Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Buster the Boss! Dementia in dogs


Well! I think it's all a lot of fuss about nothing! Maybe I do get a bit confused when I'm out in the park or the garden and sometimes walk off in the wrong direction, but that's solved by my Mum keeping me on a lead. I NEVER thought I'd say this as I used to be SO keen to be let off my lead, whereas now I find it keeps me feeling secure and safe. If I am allowed off it, it's only when my Mum knows I can't wander off, but to be honest, now that I can't run about like I used to, I'm quite happy staying on my lead.

Apparently I have been found with my nose in the corner of the kitchen-looking at nothing-but do remember that I'm not the one that's bothered about that-it's just hard for my family to see sometimes. (I don't think that my sister Roxy takes any notice at all!)

I've done some research for my doggie pals in the hope that it helps your owners, who I'm sure find it as sad as my Mum does, but she seems to be more accepting now that she understands it's just part of being able to stick around longer...and as long as I'm fed, kept warm, giving lots of affection and short walks, I'm HAPPY!

I thought you might like to see that my mind goes a bit off track sometimes..it's not all bad..I used to NEVER want my sis near me when having a kip. Nowadays I like to know that she's around! (I'm the one with the fancy white front paw.)

Below is a list of dementia symptoms for your owners to check out: 

  • Disorientation/confusion
  • Anxiety/restlessness
  • Extreme irritability
  • Decreased desire to play
  • Excessive licking
  • Seeming disregard for previously learned training or house rules
  • Slow to learn new tasks
  • Inability to follow familiar routes
  • Lack of self-grooming
  • Fecal and urinary incontinence
  • Loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • Changes in sleep cycle (i.e, night waking, sleeping during the day)
    I also love it when anyone in my family picks me up and gives me LOTS of stroking and MOST of all I LOVE a face-rub! It makes me purr with pleasure (well, groan then) and really helps me feel part of the family, when I often feel confused and a bit lost. Doggies... IF you can read this without your owners....the best thing about losing my marbles a bit, is that I'm getting spoilt! For the first time EVER I'm allowed to sleep on Mum's bed in the daytime and in the photo above, we managed to sneak in before she chucked on our dog-blanket...much nicer!
    If you too are suffering from doggie-dementia, I hope that your family can turn up the patience and compassion dial! I'm sure your owners will create their own ways of giving you happy and loving end of life care...just in case it helps, below is a list of general points.

  • Try not to change, rearrange, or even refurbish furniture
  • Eliminate clutter to create wide pathways through your house
  • Consider purchasing or building a ramp for any stairways
  • Know your dog's limits when introducing new toys, food, people, or other animals
  • Develop a routine feeding, watering, and walking schedule
  • Keep commands short, simple, and compassionate
  • Encourage gentle and involved, short play sessions
Wishing all ageing dogs like myself a happy and comfortable end-of-life. Buster the Boss.

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