Canine dementia
Discussion
Anyone got any tips for dealing with canine dementia ?
Our dog had 2 vestibular syndrome attacks in nov and dec 2019 bounced back really well other than being a bit wobbly but roll forwards 2 years and his eye sight is really bad and dementia seems to of snuck in and he's circling a lot .
Quite often he'll get himself stuck behind doors , food bowls and i was wondering if he's stuck because he can't see or he does it in on purpose to stop himself spinning .
At night we normally have to go down and put him back to bed as he get's out / falls out , can't find his bed again and wanders around spinning , we leave 2 night lights on for him over night but wondering if we should give him more light or less ?
Apart from the spinning he seems pretty happy though , still looks for his meals and still wants to go out for 2 walks again so not bad for a 15 year old .
Our dog had 2 vestibular syndrome attacks in nov and dec 2019 bounced back really well other than being a bit wobbly but roll forwards 2 years and his eye sight is really bad and dementia seems to of snuck in and he's circling a lot .
Quite often he'll get himself stuck behind doors , food bowls and i was wondering if he's stuck because he can't see or he does it in on purpose to stop himself spinning .
At night we normally have to go down and put him back to bed as he get's out / falls out , can't find his bed again and wanders around spinning , we leave 2 night lights on for him over night but wondering if we should give him more light or less ?
Apart from the spinning he seems pretty happy though , still looks for his meals and still wants to go out for 2 walks again so not bad for a 15 year old .
We had some success with a supplement - Aktivait - which we used to buy online from Viovet. You don't need a prescription, but if your dog is on any other medications it is probably worth checking with your vet.
Best of luck
ETA - I know that the use of scents can be recommended for blind dogs - I wonder whether that might help your dog to find his bed again at night? Maybe just a drop of lavender oil on a cloth/folded tissue (so that you can remove it if it seems to be bothering him)? Otherwise, a DAP diffuser or collar might help him settle?
Best of luck
ETA - I know that the use of scents can be recommended for blind dogs - I wonder whether that might help your dog to find his bed again at night? Maybe just a drop of lavender oil on a cloth/folded tissue (so that you can remove it if it seems to be bothering him)? Otherwise, a DAP diffuser or collar might help him settle?
Edited by moorx on Sunday 9th May 12:13
Edited by moorx on Sunday 9th May 12:14
We also used Activait.
No idea if it did any good. So difficult to tell if it slowed the Dementia down.
The going round in circles and then looking blankly in the distance is so disturbing for us to see, but suspect your dog is not nearly as stressed about it.
Had to rescue my Harvey a few times when he managed to lose his way in the night.
Good suggestion by Moorx about using your dog’s sense of smell.
Good luck, and give lots of cuddles.
No idea if it did any good. So difficult to tell if it slowed the Dementia down.
The going round in circles and then looking blankly in the distance is so disturbing for us to see, but suspect your dog is not nearly as stressed about it.
Had to rescue my Harvey a few times when he managed to lose his way in the night.
Good suggestion by Moorx about using your dog’s sense of smell.
Good luck, and give lots of cuddles.
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