Dogs can also get dementia.
Photo: Unsplash / Marliese Streefland
Unfortunately, dementia does not only affect people, but also animals, such as dogs. As many as seventy percent of dogs that are fifteen years of age or older show signs of the disease. But how do you recognize the symptoms in your favorite four-legged friend and how do you deal with them?
Dementia in dogs is officially called cognitive dysfunction syndrome. It manifests itself in much the same way as in humans, yet it is difficult to recognize. Dogs’ behavior changes when they get dementia, but a change in behavior can also be a normal part of aging. That’s why it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish the two, three American scientists conclude in a new study.
On #NationalDogDayPAW highlights Princeton’s involvement in the @DogAgingProjectan ambitious and groundbreaking study to examine the aging process in dogs and how their health might be improvedhttps://t.co/eKVaUSefBo
— Princeton Alumni Weekly (@pawprinceton) August 26, 2022
Dogs with dementia change their behavior
Dogs with dementia often get lost in their own backyard or house or get stuck behind furniture because they have forgotten that they can walk backwards. It is also more difficult for them to find the entrance to a door and they are more likely to run into the sides. “They really don’t know where they are anymore,” explains Sharon Blaakmeer, veterinarian at Veterinary Clinic Capelle Metro from. So try not to change too much in the house. They already poorly recognize their own environment and if suddenly a chair is in a different place, you only make it more difficult for them.”
Dogs’ interactions with people and other pets may also change, the study finds. For example, they may seek less or more attention from their owners than before or they may suddenly start to become more disturbed by the other dog in the house. They can sometimes even forget faces of people they’ve known all their lives.
Anxiety is also a common symptom. “Then they can start whining or barking out of nowhere or staring aimlessly ahead, without reacting to anything at all,” says Blaakmeer. For example, dogs with dementia find it difficult to be left alone, whether in a room or in the house. They are also more likely to be startled by events they were never afraid of before. “In a way, caring for a dog with dementia is like caring for a puppy again. For example, the entire day and night rhythm can also change completely. Then they are awake at night and they sleep all day.”
How to help your demented dog
Unfortunately, there is not yet a solution for dogs with dementia. The scientists did notice how an active lifestyle can contribute to a dog’s health. A survey, completed by thousands of dog owners, found that less active dogs were nearly seven times more likely to develop dementia than highly active dogs. “Walking is indeed very good for a dog, young or old,” confirms Blaakmeer. An adult dog should be walked at least three times a day, including a half-hour walk. “With older dogs, a long walk three times a day may no longer be possible, but exercise is still very important. So really look there and see what is still possible.”
The study does not yet provide conclusive evidence; this requires more and more extensive research. We do know that physical activity can reduce the risk of dementia in humans. So it can’t hurt to try it with your favorite four-legged friend, because it’s good for your own brain anyway. In addition, there are also intelligence games that can keep your dog’s brain a bit active. Pet Food Company Purina recommends, for example, the games treasure hunt and ball ball.
But the most important thing is to be nice to your dog and not get angry when he does something wrong. The animal is most likely confused and frightened by everything that happens to him, so be a little (extra) nice to him.
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Dogs can also get dementia: these are the symptoms