Category: Pets

Humans aren’t the only ones with a sweet tooth. Dogs often like the smell of chocolate, making it a tempting treat to taste. However, because dogs cannot digest and eliminate the main toxic components — the methylxanthine alkaloids theobromine and caffeine — as quickly as humans, they experience poisoning when indulging in the sweet stuff. If your dog eats chocolate, regardless if it’s milk or dark, consider it an emergency and call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

If your dog eats chocolate, here’s what to do first

If you suspect your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to emerge before contacting your vet.

Ideally, include the type of chocolate your dog ate, how much and when. Bring the chocolate source, if possible, say veterinarians Kathy Gerken and Kendon Kuo. Both work in small animal emergency and critical care at Auburn University Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital in Alabama.

“Collect any remaining packaging from the chocolate to help your veterinarian determine what type of chocolate it was and how much your dog may have ingested,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, Illinois. “Note whether the chocolates had any sort of fillings, including raisins or macadamia nuts, as they can also be toxic. If the chocolate is sugar-free, it could also contain xylitol, a toxin that can cause low blood sugar and liver damage in our dog friends.”

Symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs

Even if you don’t catch your dog eating chocolate, you may see clues something is not right. Initial signs your dog may be experiencing chocolate toxicity may show up in the first couple hours after ingestion, but it can take up to 24 hours, and recovery can take up to three days.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include:

• Vomiting (mild symptom)
• Diarrhea (mild symptom)
• Increased thirst (mild symptom)
• Hyperactivity (mild symptom)

More serious symptoms include:

• Increased or irregular heart rate or rhythm (including panting, lethargy, confusion, dizziness and shortness of breath)
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures

“Severe signs include the previous but affect the central nervous system, as well, leading to seizures, coma and sometimes death,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo.

Why is chocolate toxic to dogs?

“Chocolate toxicosis is a very common episode and should always be treated as a medical emergency,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo.

When ingested, methylxanthines affect the dog’s central nervous system, cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Chocolate toxicity symptoms in dogs can range from mild to severe to fatal.

While theobromine occurs naturally in cocoa beans, the amount in chocolates depends on the type of chocolate as well as the brand and size of the candy.

“The darker the chocolate, the more concentrated amounts of methylxanthines are present,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo.

The darker the chocolate, the more toxic for dogs

Here are the most common types of chocolate, from most dangerous to least toxic, and the approximate amount of methylxanthine per ounce of chocolate.

1. Cocoa powder (~800mg/oz)
2. Unsweetened/Baker’s chocolate (~450mg/oz)
3. Semi-sweet chocolate (~150-160mg/oz)
4. Dark chocolate (~150-160mg/oz)
5. Milk chocolate (~64mg/oz)
6. White chocolate (n/a)

Note: These numbers come from Merck Vet Manual

An easy way to remember is that the more bitter the chocolate tastes, the more toxic it is for dogs. But all of them can have unpleasant effects on our dogs.

“White chocolate is not risk-free but carries a significantly lower dose of toxins and is generally not an issue with regard to methylxanthines,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo. “However, white chocolate ingestion has a higher association with gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.”

Understandably, the most common incidences of dogs eating chocolate happen during holidays, including Easter, Halloween and Christmas. The variety of chocolates that vets treat dogs for eating ranges from candy bars to cookies to chocolate bars and baked items.

“Typically, most chocolate candies contain milk chocolate or white chocolate,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo. “Dogs tend to consume these in larger amounts making up their toxicity. With baked goods, the chocolate tends to be darker and/or purer cacao, with higher concentrations of the toxins, meaning it takes much less to be ingested to become toxic. Additionally, baked goods may contain other items, such as raisins, macadamia nuts or marijuana that could also pose additional toxicity risk.”

How much chocolate is toxic to dogs?

ASPCA and Merck Vet Manual both say 100 to 200 mg of theobromine and caffeine per kg of dog weight is a lethal dose.

