Natural Remedies For Dementia In Dogs
Today’s guest post features Ask Ariel! Ask Ariel Your Pet Nutritionist offers expert advice about pet nutrition and holistic pet health. Their exceptional quality supplements were developed based on Pet Nutritionist Susan Blake Davis’ experiences rescuing and rehabilitating homeless shelter animals. Ask Ariel supplements have been used successfully in veterinary hospitals since 2005 and are recommended by veterinarians nationwide. Purchases from links in this post provide proceeds that go 100% to furthering GARC’s mission!
Natural Remedies For Dementia In Dogs
Many of us are familiar with the pain of watching a friend, parent or acquaintance experience senility. But did you know that dogs and cats can experience the same? Dogs can have “doggie dementia,” referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), and it is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. In fact, many pet parents may refer to their pet’s condition as doggie Alzheimer’s. These dog dementia symptoms are seen in older dogs. There is help available, and it is important to support your pet as it goes through the aging process.
Unlike other age-related conditions such as arthritis or heart disease, very little is understood about dog dementia and very little is offered in terms of treatment. Owners feel helpless and hopeless watching these unusual symptoms, which come on gradually. Your once happy dog may now seem distant, staring at walls and standing in corners. Your dog may have trouble settling at night and may pace and appear agitated. Your dog may sleep during the day and then pace frantically at night – a syndrome known as Sundowner’s. You may find accidents in the house.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CCD. However, there are many things that we can do for our dogs to improve the symptoms and their quality of life. Mental stimulation is important to keep the brain active. By feeding a dementia-appropriate diet along with natural supplements, you can help to slow the mental signs of aging and give your dog a higher quality of life through his golden years.
Signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs (Doggie Dementia)
Changes in your pet’s brain function occur very slowly. You will probably first notice small differences in behavior, such as sleeping more, having trouble getting around and seeming disconnected from your home and family. Cognitive decline can begin early, and many times these changes are not noticed until they have already started to interfere with your dog’s life. Below, we’ve listed some common dog dementia symptoms:
- Sundowner’s syndrome, or changes in the sleep/wake cycle, where the dog is up at night and asleep during the day
- Reduced responsiveness – dog seems “deaf” but isn’t
- Getting “stuck” in corners (dysthymia) or facing walls
- Staring into space
- Barking at nothing or vocalizing
- Wandering aimlessly or pacing (often back and forth along the same path)
- Accidents/loss of bladder or bowel control (dog was previously house trained), no longer asks to go outside
- Confusion or disorientation
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Does not recognize familiar people or greet family members
- Increased irritability, maybe even aggression
- Becomes more needy or clingy
While very little help is available from a conventional veterinary standpoint, holistic treatment for dog dementia can help slow the progression and, in some cases, restore brain function and improve symptoms.
Very sad looking very old Labrador retriever.
What Is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome?
Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), also referred to as “doggie Alzheimer’s” or “doggie dementia,” is a slow, degenerative, progressive condition in our aging dogs. It is heartbreaking to watch our pets start to lose awareness, become less responsive to their loved ones and show increased anxiety and restlessness. More than 50% of dogs over the age of 10 experience some symptoms of doggie dementia.
The signs of dementia develop gradually and get worse over time, but it is very important to rule out other medical problems that are common in older dogs: blindness, deafness, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, arthritis or seizures/strokes. A dog that has gone blind or deaf may appear to be less responsive to you and your family. If a dog has a stroke or seizure activity, it can cause it to stare off into space. Having accidents in the house could be due to kidney disease or a urinary tract infection. It is important to see your veterinarian to rule out these other physical reasons for a change in your dog’s behavior.
