Similar to humans, dogs can experience dementia as well, yet many pet owners are entirely oblivious to this issue.
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (or simply, dog dementia) is a distressing ailment impacting a notable number of elderly dogs.
Symptoms such as confusion, anxiety, circling, wandering, and forgetfulness are some of the varied signs of this condition, which unfortunately influences all breeds.
This pivotal moment occurred for Zoe… a lovely, 15-year-old canine from Minnesota.
The Tale of Zoe
Zoe received a diagnosis of canine dementia at the age of 14.
“The veterinarian contacted me to discuss canine cognitive dysfunction, which is another term for dog dementia,” Nikki, Zoe’s owner, shared with GeoBeats Animals. “My initial response was disbelief. I thought, ‘she has dementia?’”
Nikki and her family were utterly astounded by the revelation since they had no idea this condition existed in dogs.
They found themselves needing to educate themselves about this illness and how to coexist with it.
Regrettably, the adaptation proved to be quite challenging, particularly when they realized that Zoe began to forget them. It was truly heart-wrenching.
“She becomes very anxious and often gets disoriented. Occasionally, I’ll call her name and she will look at me as if to ask, ‘who are you?’ But eventually, she recognizes me and her joy returns as she realizes it’s me.”
During the nighttime, Zoe started to wander and pant throughout the home, which required them to modify their evening schedule.
Ensuring Zoe’s comfort and sense of security became their foremost goal.
The family learned several tips regarding canine dementia along their journey:
@deafdogofmn How we manage Zoe’s #canine #dementia ❤️ #cbdoil #CCD #elderdog #fyp #fypシ #tips #youngatheart #robinwilliams #viral ♬ original sound – 👑👨👧👦Rob Brown👨👦👦👑
Coping With Canine Dementia
Zoe resides with her deaf sibling, PeeWee… a rescue from Indianapolis, who they believe to be naturally deaf.
After fostering PeeWee for a few months, the family chose to adopt him. Remarkably, despite his complete deafness, PeeWee is a highly intelligent canine who knows around ten signs.
The first encounter between Zoe and PeeWee resulted in an instant bond. They quickly became inseparable, engaging in various activities together.
“Initially, PeeWee looked up to her to determine how to proceed. Nowadays, however, the roles have somewhat reversed; she seeks him out for guidance. It’s truly heartbreaking to witness,” remarked Nikki.
Zoe required ongoing attention since her confusion often led her to consume items she shouldn’t. “If I drop a tissue on the ground, she’ll rush to grab it thinking it’s food and attempt to eat it.”
The family had to adopt additional precautions to ensure Zoe’s well-being.
Despite grappling with this challenging ailment, Zoe remained a joyful dog.
The veterinarian mentioned that numerous dogs with dementia experience a decline within a year, to the extent that owners prioritize their quality of life over their care.
Zoe maintained a relatively stable condition for about a year and a half, but then her health started deteriorating.
One morning, it became glaringly obvious that something was amiss. Zoe couldn’t walk and was urinating on herself while continuously vomiting. As the hours passed, she was unable to even lift her head.
It was time for her to depart, which shattered their hearts completely.
The family shared a video capturing Zoe’s final moments, basking in the scents at the park during her last outing, filled with tranquility.
@deafdogofmn Forever in our hearts. 💔 We are all just heartbroken and devastated. 🌈 #missyou #loveyou #rainbowbridge #petloss #mybaby #heartbroken #lost #sobbing #fyp #fypシ #viral #firstlove #trending #thissucks ♬ original sound – charile
Despite the dreadful condition, she was deeply cherished by her family and her deaf sibling.
Zoe’s family passionately advocates for awareness regarding deaf dogs and pet loss, in addition to educating others about canine dementia. If you seek advice or solace, please follow them on Instagram and TikTok.