“We start seeing clinical signs around 20 mg/kg and they progressively get worse as they increase,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo. “But the 100 mg/kg of either substance (theobromine or caffeine) is essentially fatal. For a 15-pound dog that eats 1-ounce of a 72 percent cocoa chocolate bar, that dog would receive about 42 mg/kg of methylxanthines and result in significant cardiac arrhythmias.”

Remember that the dose determines the poison.

“The amount of chocolate that may be toxic to your pet depends on their size and medical history,” says Dr. Wismer. “It takes much less chocolate to be a problem for smaller dogs than larger dogs”

And while age is not a major factor in assessment, your dog’s history is significant.

“If the dog already has a history of gastrointestinal, cardiac and/or neurological disease, there is a potential that a lower toxicity threshold is required before clinical signs are evident,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo.

How to treat dogs with chocolate toxicity

Your vet will determine treatment based on the type and amount of chocolate your dog ate, along with your pet’s size, age and medical history, sometimes using a toxicity calculator.

“Efforts should be made to have the dog vomit as quickly as possible,” say Drs. Gerken and Kuo, although vomiting should not be induced at home. “Ideally, this should be done with a veterinarian as we need to make sure that it is safe for your dog to vomit. Some dogs are already exhibiting neurologic signs and cannot protect their airway, putting them at risk for aspiration. Fluid therapy and activated charcoal should be administered because chocolate can be recirculated in the dog’s intestines and remain toxic for a longer time.”

There’s no question that dogs eating chocolate is an urgent situation, but the prognosis typically is good with prompt and appropriate treatment. Death by chocolate is rare for our canine companions, but we are wise to keep the sweet stuff inaccessible to them.

Dogs are supposed to be our best friends, but do you have a dog who doesn’t like you? This breakdown in the relationship between dog and owner can be stressful for all. How do you know if your dog doesn’t like you? Your dog’s body language is a clear indicator of how your dog is feeling about you in the moment.

5 signs your dog doesn’t like you 

1. Stiff body language. Dogs use their bodies to communicate with each other and people. One of the first signs that your dog doesn’t like you or is uncomfortable being near you is stiff or uncomfortable body language. This includes whale eyes — the whites of their eyes are visible — when you approach, tucked-in tails or cowering and moving away from you.

2. Avoids contact with you. If your dog avoids spending time near you, including playtime, your dog might not like you. Note: Dogs do have personal preferences for how they show attention and not all dogs are cuddly. That doesn’t mean they don’t like their people; they might just prefer to play or do something more active than lounging around. 

3. Reluctant or refuses to take treats from your hands. If your dog is uncomfortable taking food or treats from your hand, that’s a clear sign that your dog isn’t comfortable being near you. 

4. Growling, snapping or biting you. This is the clearest way your dog can communicate that he doesn’t like you, or he doesn’t like the specific ways that you are interacting with him at that moment.

5. Showing stress signs. Stress signs include yawning (when not tired) and lip licking and panting (when they aren’t hot). Your dog may be telling you he’s nervous or uncomfortable being near you or with how you are interacting with him. 

Why does my dog not like me?

There are a variety of reasons your dog might not like you or not like the way you are interacting with him. These include:

• You aren’t meeting your dog’s needs
• Someone mistreated your dog in the past, which can result in dogs struggling to form relationships and connections with people. 
• Some dogs are wary of new people, so if your dog has only recently come home, it’s possible he just isn’t used to you yet. 
• Dogs thrive on routine and predictable behavior. If you behave unpredictably around your dog, he may struggle to trust and connect with you.
• Dogs particularly struggle when owners don’t respect their personal space, forcing them into interactions like hugging and cuddling when they aren’t comfortable. 

Improving your relationship with your dog

It’s possible to change how your dog feels about you. Just like any other relationship in your life, building a strong relationship with your dog takes work. Start by respecting your dog’s space and not forcing interactions. This will make your dog feel safe and trust that you won’t do things that harm or upset him. Prioritize spending quality time with your dog, doing things that your dog enjoys. If you think your dog doesn’t like you, don’t take it personally. Instead, recognize that this is a new opportunity for you to find other ways to connect with your dog.

