Pet care: A senior dog develops a 'new fear'

Dear readers: My four-part series on Irene, the ABQ BioPark’s Asian elephant, concludes today on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Q: About six months ago, our 15-year-old Shih Tzu developed a new fear. We think he may have sundowner’s syndrome. Late afternoon, he starts stretching his head way out and sniffing the air like crazy. Then he trembles violently. This usually goes on for an hour, sniffing and shaking. He was always afraid of thunder and gunshots/fireworks, but now he is deaf. We find no specific item that triggers this fear.

Dr. Nichol: I’m sorry to learn of your Shih Tzu’s struggles. Older dogs, like elderly people, are at risk of dementia. The canine version, called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is nearly identical to Alzheimer’s disease. Despite internet chatter that dogs can have sundowner’s syndrome, no scientific support exists for afternoon/evening behavioral events.

There are a lot of fading canine seniors; 68% of dogs aged 14-16 suffer from CDS. Symptoms include confusion, pointless barking, and pacing aimlessly. Some become less interested in their people, while other affected dogs get more clingy. They may get easily startled but sleep more deeply, especially during the day. Night waking is common. Dogs in later stages may house soil. In the end, these are heartbreakers. Like people with Alzheimer’s, nobody gets out alive.

Your dog’s late-afternoon symptoms may be related to CDS, but all other possible physical causes need to be considered before this diagnosis can be reached. A brain tumor (common in older dogs) could be at fault. And while moderate hearing loss is expected, complete deafness can also occur with a brain lesion.

Your boy needs to see his doctor for an exam and lab profile. The veterinary neurologists at Thrive Pet Health Care Specialists (505-884-3433) can then pursue an in-depth neurologic evaluation plus an MRI of your dog’s brain. If nothing is identified, this older fellow can see me for help.

Treatment for CDS has advanced significantly. Research-based diets, supplements, medications and behavioral therapies improve life for many old-timers. Your boy may have more good time left. I urge you to have his little head carefully examined.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com

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