Is Your Dog's Mind Going to the Dogs?

A typical morning for me consists of quickly feeding the dogs, pouring a cup of coffee in my
commuter mug, hunting frantically for my keys and rushing out the door-without the coffee.
I run back inside to collect what I forgot the first time. Now I'm not only late, but I'm
convinced I am losing my mind.

If you have an older dog, you might notice similar "absent mindedness" as he gets older.
And if your mornings are anything like mine, perhaps you can relate to what your dog may
be going through. While your brain lapse is more likely induced by the three extra times that
the alarm clock's snooze button was hit, for a senior dog, it's a biochemical change that
occurs in his brain as he ages. For you and me, slowing down-and waking up earlier-should
resolve that forgetfulness. And there's help for old Madeline too.

Similar to aging people, geriatric dogs-and maybe elderly cats-can suffer from a "memory"
disorder called cognitive dysfunction syndrome, or CDS. CDS has been compared with
Alzheimer's disease in people because the changes that occur in the brain are similar and the
signs-forgetfulness, disorientation, and not recognizing family members-are comparable.

In dogs with CDS, owners notice that their older animal seems more disoriented and
confused. "Dogs may seem lost in their surroundings-get lost behind a couch, or stuck in a
corner, or stand at the hinge side of the door," says Dr. Jo Ann Eurell, a veterinarian retired from the
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana with an interest in behavior.
"A senior pet may not recognize family members, or may sleep all day and be up pacing all
night. The most notable sign is a deterioration in house training. A dog with CDS will have a
lot of accidents."

The older a dog gets, the more likely cognitive dysfunction becomes. Because dogs, like
people, are living longer, owners have to watch for age-related medical and behavioral
disorders. "A lot of people write off signs of forgetfulness and disorientation in pets, thinking
that it's just because they are old and nothing can be done," say Dr. Eurell. "But there is
treatment available that may help dogs with CDS."

If your veterinarian suspects your senior canine is experiencing the effects of CDS, he will
perform a thorough examination to look for an underlying medical problem that could be
causing the behavior change. "As dogs age, their bodies undergo several different changes,"
says Dr. Eurell. "Aging dogs are particularly prone to problems with their hearing, smell,
sight, and joints. They are also at a higher risk for heart problems and metabolic
conditions."

Any of these problems can sometimes also cause signs similar to those in CDS, so a
veterinarian will want to make sure a disoriented dog is not suffering from another systemic
illness, hearing loss, or sight loss, before trying medication for CDS.

Annual exams, or bi-annual exams, are a very important part of keeping your best friend as
healthy as possible so he can really enjoy his golden years. So the trick for owners, advises
Dr. Eurell, is to be vigilant and to let your veterinarian know of any behavior changes,
especially if your dog is entering the golden years. Don't just dismiss senile behavior as "old
age." Your veterinarian may suggest medication that may solve the problem and have your
old dog learning new tricks in no time.

Don't Leave Dogs Unattended With Chew Treats

Chew treats made of compressed vegetable protein and fiber have become increasingly popular due to their benefits for pet dental health and enjoyment. Some of the most popular of these products are Greeniesﾮ, which have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council as effective for helping keep teeth clean.

Chewing the dense treats helps keep teeth clean by scraping food debris and plaque from the teeth, minimizing tartar buildup. In addition, dogs enjoy the entertainment of chewing while exercising important chewing muscles.

However, health problems associated with these chew treats have recently raised concern amongst pet owners and the veterinary community. According to Dr. Marcella Ridgway, veterinary internal medicine specialist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, these types of treats are digestible, but can potentially lodge in the pet's gastrointestinal tract.

Compressed vegetable chew treats are designed to be chewed into small bits, but Ridgway explains, "Dogs that tend to swallow these treats in just a few bites may have more gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction problems that those who chew them thoroughly. However, some of the dogs which developed GI obstruction reportedly chewed the treats in an appropriate manner, so other factors are likely involved in the development of GI obstruction."

Emergency veterinary clinics have reported cases if GI obstruction with green material obstructing the esophagus or small intestine of dogs that were fed Greeniesﾮ. This has initiated a review of data on GI obstruction cases due to compressed vegetable chew treats.

The reasons these types of treats lodge are not clear; Dr. Ridgway posits that the vegetable material may be stickier than other foods, may conform to shape of tubular organs, and/or may bind liquid and expand significantly.

Ridgway points out that any type of chew treat or chew toy can pose a risk if large amounts or large pieces are swallowed. "We see also see esophageal obstruction with rawhide chews, which tend to get gooey and soft. Pieces of softened rawhide can also become caught in back of throat." This can be a serious problem if the airway gets obstructed.

The key to preventing problems with chew treats is to make sure your dog chews the treat properly. Dogs offered a new type of chew treat for the first time should be closely monitored.

"There is always some risk if pets are left alone with chew treats and toys that can be broken into pieces, even if the pet has never had a problem with the toys before," says Ridgway. "If you want to leave the dog with something to do while you are away, toys that are strong enough to not be chewed into smaller pieces while flexible enough not to injure teeth, such as durable rubber Kongﾮ-like toys or chew ropes, should be safe for most dogs."

The Greeniesﾮ Web site similarly states, "As with any edible product, monitor your dog to ensure the treat is adequately chewed. Gulping any item can be harmful or even fatal to a dog."

Also, the Greeniesﾮ packaging and Web site (http://www.greenies.com/feedingGuidelines.cfm) list specific recommendations for choosing an appropriately-sized treat for your dog.

Signs that may indicate gastrointestinal obstruction in your pet include vomiting, regurgitation, and refusal to eat.

Weird Pets Found in Apartments (5)

Sweet sugar gliders

Have you always thought squirrels were adorable? Secretly wanted one as a pet? Long no more, as sugar gliders are what you seek. Though not actually related to squirrels, these small rodents bear a resemblance to flying squirrels and are extremely social. They require extensive attention from their human owners or the presence of another sugar glider as a companion. Since these animals need a diet high in fruits and vegetables (and the occasional insect!), sugar gliders may not be an ideal pet for those who just want to pour some pellets in a bowl and call it a day. However, if you’re looking for a sweet and strange little animal, the sugar glider just might be your thing.

There are plenty of other unusual animals you can keep in an apartment complex. Birds, frogs, hamsters, and fish are just a few. Of those, birds tend toward the noisier end of the spectrum, while fish are just as quiet as can be. Evaluate your needs and your apartment’s capacity when considering a pet. Buying an animal that needs more space than you have available does a disservice to you, your apartment, and above all the animal. Analyze your reasons for wanting a pet, ability to care for one, and do extensive research before bringing anyone home. You and your future pet will be happy you prepared well.