If you’re struggling with your relationship with your dog, work with a dog trainer in your area who utilizes positive reinforcement and relationship-building approaches. A trainer will assess your dog’s interactions with you and help improve the ways you and your dog communicate and interact with each other. Training is an excellent way to not only increase positive communication between you and your dog but also to make your dog like you more.

In order to know whether acupuncture may be a good fit for your dog, you must first understand what it is and how it works. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years and involves the insertion of needles into skin along strategic points or areas of the body.

From the TCM perspective, acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points along the body’s meridians. Using this approach, meridians are pathways in which life energy, also known as chi, flows for balance of this energy. From a Western perspective, acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points to stimulate nerves, connective tissue and muscles. While there are varying approaches to acupuncture depending on the practitioner’s personal approach, the objectives generally remain the same — to stimulate the body’s natural healing ability, therefore promoting an increase in both physical and mental well-being.

Here are some basic things to know about having acupuncture done on your dog, according to Dr. Angie Krause, holistic veterinarian at Boulder Holistic Vet:

• a typical acupuncture session for your dog could last anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes
• a veterinarian inserts needles into your dog’s body in specific acupuncture points using a variety of thin needle sizes
• these needles can stay in your dog for upward of 30 minutes or as little as just a few seconds
• the veterinarian will likely recommend more sessions when your dog is first starting with acupuncture and then taper off, depending on the response to the treatment
• acupuncture sessions can be performed in the comfort of the pet’s home or in the veterinary clinic

Styles of acupuncture for dogs

Many different styles of acupuncture exist. Dry needle acupuncture, the insertion of small needles into the skin, can be done using either a Chinese or Japanese approach. Chinese acupuncture is the more common approach, using slightly larger needles that are inserted into the skin for a longer amount of time (usually between 15 to 30 minutes). Alternatively, Japanese acupuncture tends toward smaller needles that are inserted more superficially and for a shorter duration of time.

While less common than dry needling, both aqua-acupuncture and electro-acupuncture are also becoming more common in veterinary medicine. Aquapuncture is where sterile solubles, commonly B12, are injected into known acupoints. Electro-acupuncture uses electricity to further amplify the purpose and benefits of dry needle acupuncture. Both have great benefit and are generally well tolerated by dogs.

Another augmentation to acupuncture that removes the need for needles is acupressure. Acupressure uses fingers (or other parts of the hand and body) to stimulate acupoints. The great benefit to acupressure on dogs is that pet parents can provide this therapy at home. Many times, they see the same benefits as reached with acupuncture on their dog. This is a great way to empower pup parents! 

Benefits of acupuncture for dogs

Benefits of acupuncture for dogs are thought to be similar to those that a human might experience.

These benefits include but are not limited to:

• Decreased healing time. Acupuncture can be used to promote decreased healing time for dogs recovering from acute or chronic injury or post-surgery. This may include soft tissue or ligament injuries or orthopedic surgeries.

• Increased pain control. Whether a dog has orthopedic, neurologic or gastrointestinal pain, acupuncture may aid in decreasing discomfort by better managing pain control. Acupuncture is an excellent complimentary modality that can be easily incorporated with traditional treatment plans.

• Increased mobility. Acupuncture is an excellent option for senior dogs or dogs with chronic mobility changes (such as dogs with amputations, dysplasia or muscle weakness or atrophy). Acupuncture is also a great modality for dogs who cannot handle pharmaceutical pain control options, such as NSAIDs or gabapentin.

• Decrease inflammation. Acupuncture can help manage many different types of inflammation, one such example being inflammation associated with skin allergies. According to a small study done in 2018 regarding skin allergies in humans, acupuncture was seen to stimulate blood flow to specific acupoints that help heal skin lesions, as well as further reduce symptoms associated with eczema, dermatitis and pruritus (itchy skin).

