
- Increased anxiety
- Altered sleep/wake patterns
- Increased agitation or confusion
- Changes in social interactions
- Loss of previous housetraining
- Becoming lost in familiar locations
- Abnormal barking/vocalizing
- Altered appetite
- Ongoing brain health is linked to mental stimulation. As the saying goes, "if you don't use it, you lose it!" Daily routines are also very helpful for patients with cognitive impairment. New environments and new people or pets may induce fearful behaviors. It is not uncommon for older pets to experience sensory deficits and chronic orthopedic issues that may magnify apparent cognitive losses. Everyday events that used to be performed without fear or issue may now be more difficult due to loss of thought or sensory function. Interactions with both animals and people should be closely monitored and structured to ensure safe interactions for all. Introduce changes to routines or environments slowly as it can be scary for any pet, but especially those with diminished brain function.
- Nutritional support is a vital. Many vets will recommend specialty diets that have been designed to help slow disease progression by preventing further damage. Diets which contain an optimum balance of medium chain fatty acids appear to be helpful and will promote healthy brain metabolism.
- Medical management of symptoms is possible as well. Many patients benefit from a drug called selegiline. Some nutraceuticals appear to provide benefits as well- but these products should be used under veterinary recommendation only, as some over-the-counter products have questionable quality control or proven efficacy. Psychotropic drugs are commonly prescribed for dogs to assist in behavioral modification and relief from symptom severity. Some people find that sourcing a private label cbd for pets can help slow the effects of these symptoms, as well as provide extra comfort and a more relaxed state for their beloved dog as they age.Any medication is best utilized in conjunction with concurrent environment and training modifications and nutritional support.