Anxiety In Dogs |

If lately you’ve been noticing that your older dog is exhibiting ‘behavior problems’ , your pet may be developing a syndrome called ‘Canine Cognitive Dysfunction’ (CCD) or ‘Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome’ (CDS). This dysfunction or syndrome affects older dogs the same way that Alzheimer’s disease affects humans. Recent medical studies have revealed that many older dogs with behavior problems have lesions in their brains similar to those that are seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

According to Pfizer Pharmaceutical, 62% of dogs who are 10 years of age and older will experience at least some of the following symptoms, which could indicate Canine Cognitive Dysfunction:

* Confusion or disorientation: your dog may get lost in his own back yard, or wander aimlessly in the house and become trapped in corners or behind furniture
* Decreased level of activity
* A decrease in attentiveness or long periods of just staring into space
* Doesn’t seem to recognize family members or old friends
* Pacing during the night, or a change in sleeping patterns, including inability to sleep at night
* Loss of house-trained faculties. A previously house trained dog may begin forgetting to let you know he has to go outside and may urinate or defecate inside the house when he would not have done so before.

Other signs of cognitive dysfunction may include:
* Anxiety and increased irritability
* An increase in barking or howling
* Lethargy or boredom
* Decreased ability to perform certain tasks or respond to commands.

To make a diagnosis of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, your vet will have to first rule out any other possible causes of your dog’s behavior problems. For example, decreased activity may not be caused by Cognitive Canine Disorder but may be due to an advancing arthritic condition or hip dysplasia which can be successfully treated with Winston’s Joint System. Dogs suffering with joint diseases such as arthritis, bursitis, osteochondrosis (OCD), hip dysplasia and other degenerative problems with the shoulders, elbows and hocks can now experience immediate and long-term relief without drugs. Winston’s Joint System is a combination of three, totally-natural whole food supplements developed by a Naturopathic Doctor for his own dog. There are no side-effects because it’s all just good whole food. There are no dosage problems because your dog’s body uses only what it needs.

If your veterinarian determines that your older dog is suffering from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, a treatment for this disorder will probably be recommended. The drugs Selegiline and Anipryl, although not a cure, can alleviate some of the symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in older dogs. If your dog responds to either of these drugs, it will need to be treated daily for the rest of its life. As with all medications, there are side effects. It is important that you ask your vet about any possible side effects before deciding on treatment with these drugs.

Other management techniques may include the use of antioxidants or ‘senior’ diets. An excellent supplement for aging senior dogs is Winston’s Senior Complete Multi vitamin and mineral supplement, a powerful and complete once-daily multi vitamin for dogs 5 years and older. This complete multi vitamin contains almost 50 active ingredients from the healthiest sources available.

It is also important that older dogs with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction continue to receive regular exercise and play. If your older dog is experiencing behavior problems, talk to your veterinarian about ways to help your dog have a more happy and healthy life in his senior years.

If you want to stop excessive barking by your dog, don’t yell or scream at it. This almost never works and may cause it to bark even more. Instead try to get your dog’s attention with a clap or whistle if it won’t stop barking. When the barking has ceased, offer a tasty treat as a reward.

Dogs will be dogs, and most dogs will bark, whine and howl at times – it’s only natural. Dogs vocalize to communicate with humans and also to express themselves. There are times you want your dog to bark in order to warn you of potential danger or to protect you from harm.

However, loud and excessive barking is definitely a behavioral problem that needs to be addressed. Your dog needs to understand when to bark and when to be quiet, and it’s your job to teach your dog the difference.

When barking becomes problematic, you need to begin searching for solutions as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it gets to curb bad behavior. With dedication and consistency, you can teach your dog to bark on command and also understand when it’s time to be quiet.

Dogs bark for various reasons. Contrary to the opinions of some, dogs do not bark just to annoy you and your neighbors, nor do they bark for spite or revenge. Dogs don’t bark just because they can (though it might seem that way at times). Certain dog breeds bark more than others – particularly smaller dogs.

Understanding why your dog barks excessively is the first stage to begin controlling its behavior. Dogs usually bark for the following reasons:

Warning or Alert: It’s natural for dogs to bark when someone comes to your door or when strangers walk by your house. Often just a car driving past can provoke a round of barking. Dogs will bark if they sense some type of threat and you’ll recognize this bark by its sharp, loud and authoritative tone.

Attention-seeking: Listen carefully to the different types of barking your dog does. You’ll soon be able to discern this unique bark and associate it with the meaning “Pay attention to me!” Some dogs will even whine and bark at the same time just to get attention.

Responding to Other Dogs: This can be a proverbial pain in the rear. One dog on your street – or whenever you happen to be walking your dog – will start barking, and one by one the rest of the dogs on the block join in.

Anxiety: Anxious barking, usually high-pitched and sometimes accompanied by whining, seems to be calming for many dogs. Listen carefully to your dog because it can be mistaken for the same type of barking common to dogs suffering from separation anxiety.

Playfulness or excitement: This type of barking is almost exclusively used by puppies and young dogs. Many dogs will bark in a delighted, contented way when playing with people or other dogs. Many dogs bark enthusiastically when they know you’re taking them for a walk or a ride in the car.

Boredom: The bark of a bored dog is likely to be annoying and sound a little sad. A bored dog will often bark simply to release excess energy, but the same sound can also mean your dog is lonely and wants companionship.

Once you determine the cause of your dog’s excessive barking, you can begin to control its unwanted behavior. The best way to prevent excessive barking is to remove potential sources of your dog’s behavior. You also want to be sure you don’t unintentionally encourage the barking.

If your dog displays signs of loneliness, avoid leaving it alone for long periods of time.

Don’t pet or feed your dog when its barking for attention or when the barking is due to anxiety. Your dog will interpret this as rewarding its behavior, and the result would be to encourage the barking.

Never let your dog run around outside, barking constantly, regardless of the reason. This is one of the fastest ways to turn neighbors into enemies and send an invitation to your animal shelter or police.

Dogs always bark for a reason. They are trying to tell you something, whether you’re ready to hear it or not. Pay attention to when and how your dog barks and take the time to work with your dog to reverse the bad behavior. It’s important to stop excessive barking by your dog if you (and probably your neighbors also) don’t want a restful night or peaceful day ruined by your dog barking excessively.