How a dog responds to acupuncture, and for how long, depends entirely on their individual response, as well as pet parent feedback. While some pet parents may not notice any benefits as they relate to acupuncture for their dog, others may notice positive changes for days or even weeks after sessions. Acupuncture is often combined with other bodywork, such as chiropractic, laser therapy or massage therapy, to help prolong benefits.

Things for pet parents to watch for after their dog’s acupuncture session that may help provide insight as to how their dog’s body is responding to the treatment include but are not limited to:

• Appetite. If your dog eats more food after her acupuncture treatment, can you correlate this to anything specific, such as decreased nausea, an increased sense of well-being or decreased pain?

• Water consumption. Many dogs drink more water and urinate more directly after their acupuncture session. This is very normal.

• Mobility. If your dog is able to move easier after acupuncture, this is a great sign. Things to watch out for regarding better mobility include less stiffness after waking, an easier time getting up and down, better range of motion or getting on and off furniture easier.

• Activity levels. If your dog is asking to go on more frequent or longer walks post-acupuncture, this is a great sign. If she is playing with you or other resident pets in the home more frequently, she is probably feeling better.

• Behavior changes. Positive behavioral changes may include your dog seeming more social, comfortable or less distressed overall.

Who can practice acupuncture on dogs?

Regardless of whether you are working with a practitioner who takes a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or Western approach, the only legal professional able to perform acupuncture on your dog is a licensed veterinarian, who has completed additional certification and training in acupuncture.

If your veterinarian does not practice acupuncture on animals, she may refer to you a local veterinarian who does, or you can search for practitioners in your local area using the Chi University Alumni Directory here. 

Common canine conditions that benefit from acupuncture

Knowing the benefits of using acupuncture for dogs may have helped you determine whether it’s a good option for your pup. However, if you’re still on the fence, this list of common canine conditions that may benefit from the therapy could help you determine if it’s worth exploring for your pup.

Common canine conditions that may respond to acupuncture include but are not limited to:

• Osteoarthritis
• Skin allergies
• Hip or elbow dysplasia
• Spinal cord conditions
• Anxiety or other behavioral challenges
• Side effects from chemotherapy including nausea, low appetite and depression

This is just a small list of conditions that may benefit from the introduction of acupuncture. If you believe your dog has a condition that could be alleviated using this therapy, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian.

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a stand-alone modality, or used in conjunction with more traditional treatments for a variety of ailments in dogs. Its cost may prohibit some pup parents from exploring this therapy for their dog, but more pet insurance companies now cover this treatment. With few negative side effects, acupuncture should absolutely be explored for pet parents who have the resources and a pup in need.

It’s common practice to tip people who work in service industries, like food servers or hair stylists. That same tipping practice is applied to professional dog groomers whenever they groom a dog to the guardian’s liking, says Susan Divine Sholar, president of the American Professional Pet Groomers Association. But how much should you tip a dog groomer? According to Susan, it’s basically the same as any other service industry, around 15 to 20%.

When do you tip a dog groomer?

Susan says you should tip a dog groomer if you’re pleased with the grooming job. Dog groomers have a physically taxing job, lifting and bathing dogs while enforcing safety protocols around sharp grooming tools. Grooming services can take hours, especially if your dog has matted or knotted hair to untangle, or if your dog gets anxious at the groomer.  

Give the tip directly to the dog groomer to limit transactions, regardless if the salon is owned by that person or is part of a big corporation, like a box store, Susan says. Each salon has a different policy on distributing tips.

How to calculate a tip for a dog groomer

Take the cost of the service and multiply the percentage you wish to give. For example, if the groom was $50 and you want to leave a 20% tip, multiply 50 by .20 to get 10 and then add that $10 to your amount, to make it a total of $60. Any tip calculator app on your phone can do the math for you!

Tipping is a way to show service workers how much you appreciate all their hard work. And often, business owners factor in potential tips when deciding salary, so if you’re not sure how much to tip your groomer, just pop open a tip calculator app and let him know you appreciate his work.

