Holistic Pet Care

For pet owners who seek a more natural therapy, studies have shown that supplementation with the B vitamin choline supplement, CholodinR, is a safe and effective method of for reversing signs of cognitive dysfunction in dogs.

The following solutions can help senior dogs feel better and enjoy a better quality of life whether they are suffering from canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or not.

• Provide mental stimulation....
  Play with your dogs - Go for short walks - Talk to them - Pet them - hug them!
• Prevent wandering away by keeping the dog on a leash or in a fenced area when outdoors.
• Attach a bell to the dog's collar to help keep track of him indoors.
• Minimize stress and change...
  Don't rearrange furniture or change familiar surroundings.
  Stick with a daily routine.
• Take more frequent potty breaks.
  Watch your dog. Remind her why she's outside and tell her what she must do. Praise good behavior.
• Feed a senior formula pet food that's designed to combat signs of aging.
• Provide raised food and water bowls so large dogs won't have to reach down uncomfortably to eat and drink.
• Provide a soft, comfortable bed, away from drafts and at a height your dog can easily get in and out of. You might want to place doggy beds or cushions in several rooms of the house to provide comfortable, convenient places to sleep and relax - always near you.
• For a dog who has always been allowed on furniture but can no longer jump up, place a ramp or a small set of steps near the bed, sofa, or chair your senior dog is unable to reach.

From: Paula <Paula@hbeark.com>
Subject: [HolisticPet2] Dementia?
To: HolisticPet2@yahoogroups.com
Date: Monday, May 11, 2009, 5:35 AM

Does anyone know of any natural treatment for canine dementia/
senility? Those terms sound too strong. Addled occasionally - or
confused - would be more like it.

Mikey is 15 and is nearly deaf. The deafness has been coming on for a
couple of years. There may be some connection but his confusion is
getting worse. He's forgotten how to ask to go outside and/or doesn't
understand the clues that I'm trying to get him to go out. I started
trying to use hand signals as soon as I realized he wasn't hearing
me. Now, he can hear a sharp clap. He'll get half way to the door and
stop like he doesn't know what he's doing. Once he's outside, he may
just sit at the door or he may go for a run and potty-trip with the
other two dogs.

My question is, are there any natural treatments that might help? I
know there are things for humans but I can't find anything about
pets. The vet might have some drug but I don't want to go that route.
Mikey is smallish, so I don't consider 15 to be that old. He's fine
otherwise.

Paula