Page 144 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

Informative

Sometimes you will see two
more letters added to the
acronym, making it DISHAAL.
The extra “A” refers to anxiety.
Dogs with CDS can develop
new fears, become clingy,
and vocalize more, all due to
increased nervousness.

And the final “L” indicates
issues with learning and
memory. Your dog might forget
CDS affects older dogs, with signs beginning around nine how to perform behaviors
years of age. But it progresses slowly, starting with only one you had previously taught
or two signs before the dog shows full-blown indicators. The them, learn new behaviors
most common signs are covered by the acronym “DISHA.” more slowly, or be unable to
adapt to change. It’s important
That includes the following behaviors: to observe your dog for any
of the above signs so you
• DISORIENTATION: can take your dog to the vet

A disoriented dog will look confused. For example, they for evaluation and start the
recommended treatment as
might get stuck in a corner, wander aimlessly, or walk soon as possible.
towards a door and wait to be let out on the hinge side
rather than the side that opens.
Sundowner syndrome is a part
• INTERACTIONS: of CDS’s sleep-wake cycle
Your dog’s social relationships with people and other pets disturbance. Your dog might
sleep more in the daytime, then
will be affected. They might become clingy where they become restless and agitated at
used to be independent or become aloof where they were night, similar to how a person
once friendly. with Alzheimer’s disease might

• SLEEP-WAKE CYCLE: have a flare-up of their condition

Your dog’s sleep patterns will change. They might sleep in the evening. Your dog could
pace, wander away, or bark for
more during the day, but mostly they will start waking in no reason. This can be disruptive
the night.
to your sleep as well.
• HOUSE SOILING:
Your dog might begin to poop and pee in the house. To help manage this aspect of
your dog’s CDS, Dr. Denenberg
Dr. Denenberg explains this is a key example of the suggests, “Owners should add
forgetfulness caused by CDS. “Owners may not notice mental and environmental
when their dog forgets to eat sometimes or forgets enrichment and exercise.
known signals. But they will always notice a dog who Ideally, these can be provided
forgets to let them know it needs to go out.”
on a predictable schedule so
• ACTIVITY: the dog may remember and

Your dog’s activity levels will shift. They may become expect them. If the owners can
provide it more during the day
more active and restless or may become lethargic when and especially use it as a pre-
they were once quite energetic.
emptive tool, it may help with
Sundowner syndrome.”

144 | A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024