Just like humans, dogs can also develop dementia. Sadly, many dog owners are completely unaware that this condition, known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), exists.
Understanding Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or simply canine dementia, is a debilitating condition that affects many senior dogs. The symptoms include disorientation, restlessness, spinning, pacing, and forgetfulness. Unfortunately, CCD can impact any breed.
Zoe’s Story
Zoe, a beautiful 15-year-old dog from Minnesota, was diagnosed with canine dementia when she was 14. Her owner, Nikki, was shocked by the diagnosis. “The vet called me and was basically describing canine cognitive dysfunction, which is canine dementia,” Nikki told GeoBeats Animals. “And my first words were, ‘you have got to be joking me.’ I was like, ‘she has dementia?’”
A Family’s Journey with Canine Dementia
The news was a surprise to Nikki and her family, as they had never heard of this condition in dogs. They had to learn about CCD and how to manage it. The hardest part was when Zoe began to forget them. “She gets really nervous and gets lost a lot. On occasion, I’ll say her name and she’ll kind of look at me like, ‘who are you?’ But then it clicks, and she’s as happy as ever to realize it’s me.”
Source: @deafdogofmn
Adjusting to Zoe’s New Needs
At night, Zoe started to pace and pant throughout the house, leading the family to adjust their nightly routine. Making Zoe feel comfortable and safe became their top priority. Here are some tips the family learned along the way:
- Stick to a routine: Dogs with dementia thrive on routine.
- Use CBD oil: It can help calm anxious dogs.
- Provide mental stimulation: Engage your dog with puzzles and interactive toys.
- Ensure safety: Remove any items that your dog might mistakenly eat.
Living with Canine Dementia
Source: @deafdogofmn
Zoe lived with her deaf sibling, PeeWee, a rescue from Indianapolis. Despite being deaf, PeeWee was very smart and knew about ten signs. When they first met, Zoe and PeeWee quickly bonded and became inseparable. “He always looked up to her when we first got PeeWee. But now the tables have turned. She looks for him on what to do next. It’s heartbreaking to see her,” Nikki shared.
Extra Care and Safety Measures
As Zoe’s dementia progressed, she needed constant care. She would often try to eat things she wasn’t supposed to, like tissues. The family had to take extra measures to ensure Zoe’s safety. Despite her illness, Zoe remained a very happy dog.
The Heartbreaking Decline
According to their vet, many dogs with dementia decline rapidly, often within a year. For about a year and a half, Zoe managed well, but her condition eventually worsened. One morning, Zoe couldn’t walk, urinated on herself, and constantly vomited. By the end of the day, she couldn’t even lift her head.
Saying Goodbye
The family made the heartbreaking decision to let Zoe go. They shared a video of Zoe enjoying her final hours, smelling all the smells at the park on her last walk. “Forever in our hearts. We are all just heartbroken and devastated,” Nikki posted on social media.
Advocating for Awareness
Despite the awful illness, Zoe was deeply loved by her family and her deaf sibling. Zoe’s family now advocates for deaf dog and pet loss awareness, as well as educating people about canine dementia. If you need tips or consolation, follow them on Instagram and TikTok.
Final Thoughts
Canine dementia is a challenging condition for both dogs and their owners. Awareness and understanding of CCD can help families provide better care for their furry friends. Zoe’s story highlights the importance of compassion, patience, and love when dealing with such conditions.
