The medical condition known as sundowners syndrome can affect older individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments, and is often a sad occurrence. It is important to note that this condition is not exclusive to humans, as it can also affect dogs.
Similar to its manifestation in humans, sundowners syndrome can lead to personality alterations in dogs, as well as provoke unusual actions and dispiritedness. These modifications can pose challenges to your canine’s well-being and make it arduous to ensure his ease as he reaches his senior years.
What Is Sundowners Syndrome?
Sundowners syndrome, also known as old-dog senility, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), pertains to the diminished cognitive abilities in elderly dogs. It is often compared to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
The cause of the issue is still unclear to veterinarians, though it is thought to be linked with the decline of the central nervous system, brain cell mortality, or oxidative stress. Furthermore, it could be caused by unbalanced chemicals within the brain, which may exacerbate with age.
Regrettably, sundowners syndrome has no known remedy and typically displays a continual decline in your dog’s condition.
Dogs with sundowners syndrome will have to deal with it lifelong and as they age, they will need more and more care.
What Are the Symptoms of Sundowners Syndrome?
Most dogs that suffer from sundowners syndrome will experience a combination of the following issues, although the specific symptoms may differ from one individual to another.
Disorientation
Sundowners syndrome commonly causes disorientation in dogs as one of its major symptoms.
Your canine companion may exhibit signs of memory loss like forgetting his location or bumping into obstacles that have existed for a long time. Furthermore, he might struggle to recall or identify habitual routines such as your return from work or preparing for your regular stroll.
Frequent Accidents
Frequent accidents are often one of the initial signs of sundowners. Dogs that have been successfully house-trained for ten years or more may unexpectedly begin having bowel or bladder issues, such as pooping or peeing in inappropriate areas like the carpet.
For some elderly dogs, incontinence may become an issue due to the decline of their bladder and bowel function as they age. However, for dogs with sundowner syndrome, the issue may involve cognitive factors instead of physical ones.
Irritability
As the sundowners syndrome progresses, several dogs become irritable, according to reports. Owners have even reported their typically amiable and loving pets snapping at individuals. Furthermore, numerous dogs with sundowners develop less tolerance toward other animals.
Sleep-Cycle Disturbances
Dogs with sundowners syndrome may begin waking up much earlier or later than usual or have difficulty staying asleep . Some may even begin sleeping during the day and staying up most of the night .
At times, dogs suffering from sundowners syndrome may display actions similar to sleepwalking.
Anxiety
Sundowners syndrome can lead to cognitive decline in dogs, resulting in increased anxiety and nervousness. Any alterations in their usual routine can exacerbate this condition, making it best to avoid sudden changes and maintain a consistent daily schedule.
Impaired Communication
Canines that have sundowner syndrome might experience difficulty following simple and familiar commands. They may also bark or attempt to gain your attention through other means, even when there is no apparent cause for their behavior.
Other Behavioral Changes
Dogs with sundowners may experience different behavioral alterations, and each instance is distinctive. The majority of observable changes in behavior may be minor and challenging to articulate.
It is important to trust your instincts when it comes to recognizing unusual behavior in your dog. As the owner, you have the closest relationship with your pet and are most familiar with their typical demeanor.
Treatment Strategies for Dogs with Sundowners Syndrome
Since there is no remedy for sundowners, the majority of therapeutic approaches concentrate on alleviating the symptoms. The objective usually revolves around ensuring your dog’s utmost comfort while mitigating the most bothersome issues as effectively as possible.
In case you suspect sundowners syndrome in your dog, make sure to reach out to your vet and talk about the different treatment options that exist.
Different treatment options may be suggested by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s particular issues, but the following are some of the most effective strategies.
Medications
Sundowners syndrome in dogs can be treated with a few medications that may prove useful. In cases where relaxation is an issue, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed. Conversely, if a dog is losing interest in food, excessively sleeping or withdrawing, antidepressants may be prescribed instead.
CCD in the U.S. can only be treated with Selegiline, which is approved by the FDA. Other medications, like propentofylline, are sometimes prescribed by vets in an off-label manner. These drugs may be beneficial in safeguarding your dog’s brain cells against additional harm.
Dietary Changes
Nowadays, various dog food makers offer senior-specific formulas that commonly contain higher levels of antioxidants. Such antioxidants can potentially safeguard an elderly dog’s brain cells against the harmful effects of free radicals.
Other issues commonly experienced by seniors are also addressed in many senior diets. To make it simpler for older dogs to chew, smaller kibble pieces are often included. Additionally, these diets may contain increased fiber to improve digestive function, which could reduce the occurrence of accidents.
Supplements
Before beginning any supplement regimen for dogs with sundowners syndrome, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian. However, several over-the-counter supplements have been known to be helpful, including those listed below as the most common and effective.
