Does your older dog now bark more often for no apparent reason and sometimes behave strangely? This could be an indication of a brain dysfunction syndrome, such as Alzheimer's or dementia. Can Ginkgo Help Relieve Symptoms?
Can Ginkgo Biloba help with dementia in dogs?
Ginkgo Biloba can be used in dogs with dementia to relieve symptoms such as forgetfulness, restlessness and anxiety. Special ginkgo extracts with a dosage of 4mg per kilogram of body weight can be administered regularly via feeding.
Can you use Ginkgo biloba against dementia in dogs?
Ginkgo leaves in particular are said to contain substances that could alleviate dementia in dogs. These include
- Flavonoids
- Bilobalide
- Ginkgolide
- Terpenes
and other ingredients that thin theblood, inhibit its clotting and thus improve its flow properties. Since the blood flows better, researchers suspect that theblood circulation in the brainand the associatedmemory performance improvesThat is why ginkgo is traditionally used in Chinese folk medicine TCMfor circulatory disorders - also used for dizziness, tinnitus, etc. It cannot be said exactly whether this assumption is actually true. Various scientific studies came to very different results in this regard.
How do you use Ginkgo biloba against dementia in dogs?
Based on studies that show a significant alleviation or slowing - a cure is not possible - of dementia in dogs (e.g. "Reduction of behavioral disturbances in elderly dogs supplemented with a standardized Ginkgo leaf extract", published in 2006), then the following can be said:
- only concentrated ginkgo extracts have an effect
- these must be given regularly and over a longer period of time
- Recommended dosage: 4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight
The gift can be given, for example,through feeding. Drying ginkgo leaves and making medicine from them is not recommended: the amount of active ingredient in the self-made dietary supplement would simply be too low.
When should you avoid ginkgo against dementia in dogs?
First of all: With the administration of medication, which also includes extracts of Ginkgo biloba, dementia symptoms in dogs can be reduced
- Mood swing
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Uncleanliness
- Disorientation
- Wandering
- Anxiety
merely alleviate. The progression of the disease is slowed down, but not stopped.
In addition, you should not give your animal ginkgo if itis prone to bleedingor has ablood clotting disorderor if itpregnantis. Before using the medicinal plant yourself, alwaysConsult with your veterinarian
What side effects can ginkgo have against dementia in dogs?
As with any medical treatment, side effects can of course also occur when dogs are given Ginkgo biloba against dementia. Not uncommon side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal complaints
- for example diarrhea or cramps
- Appetite can increase
- or reduce it (up to refusing food)
- allergic reactions
If you notice any unusualphysical changesorchanges in behavior in your dog, talk to your vet about them and mention them treatment with Ginkgo biloba. Your veterinarian will then decide whether further treatment makes sense or whether it should be stopped.
Tip
Further measures against dementia in dogs
Veterinarians also recommend additional administration of vitamins, especially vitamins C, B and E, and omega-3 fatty acids to treat dementia in dogs. In addition, sick dogs should drink a lot. Mental stimulation - for example through hide-and-seek games on your daily walk - should also not be neglected.