Like the visible, physical aspects of the body, your dog’s brain health is also affected by the natural aging process. Aging is caused byLike the visible, physical aspects of the body, your dog’s brain health is also affected by the natural aging process. Aging is caused by free radicals – highly reactive oxygen-containing molecules that are a natural byproduct of metabolism. They tend to be over-produced when a pet is sick or elderly. Free radicals cause damage to cell membranes, and the brain is highly susceptible due to its high oxygen use, high fat content and metabolic activity. Natural protective and repair processes slow as a dog ages, so as the brain cells are damaged, behavior changes may begin to appear. As dogs age, they naturally lose some brain cells. Cells can also atrophy due to seizures and strokes. This damage may all play a role in cognitive decline.
With advances in veterinary medicine, dogs are living longer lives, but that has also increased the number of cases of doggie dementia. Including your dog’s brain health in its overall wellness plan is very important. Preventative supplementation with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may help to control oxidation and enhance brain function. If your dog has been diagnosed with dementia, supplements can slow the progress of the disease and improve her quality of life.
Sundowner’s Syndrome In Dogs
Sundowner’s syndrome, or sundowning, involves episodes of confusion, agitation and increased activity from the late afternoon through the night. Does your dog sleep during the day and then pace at night? Does he or she stick by your side like Velcro? Bark or vocalize after you are in bed?
This state of confusion is most often found in dogs with dementia. Doggie dementia affects sleep patterns. Many dogs will sleep during the day and then become anxious and confused at night. Dogs with Sundowner’s tend to pace or circle all night long and may ignore or not recognize normal commands.
Natural supplements can help to calm dogs with Sundowner’s syndrome. PSY-stabil is a gentle, calming anxiety treatment that helps to relieve restlessness and nervousness. When used with Dog Brain Booster, it can help to regulate your dog’s sleep cycle.
How To Care for a Pet With Advanced Dementia
Whitey With Severe Dementia
“We adopted Whitey at the very end of his life, after years of neglect from a prior owner in our neighborhood. When we first met him, Whitey had some neurological symptoms (rear legs curling under when he walked and stumbling) but he was still energetic, engaging and happy. Over time, Whitey drifted from us and since we only had him for about 6 months, it was hard to know what was his personality and what was dementia. We would find accidents in the house in the morning and he wouldn’t go to sleep at night. He seemed not to respond to us when we called him (he was partially deaf but would respond to other loud sounds). We would find him standing in corners and pacing endlessly. This happened over a period time and in spite of taking him to several veterinarians, what we discovered was that veterinarians have very little training in “mental disorders” in pets. It seemed Whitey had canine cognitive dysfunction.
We decided to try the Dog Brain Booster, Purrfect Pet CoQ10 and Oxicell for Whitey during the day and noticed a big improvement in his energy and increased engagement in activities. The Dog Brain Booster greatly reduced his neurological-caused stumbling. The supplements also stopped the accidents at night for quite awhile as well. At night, we tried medications veterinarians prescribed to help calm him and even melatonin, but in Whitey’s case what worked best was to use the Psystabil. Within a few minutes, he would calm down.
We made up our minds to accept Whitey in his advanced mental state and loved him more than ever. We watched closely to see if Whitey was ready to go but he always had that spark in his eye, that “bingo” was still there. The picture taken above was taken just a month before he passed away. We loved every minute with Whitey, as challenging as it was and are so glad we could use the supplements and lifestyle changes to give him as much time with us as was humanly possible. We wanted to erase the bad memories of his mistreatment and are so grateful for everything our beloved dog taught us. We hope his story will help you make an informed decision about what is right for your dog.” – Susan Davis, CCN, Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist
Supplements To Support Brain Function
Ask Ariel’s supplements have been used in veterinary hospitals since 2005, but it is important to talk to your vet about the signs of dementia that you are seeing in your dog. It’s important to work with your vet as your dog ages, as there might be some medical conditions that are making your dog’s symptoms worse. Holistic supplements can help your dog to feel better.
