This episode delves into Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), a progressive, age-related neurodegenerative condition in dogs that closely parallels Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Listeners will learn how CCD manifests as subtle behavioral and cognitive changes—such as disorientation, altered sleep patterns, house-soiling, anxiety, and loss of learned behaviors—that often progress gradually and may be mistaken for normal aging. The episode unpacks the complexity of diagnosing CCD, highlighting the need to rule out other medical causes and the use of behavioral assessment tools like the CCDR and DISHAA scales.
Treatment strategies are explored from both conventional and integrative perspectives. The discussion covers medications (such as selegiline and anxiolytics), alongside the crucial roles of environmental enrichment, dietary modification, and targeted supplements in supporting cognitive health. The episode also introduces Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) approaches, including specific herbal formulas and acupuncture points.
Throughout, the importance of early recognition, proactive management, and strong owner support is emphasized as key to improving quality of life for aging dogs facing this challenging syndrome.
The podcast is using AI generated voices. The podcast image is created by John Hain, at pixaby.com