. (2007). Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome: prevelance, clinical signs and treatment with a neuroprotective nutraceutical. Applied animal behaviour science
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