Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Ginkgo leaf extract reduces behavior problems in elderly dogs
By Reichling, J et al.·Published in Schweizer Archiv fur Tierheilkunde·2006·Institute for Pharmacy and Molecular Biology, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Reduction of behavioural disturbances in elderly dogs supplemented with a standardised Ginkgo leaf extract.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 42 elderly dogs, averaging 11.4 years old, showed signs of behavioral issues like disorientation and changes in sleep patterns. They were given a Ginkgo leaf extract supplement daily for 8 weeks, and many showed improvement within just 4 weeks. By the end of the study, 36% of the dogs had no behavioral problems, and 79% were rated as having good or very good improvement by their veterinarians. This supplement could help enhance the quality of life for older dogs and their owners.
People also search for: elderly dog behavioral problems · Ginkgo leaf extract for dogs · improving dog disorientation · supplements for senior dogs · dog sleep changes treatment
Abstract
In this open clinical trial conducted in 10 veterinary practices, Ginkgo leaf extract was administered as a dietary supplement to 42 elderly dogs (mean age 11.4 years) at a daily dose of 40 mg/ 10 kg body weight for 8 weeks. The "severity of the geriatric condition" in dogs with a history of geriatric behavioural disturbances (mean duration 12 months), was significantly reduced after 8 weeks of treatment (P = 0.0002). The positive effect was already apparent after 4 weeks. Thirty-six % of the dogs were completely free of clinical signs at study end. Overall efficacy of treatment as judged by the investigator was good or very good in 79% of the dogs. Five of six clinical sign scores (disorientation, sleep/activity changes, behavioural changes, general behaviour and general physical condition/vitality) also showed a significant decrease over the treatment period. In conclusion, these findings provide promising results that could increase the quality of life in the elderly dog and, as a consequence, that of the pet owner. The Ginkgo leaf extract appears to be an efficacious agent that provides a safe dietary supplement for the elderly dog with age-related behavioural disturbances.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16739899/