Dogs with nerve problems – causes and tips

Dogs with nerve problems can exhibit a variety of different symptoms. These include, for example, reduced vision, incontinence, coordination problems, and abnormalities in the dog’s movement patterns. Paralysis, tremors, seizures, weakness, and restlessness can also indicate reduced nerve function. If abnormalities in normal nerve function (reduced signal transmission to the legs or organs such as the bladder) are noticed in the dog, action is required. Measures to support the nerves should be taken, as a delay can impede the recovery of nerve cells.

What is important for normal nerve function?

To get straight to the point: For optimal nerve function, the body needs a high-quality, fresh diet and a supply of B vitamins. These vitamins are important for both the maintenance of nerves and the formation of new nerve cells, thus ensuring optimal information transmission in the nervous system. Certain B vitamins, for example, ensure that a dog’s nerves always receive sufficient energy. Other B vitamins stimulate the body to form new nerve cells and thus maintain the nervous system. A deficiency in these important vitamins can lead to associated symptoms such as tremors or incontinence due to the sensitivity of the nervous system – always depending on the origin of the symptom, of course.

Incontinence in dogs – often associated with nerves

Nerves often play a significant role in incontinence. When otherwise house-trained dogs shed drops of urine or even leave large amounts of urine or feces around the house and appear unconcerned, or wet or soil themselves while sleeping, this isn’t just unpleasant for dogs. It could be caused by a herniated disc, osteoarthritis, or spondylosis (spondylosis deformans). What is spondylosis? Spondylosis refers to pathological changes in the spine in which calcifications and bony connections form between the vertebrae. Many dogs can live with this quite well, even without the owner noticing. However, secondary symptoms such as pain, incontinence, paralysis, or coordination problems can also occur, which are caused by damaged nerve pathways.

Vitamins also support stress resistance

A dog suffering from stress can be negatively affected by a B vitamin deficiency. However, a sufficient supply of these vitamins can help the animal face stressful situations more calmly and avoid excessive anxiety. Reduced stress resistance can therefore be an indication of a deficiency.

B vitamins are particularly important for senior dogs.

The symptoms mentioned above often occur as side effects of the aging process. From a certain age, a dog’s nerves may no longer function optimally, which can lead to health deficits, similar to those in humans. Therefore, it is also advisable to ensure an adequate supply of the important B vitamins. The dosage of the individual B vitamins in relation to each other is crucial, as they interact synergistically with each other and with other vitamins. However, it is important to emphasize that too high a dosage is pointless, as excess vitamin B is excreted in the urine; only B12 is stored in the liver – and especially with B12, it is important to ensure that the dosage is appropriate to the dog’s needs. High-dose products are not necessarily beneficial for health. It is important to understand that this is often an industry trick to fake greater effectiveness in order to boost sales. This applies to both dogs and humans.