- Melatonin may be useful for helping ease your dog’s anxiety and promoting proper sleep cycles.
- Omega-3 fatty acids may help protect your dog’s joints and help him get around more easily.
- Probiotics can help regulate your dog’s digestive function. They may also help prevent accidents.
- L-tryptophan is an amino acid that is sometimes used to treat anxiety, which makes it helpful in treating some cases of sundowners syndrome.
Lifestyle Changes
Implementing simple lifestyle changes at home can be effective in assisting dogs with sundowners syndrome. Common strategies that can be easily executed include:
- Make sure your dog has a very comfortable bed .
- Limit anxiety-causing activities as much as possible
- Avoid rearranging furniture unnecessarily
- Continue to stimulate his mind
- Go on more frequent walks
- Fit your dog with a belly band or diaper to help prevent accidents.
BONUS: Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Recipe
Increasingly, dog owners are choosing to make their own dog food at home due to the ever-changing news of recalls and commercial dog food information. Although dogs enjoy homemade food, creating it is different from cooking for yourself or your human relatives as there are crucial regulations to adhere to for your dog’s wellbeing.
Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?
The popularity of homemade diets is on the rise mainly due to the ability to regulate the ingredients and avoid concerns of dog food recalls. Furthermore, some individuals prefer to consume healthy foods and want their dogs to do the same, making homemade diets a favorable option as they typically consist of whole, unprocessed ingredients that are viewed as more nourishing compared to commercial dog food.
Before transitioning your dog to a homemade diet, it is important to take certain factors into consideration, since home cooking dog food may not be suitable for all dog owners.
- Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
- It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
- Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
- If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.
Proper Nutrition for Dogs
Like humans, dogs have nutritional needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. Dogs’ nutritional needs differ from our own, so you can’t exactly start sharing your own dinner with your dog. Feeding an incomplete or imbalanced diet can lead to vitamin and nutrient deficiencies in dogs.
To satisfy their energy needs, dogs require an adequate amount of calories, which are determined by their activity level and life stage. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the exact number of calories your canine companion requires on a daily basis.
To ensure a complete and balanced meal, a homemade dog diet must include a suitable combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. Additionally, essential vitamins and minerals need to be incorporated into the food.
- At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
- Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
- About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
- At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )
If you are ready to get started cooking for your dog, the first step is to talk to your veterinarian. Your vet may have recipes for you to try. Or you may need a referral to a veterinary nutritionist or a vet that focuses on canine nutrition.
How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs
It is crucial to ensure that the diet you prepare for your dog at home is complete and balanced by following a recipe. After selecting a suitable recipe with the help of your veterinarian, it’s time to commence the process.
- Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
- Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
- Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
- Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
- Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
- Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
- Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
- In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.
Preparing food in large quantities and storing them in pre-portioned containers in the refrigerator or freezer is a common practice among pet owners to save time and money. However, it is advisable to start with smaller quantities to monitor how your dog responds to the diet.
Sample Dog Food Recipes
Northwest Holistic Pet Care: Cooked Meal for a 20 lb. Dog
It is crucial to seek guidance from your holistic veterinarian prior to altering your dog’s food intake to ensure it aligns with their present health condition. Additionally, it is advisable to check your dog’s weight before initiating any dietary modifications as this will help you to regulate the amount if they experience excessive weight loss or gain. Keep in mind that a dog’s food requirements are influenced by their age, energy levels, and general health.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces ground organic turkey thigh (boneless)
- 2 tbsp ground organic turkey organ meat (liver, gizzards, hearts)
- ¼ c finely grated organic veggies
- 1 tsp ground raw sunflower seeds
- ½ tsp organic coconut oil
- ½ tsp salmon oil
- 500 mg Calcium Citrate (*must include this!)
Customize the measurements of the ingredients according to your dog’s weight and level of physical activity. The serving sizes mentioned earlier are suitable for a dog weighing 20 lbs. and leading a sedentary lifestyle. However, with rigorous physical activity, a dog’s calorie intake can increase fourfold. Therefore, it is important to keep a check on your dog’s weight and vary the meal sizes accordingly to fulfill their calorie needs.
- 40 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 2
- 60 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 3
- 80 lb. Dog: Above amounts x 4
Directions:
Boil vegetables and keep aside. Cook the ground turkey thigh and organ meat on a medium-low heat. Take off from the heat when most of the meat has become white, but some still appears slightly pink. Add blanched vegetables into a food processor or a clean coffee grinder and blend until they have been finely grated. Combine all the ingredients and serve after ensuring the mixture has cooled down adequately for consumption.
One way to preserve the vitality of food is to avoid exposing it to too much heat during cooking. Choosing gentler cooking methods can help retain more of the food’s life force while still making it easier for certain pets to digest than raw food. Additionally, blanching vegetables and finely grating them can improve their digestibility and increase nutrient absorption.
