restlessness

Question
Hi Patti....just read your answer to a question which "I" would have asked.  My little guy is 13 years old, yes I know he is getting old but he was put on phenobarbital 6 months ago because he had a couple of seizures.  He is always restless, urinates on the floor even with me in the house, stares at the walls, does not always eat, whines, which he never did.  I take him out for walks, seems to be fine but once in the house he doesn't seem to be satisfied.  Wondered if it could be the medicine.  Had blood work and it was fine.  Really concerned and wondered if there was something else I could do for him.  Appreciate hearing from you and thanks.

Answer
Hi Phyllis,

Phenobarbital can cause increased drinking, which can result in your dog needing to relieve himself more often. Giving your dog more frequent opportunities to relieve himself, can help. Talk to your vet about the dose of Phenobarbital your dog currently receives. It may be possible to lower his dose.

The vocalizations he never made, the restlessness, the not eating and staring at the walls, and possibly the loss of his house training habits all sound like the symptoms of "Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome". This is the dog version of Alzheimer's Disease.

There is medication available for this condition, a drug called Anipryl, which has been approved by the FDA for control of symptoms. It is available by prescription and can be given in tablet form with food. Response to treatment varies in individual dogs but, most dogs were reported to have improved within two weeks to two months of starting the medication.

You should talk to your vet regarding the possibility of a Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome diagnosis. You can read more about this condition here:

http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cognitive-dysfunction-in-elderly-dogs/page1.aspx

https://www.thepetmedsite.com/dog-health/canine-cognitive-dysfunction.htm


Best of luck,

Patti