Ask Ashley: Great Plains SPCA

My older dog seems to be exhibiting signs of dementia. Can dogs get Alzheimer’s? She seems to get confused and loses her sense of direction easily in her older age. – Brandon Vasquez

Yes, dogs can get dementia. It’s called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) and it is not curable, however, the symptoms can be treated. If you think your dog could possibly have CDS, I recommend visiting your veterinarian to learn more since it affects memory, learning, and comprehension. Some symptoms of CDS are anxiety, failing to remember routines, slowness in learning new things, staring blankly at walls or nothing, lethargy, lack of self-grooming, not responding when called, and aimless wandering. Early detection can help with symptom treatment. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Our cat really likes scratching the side of our couch. We normally don’t care because it’s an old couch, but we are getting new furniture soon and we would like for her not do that. Any tips on how we can undo the behavior we let slide for so long? – Michelle Holland

I recommend getting several scratchers of different quality and textures and putting them all in the living room. Some should go right next to the couch where she frequently claws. Some cats like vertical scratchers and others like horizontal scratchers, so try different kinds until you find the one your cat enjoys. There are scents and catnip that you can put on the scratcher to lure her to it if she doesn’t show interest initially. Start rewarding her when she is using a scratcher instead of your couch. I also recommend trimming her claws frequently so they do less damage and their quicks remain short. I do not recommend throwing away her favorite scratchers because they don’t look nice anymore. This can cause frustration. Cats normally like the scraggly textured scratchers. Also, do not force your cat to use a scratcher by scratching it with your hands. This can scare your cat and deter her from using it.  – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA

Is it safe to use Benadryl on dogs for allergies? – Matt Jacobson

Benadryl is a medication used commonly for mild to moderate allergies in dogs. Talk to your vet about dosage amounts and if Benadryl is the best medication for your pet’s allergies. If your pet has more severe allergies, your veterinarian might want to try other medications or recommend an allergy test to pinpoint what your dog is allergic to. – Ashley Flores, CPDT-KA  

Featured Pet – Dublin

Are you looking for the happiest dog on earth? Do you want a companion to go on adventures with, but also Netflix and chill? Your search is over! We have just the pup for you. Dublin loves to go on walks, meet new people, and play with other dogs that are just as energetic as he is. He is quite the smart pup too and is housetrained and knows commands! You would surely be Dublin' your joy if you brought him home today! Contact adoptions@greatplainsspca.org to come meet this bubbly boy!

Email askashley@greatplainsspca.org for a chance to have your pet question answered here in KC Parent magazine.

Great Plains SPCA is an independent 501(c)(3) no-kill shelter serving approximately 6,000 animals annually in the Johnson County community. As Kansas City’s premium family shelter, we continue to support the seven municipalities with which we are contracted including Overland Park, Leawood, Lenexa, Shawnee, Lake Quivira, and Johnson County Parks and Recreation and unincorporated Johnson County.

Great Plains SPCA

5424 Antioch Drive Merriam, KS 66202

(913) 831-7722(SPCA)

https://www.greatplainsspca.org