Use it or lost it: Preventing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction by teaching seniors new tricks!
Dogs can’t play sudoku and while we have many tricks up our sleeve to attempt to prevent or manage cognitive dysfunction and gut-brain axis imbalance (think herbs, medicinal mushrooms, probiotics, omega 3 dense whole-food nutrition, supplements, acupuncture and other modalities).
One of the most powerful things you can do for promoting optimal brain health is teach an old dog new tricks!
Enhancing Senior Pet Mental Health:
As our doggies age, it's crucial to focus on both their mental & physical health (its all connected right!) to prevent the onset of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), sometimes known as Dog Dementia.
By providing enriching activities and mental stimulation, we can help keep our ageing pets mentally sharp and delay cognitive decline.
Let’s explore practical strategies to promote mental well-being and prevent CCD in our beloved senior pets.
Engage in Interactive Play: Regular play sessions that involve interactive toys and games can stimulate your senior pet's cognitive abilities. Puzzle toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving skills keep their minds active and engaged.
Teach New Tricks: Contrary to popular belief, senior dogs can learn new tricks! Teaching them new commands or tricks not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Positive reinforcement techniques and patience are key to successful training sessions.
Provide Novel Experiences: Introduce your senior pet to new environments, sights, and smells to keep their minds engaged. Taking them on different walking routes, experience acupuncture session, experience a hydrotherapy or ground physio workout, arranging playdates with other dogs, or visiting pet-friendly places offer valuable mental stimulation and social interaction.
Incorporate Brain Games: Mental exercises, such as hide-and-seek with treats or scent-based games, can help keep your senior pet's mind sharp. These activities tap into their natural instincts and provide mental challenges that stimulate cognitive function.
Maintain Routine and Consistency: While introducing new experiences and activities is essential, maintaining a familiar routine is equally important for senior pets. A consistent daily schedule and familiar surroundings can provide comfort and stability, reducing anxiety and stress.
By actively promoting mental health and engaging in activities that challenge their cognitive abilities, we can help prevent Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in our senior pets.
Enriching their environment, providing interactive play opportunities, and teaching new tricks are effective ways to keep their minds sharp and promote overall well-being.
Remember, it's never too late to invest in your senior pet's mental health and provide them with a fulfilling and enriched life.
If you are concerned your pet may be showing signs of CCDS, it is important for a health check to take place, you can get an idea by completing a DISHAA survey here or simply book an appointment with one of our vets. CCDS can emerge from age 6 so it is important to be mindful of this and focus on prevention as much as absolutely possible.
Thanks for your time,
Dr Matthew
Clinical Director ANVC
