Episode 93. Can You Prevent Canine Dementia in Your Dog?

Did you know that the health decisions you make for your dog today impact their long-term health?  Including whether your dog could be at-risk developing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction aka canine dementia?

I learned that as many as 50% of dogs start showing signs of canine dementia – and the signs can start showing as early as 5 years old for larger breed dogs!

Francine Barish-Stern learned all of this first-hand after her experiences with her dog, Shamrock.  She spent years trying to get a proper diagnosis for Shamrock that would explain both the physical and the behavior changes she was seeing in her dog: Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. 

Now a Dog Mom advocate on a mission, Francine shares with us everything Pet Parents should know about treating and preventing canine dementia in our dogs.

After interviewing more than 50 experts – from veterinarians to researchers of human dementia and Alzheimer’s – Francine published a book to help Pet Parents called Shamrock’s Story: From Hurricane Katrina to Doggy Dementia & Alzheimer’s.

No matter how old – or young – your dog is, Francine shares with us what the experts say about the choices to make for your dog right now to help them live the  longest, happiest life possible.

Francine & I discuss: 

  • Growing up with her dog as her best friend;

  • How Shamrock and Clover came into her life;

  • Initial timeline of Shamrock’s early signs of dementia changes;

  • Statistics about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction;

  • Age is not a disease;

  • What is DISHAA and the signs of dementia to look for in your dog;

  • Advocating for your dog in the veterinary system;

  • The importance of knowing your dog’s baseline normal;

  • What Francine learned about preventing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction;

  • Treatment options available for dogs showing signs of dementia;

  • Determining quality of life for your dog as they age;

  • Francine’s process for writing the book and the 50+ experts that she spoke with

Find Francine & Her book:

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