Have you noticed odd behaviors in your senior dog that you can't explain? Dogs, like people, can suffer from dementia as they age.

The hallmark of clinical signs of senior dementia is confusion; they may greet their humans differently than before, forget about house-training and other learned behaviors, and easily get "lost" in their familiar home or yard.

It is very important to see your veterinarian to rule out a medical problem first, as many diseases can have these same signs.

Learn more about senior dementia in dogs, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) and feline senior dementia.

Share your story about living with a pet who has senior dementia.

Related Reading:

• Anipryl - Help for Senior Pets?
• Caring for Senior Dogs
• Celebrate Senior Pets! Show us your senior dog or cat
• Readers Respond - Viewer-submitted stories on a variety of topics
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: A Vet Explains My interview with Edie Jarolim of Will My Dog Hate Me?

Photo: In Memoriam by normanack on Flickr

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Dermatitis is general term that refers to inflammation in the skin. In dogs and cats, dermatitis may be caused by yeast or bacterial infections in the skin.

Both yeast and bacterial skin infections will make your dog or cat extremely itchy. The signs seen will vary, depending on the underlying cause of the skin infection. However, reddened skin, hair loss, scabs and open sores are all possibilities with both yeast and bacterial skin infections.

Learn about bacterial and yeast dermatitis, in this new article by About.com Contributing Writer, Lorie Huston, DVM.

Articles in this series: Skin Disease, Hair Loss and Scratching

Photo: Hot Spot on the neck an English Bulldog - Uwe Gille/Wikimedia

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Hair loss and/or scratching are the most common manifestations of both canine and feline skin disease. This "simple" sign can be an indicator for many, many types of skin conditions, parasites and diseases.

In order to be able to successfully diagnose and treat your dog or cat for scratching and hair loss, your veterinarian will likely need to perform some basic laboratory testing.

Here is a primer on diagnosing hair loss and scratching in dogs and cats by About.com Contributing Writer, Lorie Huston, DVM.

Articles in this series: Skin Disease, Hair Loss and Scratching

Readers Respond:
Itchy scratching, chewing pets - what was the cause and cure for your pet?
Read responses | Share what worked

Related Reading

• The Derm Diary
• The Derm Diary Photo Gallery

Photo: Scratching dog © blmurch on Flickr

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Finding veterinary information on the web is a great way to delve into veterinary diseases/conditions after discussions with your veterinarian, find support groups for specific diseases, and support in times of pet grief and loss.

Now, with the help of apps (short for "application" - a program for smartphones, iPads and computers), pet health and first aid information is even more accessible; at your fingertips, on your phone.

In September 2009, I reviewed the Jive Media Pet First Aid app. Since then, the app market has grown tremendously, and pet health apps are part of that growth.

Do you use any apps for dog and cat veterinary questions, first aid advice, photo sharing or games?
Please share YOUR favorite pet app

Photo: iPhone by kennymatic/Flickr

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