Just like their pet parents, some dogs may need a low-sodium diet. In fact, “Overall, dogs need proportionately less sodium than we do,” says Dr. Jon Nauss, medical director at the Irvine Valley Veterinary Hospital Primary Care & Integrative Medicine in California.

What is low-sodium dog food?

Many low-sodium dog foods are not specifically labeled as “low sodium.” Nathan Elam, Ph.D., a consulting nutritionist for Nutrition Service Associates and Inline Nutrition, consults on recipe formulations for numerous pet food companies and defines a low-sodium diet as “one that has less than 1% supplemental salt included on dry matter basis.”

These can include some limited-ingredient recipes, foods for dogs with sensitivities, heart-healthy dog foods or food that needs to be refrigerated to maintain freshness. Salt is often used as a preservative in canned food.

Nathan adds, “The most common supplemented salt ingredient in pet diets would be sodium chloride (NaCl) referred to as salt (table salt) or sea salt. However, other salt ingredients would include potassium chloride, magnesium chloride and to a lesser inclusion calcium chloride and copper chloride. And, because formulations typically contain 1% salt (or less) on a dry matter basis, rarely is the total salt content listed on a label as guaranteed inclusion.”

You can typically find low-sodium dog food as cardiac diets. Do research and discuss options with your veterinarian. Here are just a few low-sodium dog foods on the market:

Do all dog foods have sodium?

The sodium content in pet foods is recommended by The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Consequently, pet foods require a minimum amount of sodium to be considered a complete and balanced diet. It is also considered a preservative.

Benefits of salt in dog food:

• Salt maintains the body’s fluids (blood).
• Sodium ions are needed for muscle contraction and electrical impulses.
• Salt prevents conditions such as gout.
• Salt helps maintain normal blood pressure to the heart and kidneys.

“Sodium is the most abundant positive ion electrolyte in the extracellular fluid in the body. So, it is found in all parts of the body helping with regulating fluid volume, and the proper functioning of nerves, muscles and many other bodily operations,” explains Dr. Nauss.

“Sometimes, however, a patient may have too much sodium, either from an imbalance of operations in the body or overconsumption in the diet. Screening blood work, conducted by your veterinarian, can help detect these imbalances and help determine the best plan for correction,” he adds.

Common health conditions that may require a low-sodium diet for dogs include:

• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Kidney disease
• Ascites (fluid retention in the abdomen)

High-sodium human snacks for dogs

Even if you are serving your dog a low-sodium diet approved by your vet, Dr. Nauss warns that pet parents inadvertently add additional salt to their dogs’ diets by giving them human snacks, such as popcorn, French fries, lunch meats and cheese which, he adds, “represent a potentially considerable amount of sodium for a dog. Rather consider lower sodium snacks like blueberries or apples.”

Pet food manufacturer Holly Sher, owner of Evanger’s Dog and Cat Food and Against the Grain pet food,  advises that if a dog needs a super low-sodium diet, avoid recipes with a saltwater fish base as they are typically higher in sodium.

Before switching your dog to a low-sodium diet, consult your veterinarian to find a food that will keep your dog excited for meal time.

It’s common practice to tip people who work in service industries, like food servers or hair stylists. That same tipping practice is applied to professional dog groomers whenever they groom a dog to the guardian’s liking, says Susan Divine Sholar, president of the American Professional Pet Groomers Association. But how much should you tip a dog groomer? According to Susan, it’s basically the same as any other service industry, around 15 to 20%.

When do you tip a dog groomer?

Susan says you should tip a dog groomer if you’re pleased with the grooming job. Dog groomers have a physically taxing job, lifting and bathing dogs while enforcing safety protocols around sharp grooming tools. Grooming services can take hours, especially if your dog has matted or knotted hair to untangle, or if your dog gets anxious at the groomer.  

Give the tip directly to the dog groomer to limit transactions, regardless if the salon is owned by that person or is part of a big corporation, like a box store, Susan says. Each salon has a different policy on distributing tips.

