There are a few symptoms: disorientation, change in interaction, sleep change, problems with toilet training and anxiety or compulsive behavior. Do you regularly see your animal wandering aimlessly or looking confused, does it sometimes no longer recognize you, does it no longer want to be petted or does it get lost in the house? Then it may be good that your pet suffers from dementia. In dogs and cats, the term CDS (Coginitive Dysfunction Syndrome) is used for this.
Dr. Benjamin Hart, an animal behaviorist and professor at the University of California-Davis, says cognitive impairment in dogs has long been recognized. He explains that dogs, like humans, can suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Research shows that 30% of dogs aged 11 to 12 had one or more symptoms, and 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16. This condition is now also recognized in cats, although it is a bit more difficult. “You see it more often in cats 15 years and older,” says Gary Landsberg, a veterinarian in Thornhill, Ontario.
Dementia or not?
Suddenly urinating in the house or being unable to find the litter box, being awake at night, no more enthusiastic greetings when coming home, shaking, pacing or barking / meowing a lot: these are all signs of damaged brain cells. However, it does not always have to mean CDS right away.
How do you know if your pet really has dementia? Change in the behavior of your aging pet can also have a completely different cause. If your dog suddenly pees on the carpet, he may have kidney disease, for example. And if your cat meows all day, it might be deafness. This makes it difficult to recognize dementia.
Unfortunately, in 85% of cases Alzheimer’s is never diagnosed and many animals are put to sleep when they become really confused. And that while there are medicines and diets available that can help your pet to slow down the dementia.
You can do this to give your animal a nice old age
It is important that you avoid stress. A pet with dementia can become anxious more quickly and needs a lot of structure. Therefore, do not change the living environment too often and rigorously. It is also best to maintain a fixed exhaust and feeding schedule. This way your dog or cat also has a sense of time.
Mental stimulation is also important. Just like we keep our brain active with a crossword puzzle or Bingo, this can also be done for your pet (okay, you better leave out the Sudokus). Hide sweets around the house or use toys with food in them. This stimulates the hunting instinct and helps your dog or cat to stay active and alert. Continue to offer tricks and obedience exercises as well. Does your dog stop responding to it? Then this can be starting forgetfulness, but also deafness. Then visit a vet.
Unfortunately, dementia cannot be cured and it gets worse, but with love, good medication and advice from a vet you can give your demented animal a happy old age.
The Oranges also love pets.
Bron: Martha Stewart, LICG