Dog Brain Booster contains natural ingredients clinically proven to support and nurture brain health. These nutrients provide food and nutrition for your dog’s brain. Dog Brain Booster has been used successfully with both small and big dogs. Dog Brain Booster can be energizing, so it is given in the morning. It helps bring nutrients to the brain, which can improve dementia symptoms. Amazing Omegas contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital to brain health. Packed in glass bottles, this fish oil is highly bioavailable, and it’s third-party tested for heavy metals and toxins. Special SAMe for Dogs has proven effective in alleviating symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction and slowing its progression. Purrfect Pet CoQ10, Resveratrol For Dogs, and Oxicell SE all provide antioxidants and vitamins to help support brain function.
Dog Brain Booster – Dog Brain Booster is FOOD for your dog’s brain, making it a wonderful dog dementia natural treatment! It supports overall dog brain function and motor coordination and reduces behavioral problems associated with doggie dementia. It contains two of the most powerful and beneficial brain nutrients, Phosphatidyl serine and acetyl-L-carnitine. These two nutrients have been extensively researched for their ability to enhance memory, relieve depression, improve mental acuity, promote recovery from stroke and nerve injury, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, making them excellent alternatives or supplementary aids to precanine dementia medication (which may not be effective). If your dog has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, doggie dementia and/or a neurological issue such as degenerative myelopathy or focal seizures, Dog Brain Booster is an excellent brain support supplement.
Get Free Shipping on Your Entire Order When You Purchase Dog Brain Booster.
Use coupon code: brain.
Use coupon code: brain.
Amazing Omegas – This supplement provides essential fatty acids that support brain function. The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in Amazing Omegas helps to improve cognitive function and may reduce symptoms of doggie dementia (disorientation, disrupted sleep patterns, altered family interaction and loss of house training).
Special SAMe for Dogs – Studies show that SAMe can improve cognition and mood in patients with dementia. Helps to lessen signs of agitation, sleep-wake cycle changes, and lack of responsiveness to owners. Over the years, many clients have reported that their senior dogs have more energy and an increased bounce in their step with Special SAMe.
Purrfect Pet CoQ10 – This supplement provides an important antioxidant for overall health and brain function. The brain requires an exceptional amount of energy to function, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps to fuel the cells to provide brain power. It may also help to reduce oxidative damage.
OxiCell SE – This is a topical antioxidant formula that gives pets energy and is easy to administer. It supplies a broad spectrum of powerful complementary antioxidants to help fight free-radical damage.
Supplements To Calm, Help With Sleep and Reduce Pacing
Dogs with dementia often pace at night and sleep during the day. PSY-stabil provides gentle calming at night and helps dogs sleep. When combined with Dog Brain Booster, it helps dramatically with Sundowner’s syndrome, which causes dogs to be restless and anxious at night and sleep during the day. Cats also greatly benefit from PSY-stabil, especially if they are nervous or experience noise sensitivity.
CW Hemp Extract for Dogs – A USA-grown organic supplement, CW Hemp Extract for Dogs promotes calming and reduces inflammation. Pets experience an improved overall sense of well-being. It’s very helpful for dogs with dementia.
PSY-stabil – PSY-stabil is a gentle calming aid for pets. It provides excellent support for dogs with canine dementia. These homeopathic drops have a soothing, harmonizing effect. This product doesn’t have an immediate effect in the same way that a medication would. It works over time to help your stressed pet “cope” better with triggers that cause anxiety. This natural dog anxiety treatment helps to relieve restlessness and nervousness. It helps pets calm down so they can stop pacing at night.
Want To Keep Your Senior Cat Alert and Frisky?
Is your senior cat showing signs of dementia? Purrfect Pet CoQ10 and Oxicell SE (a topical antioxidant formula that is easy to use) help fight free-radical damage and boost energy. These are excellent formulas to use for senior cats.
For Years, Dog Brain Booster Has Been Helping Dogs Come Back to Life!