How to calculate a tip for a dog groomer

Take the cost of the service and multiply the percentage you wish to give. For example, if the groom was $50 and you want to leave a 20% tip, multiply 50 by .20 to get 10 and then add that $10 to your amount, to make it a total of $60. Any tip calculator app on your phone can do the math for you!

Tipping is a way to show service workers how much you appreciate all their hard work. And often, business owners factor in potential tips when deciding salary, so if you’re not sure how much to tip your groomer, just pop open a tip calculator app and let him know you appreciate his work.

Dogs make the best Valentines, don’t they? The cuddles, the kisses, the unconditional love. Show your pup some ❤️ this month with one of these unique (and easy) gifts — a sure way to lock in some extra cuddle time and licks. Speaking of kisses (and fresh doggie breath), February is also Pet Dental Health Month. Taking care of your dog’s teeth is up there for showing your dog how much you care about her. Good dental health prevents chronic pain and inflammation, and periodontal disease associated with heart, kidney and liver issues.

But 80 percent of dogs end up with dental disease by 3 years old. Pumpkin Pet Insurance surveyed more than 500 pet owners, and 63% reported not regularly brushing their dog or cat’s teeth at home, mostly because their pet won’t let them or dislikes it.

Brushing a dog’s teeth takes practice and patience, but it’s worth it! Did you know there are alternatives to the standard toothbrush?  Try them out and let us know what you think. And in the meantime, send us your ❤️ pictures with your pup to be featured on our social media pages.

Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

Monthly dog holidays, February 2023

Pet Dental Health Month

Unchain a Dog Dog Month

Dog Training Education Month

Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

Responsible Pet Owners Month

Daily dog holidays, February 2023

February 3, 2023: National Golden Retriever Day
February 14, 2023: Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 20, 2023: Love Your Pet Day
February 22 , 2023: National Walk Your Dog Day
February 23, 2023: National Dog Biscuit Day

February 2023 dog events

Jan 24 – Feb 28, 2023: To kick off Change a Pet’s Life Day on Jan. 24, JC Penney is partnering with 10 animal shelters nationwide and photographing adoptable senior dogs through its Portraits by Lifetouch program. The photos will be displayed on JC Penney’s website. JCPenney is also donating $1,000 to each shelter and giving a $500 gift card toward pet supplies.

Feb 1- Feb 28 ,2023: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 50 Mile Dog Walking Challenge. Get outside with your dog, log your miles and raise funds for children at St. Jude’s. To join the challenge, visit the Facebook page.

Feb 3-5, 2023: Lehigh Valley Pet Expo. Fun demonstrations, shows and shopping. Held at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, PA. Visit familypetshows.com for more information.

Feb 4, 2023: Great Lakes Pet Expo. Celebrating its 18th year at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in Milwaukee. Enjoy live entertainment, shopping and adoptable animals. Buy tickets at petexpomilwaukee.com 

Feb 5, 2023: The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show is a professional team of performers and their adopted dogs that perform extreme dog sports like dock diving, dog dancing and freestyle disc. The show is family friendly and held at the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Feb 10-12, 2023: Cambridge, Minnesota Kennel Club, All Breed Obedience and Rally Trials, held at Total Recall in Huge, Minnesota. For more information, go to cmck.org

 

Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2023? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) is estimated to affect 14% to 35% of all dogs, although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact prevalence due to the difficulty in diagnosing and lack of centralized reporting. In a recent report published by the University of Washington’s Dog Aging Project, about 3% of 11,574 dogs had diagnostic scores above the clinical threshold for CDS. Most veterinarians agree that about a third of all dogs will develop some degree of cognitive decline as they age, with perhaps 10% to 20% progressing to CDS.

Symptoms of Dog Dementia (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome)

Most signs of CDS begin around 9 years of age, with females, especially spayed dogs, being predisposed. Early research indicates neutered males may experience more rapid progression of CDS than intact dogs. These findings suggest hormones may be involved in the development or progression of CDS.

