Dogs can suffer from Alzheimer's type symptoms

When you share your life with a dog you understand the sheer pleasure of it - the relaxation of walking him, the exhilaration of having him "come" when you call him and the calmness of sitting quietly, his head in your lap, as you scratch behind his ears.

Having a dog in your life also means being responsible for all aspects of his life, and for his entire lifetime. As our dogs age, their needs change. And since our dogs are living longer, there has been an increase in the types of ailments that can effect them.

One of the ailments that has come to the forefront in senior pet care in the last decade is CDS, or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Healthypet.com and Dr. Karen Becker of Healthypets.Mercola.com provide information about CDS.

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome is defined as "a degeneration of the brain and nervous system in dogs, roughly comparable to Alzheimer's disease in people." Like Alzheimer's, it is caused by physical changes in the brain and brain chemical, and it is not part of normal aging.

As a dog's brain ages, it undergoes oxidative damage, neuronal loss, atrophy and the development of beta-amyloid plaques. These B-amyloid plaques are also seen in human Alzheimer's sufferers.

While canine dementia isn't exactly the same disease as Alzheimer's in people, the development of B-amyloid plaques in pets results in confusion, memory loss and other symptoms related to mental function.

"It results in a deterioration of cognitive abilities, causing behavioral changes that can disrupt the lives of pets and the families that care for them," according to Becker.

Just because dogs are aging, they shouldn't experience a complete change in personality. But rather, an older dog may be showing signs of cognitive dysfunction if they seem suddenly distant, confused or lost.

A dog may be showing signs of CDS if he starts showing some of the following behaviors:

• Staring at walls or into space.

• Withdrawing from interaction with the family.

• Soliciting less petting and attention.

• Difficulty learning new tasks, commands or routes.

• Pacing or wandering aimlessly.

• Ignoring known commands.

• Not responding to his name.

• Getting "stuck" in familiar places, like in corners or behind furniture.

• Having trouble finding the door.

• Becoming lost in familiar places like his home or yard.

• Not recognizing his family members or other familiar people.

If you recognize these symptoms in your dog, consult your veterinarian. If your veterinarian suspects CDS, he will do a thorough behavior and medical history, physical and neurological exam and blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions.

Although there is no cure, there is a prescription drug for the treatment of CDS. The drug works by increasing the amount of dopamine in the dog's brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the brain needs to function normally. An increased amount can improve brain function.

The prescription drug may not work in all dogs. But it may help many dogs think more clearly.

There are ways to help your aging pet maintain good mental function for as long as possible and delay the onset and progression of cognitive decline. Your pet's diet should be nutritionally balanced and species specific. His diet should include omega -3 essential fats such as krill oil.

Keeping your pet's mind and body active with regular exercise appropriate for his age is also important. Mental stimulation, including puzzles, toys and treat releasing toys, help keep your pet's mind active.

Isn't it amazing what our dogs teach us as they grow older? And isn't it amazing how similar we are?

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We are celebrating Buddy's 22nd birthday as we welcome Spring Fever. Join us from 5-8 p.m. Thursday Feb. 23, at Chandler's at the Schaumburg Golf Course, 401 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg.

There will be auctions, prizes and raffles. Your donation of $30 ($35 at the door) includes a dinner buffet and two drink tickets.

Reserve your tickets by calling (847) 290-5806. Credit cards are accepted and tickets will be returned by mail. Visit Buddy online and purchase your tickets through Pay Pal at www.thebuddyfoundation.org.

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The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit 501(c) 3, all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.