Carson
“Carson, my beloved 14 year old Jindo Chow, was showing signs of extreme dementia. He was pacing all night, barking at nothing and exhibiting other odd and upsetting behavior. His quality-of-life was terrible and my husband and I were at our wits end…no sleep and just so worried. We tried a medication but the side effects almost killed him. We did not know where to turn until a friend recommended Ask Ariel’s Dog Brain Booster. OMG, what a difference it has made…it is a miracle herb. Carson has no more dementia traits; he sleeps through the night, doesn’t bark unnecessarily, and all his other dementia behaviors have disappeared. I wouldn’t believe it if I wasn’t living it, but it is like I said, a miracle supplement. I could not be happier and my husband and I also have our lives back. No words can express our gratitude. Thank you Ask Ariel!!” – Michele, California
Pancho
“I have been using Dog Brain Booster for about two months with great results with my 16 1/2 year old Aussie, Pancho. He has been showing classic signs of dementia like pacing, sleeplessness at night, getting stuck in corners, etc. The worst part was his disconnect and almost total lack of interaction with us. I tried medications which did nothing to help. I tried other supplements which relaxed him but caused him to have more pottying accidents. Finally I tried the Brain Booster. His dementia is so much better. He paces less, sleeps most of the night, and is able to make it through the night to potty in the morning (we put tarps on the floor because of night time accidents). Best of all he is interacting with us and is more responsive and alert. Now when I pet him or hug him he responds instead of ignoring it. Even his chiropractor has noticed the change in him. I just wanted to let you know that this product works and has improved the quality of life for all of us.” – Rory M., Pennsylvania
Sophie
“Sophie, our sweet boxer, is now 14 years old. As many senior dogs do, Sophie started to act confused, was barking for no reason. It seemed like she had dementia and would sometimes appear as though she were “drunk” which affects some senior dogs. She appeared to not even know that she was barking. She would get anxious, confused and stressed. Our veterinarian diagnosed her with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and also vestibular disease. We tried the Dog Brain Booster for healthy brain function and we got our Sophie back within just a few days. She is once again playing with our other boxer and the barking has stopped. We would not have our Sophie with us today if is wasn’t for Ask Ariel’s diet and supplements.” – Karen, California
Laz & Wiggles
“My boys are getting up in age (13 years!) and they are slowing down … I also noticed that Laz (the upside down dog) was seeming to show signs of cognitive decline. I stepped up the interactive games and puzzles for him and added Ask Ariel’s Dog Brain Booster and I’m thrilled that he is back to his goofy self. Its scary when there are changes in our loved ones, and having a high quality supplement that really makes a difference means the world to us – thank you Ask Ariel!!!” – Marie, New York
The Best Diet for Dogs With Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Pets with dementia need a diet that supports a healthy immune system and reduces inflammation. Our Ask Ariel Pet Nutritionist offered holistic consultations in conjunction with veterinarians at VCA hospitals for over 10 years. Her diet and supplement protocol for dogs with dementia has been recommended by veterinarians nationwide. The best diet for dogs with dementia will avoid grains and potential allergens, which can cause inflammation and worsen symptoms. Smushed berries can be added to food to provide antioxidants. When ordering supplements, please be sure to include the food and treats you are feeding your pet, along with any health issues, directly on the order form at checkout. We will include FREE diet tips for pets with dementia on the packing slip that comes with your order.
Why Use Ask Ariel Supplements To Help Your Pet With Dementia?
Many pet owners have seen the benefits of using supplements for their own health and now want the same for their pets. Our premium natural pet supplements have been used successfully in veterinary hospitals since 2005. Ask Ariel’s remedies are selected based on quality, scientific research and proven results. A holistic approach with supplements and diet changes (FREE diet tips on the packing slip with your order) will give your pet the best chance of healing and recovery. Many veterinarians have seen the proven results of our products with their patients, which is why Ask Ariel pet supplements are recommended by veterinarians nationwide.
If you have questions about which products to use, please feel free to email us at Support@AskAriel.com.
Can you help GARC save homeless and abandoned pets in Oklahoma?
Every penny counts – we appreciate anything you can give to help these pets get a new lease on life!