Many vets use the acronym “DISHAA” to help dog owners recognize CDS. DISHAA stands for: Disorientation; Social Interactions; Sleep/Wake Cycles; House soiling, Learning and Memory; Activity; and Anxiety.

Some of the most common canine cognitive dysfunction symptoms include:

• Wandering aimlessly throughout the house or yard
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Urinating and defecating in the house
• Pacing, most often at night
• Less interaction with owners
• Not recognizing familiar people, animals, or commands
• Less interest in eating, playing, walking and socializing
• Restlessness
• Waking up in the night; increased daytime sleeping
• Inactivity
• Increased vocalization, frequently at night
• Approaching the wrong side of a known door opening
• Inability to locate food dropped on the floor
• Appearing to become lost in a familiar environment

Treatment and supplements for cognitive dysfunction syndrome

Similar to Alzheimer’s disease, there is no specific treatment for CDS. You can offer your dog several lifestyle and nutritional interventions, along with one particular medication.

The drug of choice for most veterinarians confronting CDS is selegiline (L-deprenyl) hydrochloride (trade names Anipryl, Eldepryl, Carbex and generic). Cognitive dysfunction is associated with decreased levels of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, and selegiline helps prolong dopamine activity. It also reduces free radicals in the brain, further enhancing its effects.

While far from a panacea, I advocate selegiline usage in my CDS patients. I typically give the standard dose for two months, and if there’s no change, double the amount for an additional month. If the dog still isn’t improving, we discontinue. Approximately 5 percent of dogs can’t tolerate selegiline. Side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, appetite loss, itchy skin, tremors, drooling, listlessness, disorientation, diminished hearing, or restlessness.

Diets rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids have been shown to improve cognitive function and slow decline. There are therapeutic diets formulated specifically to aid dogs suffering from CDS, including Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare.

In addition to a special diet, I advise supplementing with fatty acids DHA and EPA. Besides being potent antioxidants, several studies conclude that DHA/EPA can help enhance brain function.

I also recommend supplements rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as Senilife, to my patients experiencing cognitive decline. MCTs provide an alternative energy course for brain cells and may improve mitochondrial activity in neural tissues.

SAMe is on my list of supplements for most older dogs and certainly for those suspected of CDS. SAMe was shown to decrease clinical signs of CDS and improve executive functions in a couple of small studies.

Regular aerobic physical activity is essential in helping slow CDS and preventing mental decline in general. In addition, environmental enrichment is necessary for a healthy canine brain. Social interactions, new toys, learning new commands and engaging in new activities have been shown to preserve a dog’s brain function and learning abilities.

Chloe’s CDS story

“It’s hard to describe. She just seems somehow off. Like she’s becoming more forgetful.”

Seated across from me was Chloe, a 9-year-old Yorkie lounging between a loving 60-ish couple. This was our first visit, and it was apparent they were terribly concerned.

“Just the other day, when I called her name for a treat, she looked right at me as if she didn’t understand a word I said. I put her favorite cookie on the floor, and she just walked away.”

I had an idea. I gently removed my stethoscope from around my neck and dropped it loudly onto the floor behind me.

Chloe immediately perked up and looked toward the sound. OK, her hearing and ability to localize noises appeared intact.

“I agree that something may be wrong. That was a simple test of her hearing and ability to process sensory information. Older dogs often develop hearing and vision loss, leading to abnormal behaviors like you described. Let’s find out what may be causing her symptoms by starting with a thorough physical exam.”

Both pet parents let out an audible sigh of relief.

“Thank you for believing us. You’re the third vet we’ve seen, and each time we left feeling like we were losing our minds or overreacting.”

“I learned early in my career to trust the pet owner when they say something’s wrong. You know your dog better than anyone else. It’s my job to translate your feelings and my findings into a diagnosis.”

Several minutes later, my examination concluded that Chloe was an exceptionally healthy senior dog with no discernable sensory deficits or physical abnormalities. The next step was to perform a battery of blood and urine tests to eliminate any hidden illness as the culprit.

