Dogs cared for throughout their early years live longer than ever before. It is not unusual for Toy-breed dogs to live into their mid-to-late teens and even big dogs today enjoy a decade or more of happy life with a loving owner. A longer life, though, can leave your dog befuddled when canine brains turn to mush.

Dogs aged 11 to 16 are most likely to develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), sort of the doggy version of Alzheimer’s Disease. CCD is a medical condition in which a starch-like waxy protein called beta amyloid collects in the brain and causes behaviour changes.

Affected dogs become disoriented, wander, cry and pace, and can become lost in the house when out of your sight. Their behaviour can change from confident to frightened, and the awake/sleep cycles may turn upside down. Dogs can forget house training, how to find the door or be unable to tell you when they need to “go.” And most heartbreaking of all, senile dogs lose interest in petting, ignore their beloved owners or furry friends, and might not recognise you.

Treating Doggy Senility

While there’s no cure for CCD, the drug Anipryl (selegiline hydrochloride) is approved to treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs. According to veterinary researchers, about one third of treated dogs return to normal, another one third are somewhat helped and the final one third are not helped at all. There also are special diets designed to help turn back the clock on canine senility. Sadly, even improved dogs eventually revert and again develop senility signs.

7 Tips To Keep Canine Brains Youthful

A longer life is not necessarily a better life, especially if your dog no longer recognises you. But there are ways to help your dog stay connected with the world and ward off signs of CCD, simply by exercising his brain.

Brain function studies in dogs proved that problem-solving activities kept them sharp, connected to the world around them, and even extended their lifespan. Just as with people, canine mental and physical stimulation drastically improves your dog’s cognitive function. “Use it or lose it” applies to dogs just as it does to humans. Here are 10 tips to keep Fido mentally spry into his old age.

Do not delay. Keep dogs both mentally and physically spry from puppyhood on. That helps prevent or at least slow brain ageing changes.

Make Play a Daily Treat. Interactive games keep your dog engaged with you and reward him for responding. Toys do not need to be expensive, either. Old socks become tug toys and used tennis balls work great for fetch. They are even more attractive if old and they smell like the owner.

Slim Pudgy Pooches. Overweight dogs have trouble exercising and avoid moving which can allow joints-and brains-to rust. Opt for a slimming programme that is safe for your overweight canine.

Adopt Another Pet. Proper introductions of a playful younger cat or dog can serve as a furry fountain of youth to an old-fogey dog. Even if he is irked at the young whippersnapper, keeping Junior-Pet in line can keep your dog sharp.

Practise Commands. Just because he is old does not mean he cannot perform. Practise the pleasures that make Fido’s heart leap for joy – for obedience champions, put him through his paces. If he has trouble, adjust the Frisbee toss or vault heights. Make necessary accommodations so he can still succeed and feel like the champion he is.

Treats for Tricks. Teach the old dog new tricks using healthy treat rewards. Make treats smelly so he would not have to strain old eyes to see.

Give a Challenge. Puzzle toys that dispense treats turn meals into fun games. For food fanatics, puzzle toys encourage activity and brain-teasing challenges that exercise problem solving abilities.

We cannot predict any dog’s lifespan. When a special dog reaches senior citizenship, we treasure our time together even more. Keeping your dog mentally active helps keep dogs connected with life – and us. And that ensures their golden years sparkle…