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<p dir="auto">Dear Valued Client,</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Have you noticed a change in your senior pup’s behavior? Are you more aware of their age than you have been in the past? Is your senior pup showing any of the following signs?</p><ul><li><p dir="auto"><em>Disorientation</em></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><em>Changes in interactions</em></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><em>Alteration to the sleep/wake cycle</em></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><em>House soiling</em></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><em>Activity changes</em></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><em>Anxiety and learning/memory changes</em></p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">If so, your dog may be showing signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (‘Doggie Dementia’). This is a common finding that can affect upwards of 68% of our senior pups. This process can be considered similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. As our dogs’ brains age, they are not as amenable to oxidative stress, which can ultimately lead to neuron death. With this ailment, our goal is to teach you the signs to look for and to give you tools to improve those changes that are negatively affecting you and your pup’s lives.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">The following are options we have available to us to help limit and potentially improve the signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction:</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Diet Options:</strong></p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Purina and Hill’s make diets that include ingredients like Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and others that can help with the aging brain.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Supplement Options:</strong></p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">There are many supplements available that include Omega-3 Fatty Acids, which contain EPA and DHA. These have been shown to improve cognition, learning, mood, and even aggression. Other supplements contain ingredients like ginkgo biloba, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6. Some of these supplements even contain antioxidants that help with tissue repair/regeneration and cell membrane fluidity.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Medications:</strong></p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">A lot of the time, our pups with doggie dementia are not getting a good night’s sleep. We can discuss appropriate sleeping aid medications/supplements to aid in a more restful night. This will allow the brain to relax and potentially repair itself with good sleep cycles. In addition to sleeping medications, we can consider adding anti-anxiety medications, as many of our pups cannot process normal daily stresses like they used to.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Cognitive Therapies:</strong></p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">It has also been shown that enrichment activities at home have been beneficial. Taking the time to train new commands and engage in appropriate play/exercise can be hugely beneficial. We also want to discuss how to manage the environment. Such changes at home, like increasing lighting if your pup is declining visually, or adding anti-slip booties &amp; floor mats, can prevent slipping in the house, which can be very impactful.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">As you can see, there are numerous options available to us as pet owners and veterinary teams to help guide you and your decision-making for the most appropriate therapy. Our goal is to establish a routine that we can sustain, as many of these changes are slow onset, which means slow to show improvement.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Use this tool from Purina to help us determine and score your pet’s Cognitive Dysfunction.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left"><strong>Senior Canine Cognitive Assessment- DISHAA</strong><br><strong>“Otto”</strong> (telemedicine) is a wonderful option for us to take the time to determine what is the most appropriate way to positively impact your pup with the changes/additions that can be most beneficial. It can be used for us to monitor progress and make alterations to the plans.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Thank you. Please let us know how we can help!</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left">Dr. Mark Belyeu</p>

Your dog may be showing signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggie Dementia). This is a common finding that can affect upwards of 68 percent of our senior pups. This process can be considered similar to Alzheimer's in humans. As our dogs' brains age, they are not as amenable to oxidative stress, which can ultimately lead to neuron death. 

Cognitive Dysfunction

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Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

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Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

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Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

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Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

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Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


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Recent Blogs

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Parasite Prevention for Dogs and Cats | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection

Poison Prevention in Pets: What Every Owner Needs to Know

FAQs

What are the most common health issues for senior pets?

What should I do if my pet shows signs of illness?

Do you offer pet dental care services?

What is the best diet for my dog or cat?

How often should I bring my pet to the vet for a check-up?