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Like
humans, when dogs age their mental
acuity may start to change.
 Some
changes to watch for are:
-
An unusual increase in anxiety
be it separation anxiety or fear
of new people and/or things
-
Getting lost in familiar places
-
Whining
or barking for no reason
-
House
soiling
-
Aimless wandering, pacing, or
circling
-
Mixing
day and night up
-
Changes in relationships with
the family
The
diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction
syndrome is made only be the process
of elimination. There is no test for
this syndrome but when things such
as loss of vision or hearing,
urinary tract infection, kidney
disease and some other common
diseases are ruled out then this
diagnosis may be made.
Your
veterinarian may prescribe Anipryl
which can help reduce the symptoms.
Some
things you can do are provide
antioxidants, nutrient-rich food and
some supplements which may be
beneficial. Also following a strict
routine, providing regular exercise
both physical and mental and most
importantly keeping your dog
involved in your life may also help.
Loving your dog may require you to
accept some changes. Remember some
day you too will grow older and have
those “senior moments.”
Daisy
Mature
8 year old golden
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