27. Herbs, Acupuncture, and the Gut-Brain Relationship in Pet Dementia

Is there anything you can do to help your pet with dementia? More than you might think! In this episode, Dr. Amanda shares stories, research, and treatment options that may help support brain health and improve some dementia-related symptoms in dogs and cats, including approaches you may not have heard of before. She discusses: The gut-brain connection and how the gut microbiome may relate to cognitive health Studies exploring the connection between gut bacteria and dementia Early research on fecal microbiome transplants in dogs How traditional Chinese veterinary medicine looks at brain health as part of the whole body Food therapy and why dental health, digestive issues, and pain should be considered when pets show dementia-like signs Why some gut-based treatments can be more challenging in cats, along with other approaches being explored Herbal formulations used to support cognitive function and calmness Cody’s experience with acupuncture If your dog or cat has dementia and you’ve been told there’s nothing you can do except wait for it to progress, this episode is for you. There may be more ways to support your pet’s comfort and cognitive health than you realize. Tune in to learn about options you can discuss with your veterinarian. LINKS Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen. Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 - What pet dementia really looks like 02:09 - How the gut affects brain health 07:50 - Studies on microbiome transfer 08:28 - Why brain health starts with the whole body 12:34 - Exploring fecal transplants and ozone therapy 14:45 - Herbal support for pet dementia 21:42 - Acupuncture and Cody’s story Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.