“While waiting for the test results, I want you to log any unusual behaviors or events. Even better, take a video of Chloe if she does anything strange.”

Three days later, I called to inform them that all tests were normal and to check if Chloe had experienced any more “bad spells.”

“Dr. Ward, I think she’s getting worse. Two nights ago, she woke up at 3 a.m. and started wandering throughout the house. I thought maybe there was an animal outside, but my husband checked and saw nothing. Then today she pottied in the house while I was out.”

I asked if she had urinated or defecated.

“That’s just it; she did both! I don’t think she’s done that since she was a puppy.”

My hunch was that Chloe was in the early stages of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. CDS is a degenerative neurological disorder of older dogs and cats characterized by gradual cognitive decline and increasing changes in brain tissue. CDS is insidious and progressive, and most dog owners don’t recognize the changes until advanced and severe. Chloe’s parents were right to trust their gut.

We discussed additional testing, such as an MRI, to look for further signs of CDS or brain disease, but the owners decided to wait.

During the first month of treatment (see the first part of this article for the diet, supplement, and medication recommendation), Chloe’s owners reported no significant events, but she was still a bit “slow.” After three months, she’d only had a few accidents, and her owners were satisfied she was “holding steady.” A year later, Chloe was unchanged.

Chloe’s family moved about a year later to be near their new grandchildren, and, to be honest, I completely forgot about her. One Christmas, my hospital manager knocked on my door, holding a bright red card. Inside was a photograph of the couple cuddling a new puppy alongside a brood of grandkids.

“Dr. Ward, we wanted to let you know Chloe passed peacefully a few months ago. She remained happy and able to get along on her own until her final days. This is our new pup, Zoe! I hope she can find a vet willing to listen to her like you did her sister. Thank you again for your help.”

Not going to lie; I still read that card when I’m feeling down. Dog moms and dads, trust your gut when it comes to your pet’s physical and mental health. You know your dog better than anyone else, and they deserve to be heard.  

We all know shed happens when you live with dogs. Whether you have a double-coated fluffy boy or a sleek-coated pretty girl, dog hair can be a real problem during shedding seasons.  Fortunately, there are some great pet vacuums for tackling dog hair.

1. Dog vacuum and pet grooming tool

Pet hair isn’t just hair, it carries pollen and allergens too. The great minds at Dyson know this and developed the pet Groom Tool. It works with Dyson’s cordless range of vacuums, like the Dyson V15 Detect with its laser detection and anti-tangle conical brush bar designed to collect and release pet hair into the bin. Paige at Dyson says the pet Grooming Tool is acoustically engineered to give your pup a peaceful brushing and the self-cleaning angled bristles are designed to reach into the undercoat to grab those loose hairs before they drop. A cordless vacuum with the grooming tool is a great one-two punch for keeping ahead of the shedding.  

2. Dog vacuum with anti-odor filters and upholstery tools

The overall favorite is the High-Performance Swivel XL Pet Upright says Emily at Hoover. Its heavy-duty powerful motor with WindTunnel technology is perfect for heavy shedders. It creates that edge-to-edge suction to get hair from hard-to-reach spots on every floor type and the 2-in-1 pet upholstery tool works great on furniture, stairs, and pet beds. It’s made for pet parents with a rinseable anti-order filter and PowerFlex Pet brush roll for a powerful clean.

3. Dog vacuum with power suction and easy cleanup

With its SmartSeal Allergen System and edge-to-edge suction, the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus vacuum cleaner from Bissell is a powerhouse at trapping hair, dirt and allergens. The Tangle-Free Brush Roll prevents hair from wrapping around the brush and the Cyclonic Pet Hair Spooling System gives you an easy, no-touch emptying of the dirt tank. Every purchase supports the Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets, so it’s a win-win for all.

When it comes to staying ahead of the shed, engineers and microbiologists know what it takes to get a home clean. With powerful suction capabilities and specialized tools, finding the perfect pet vacuum can be easier than naming your new puppy.