Dogs, like people, can suffer from certain diseases as they age, such as bone problems, hip problems, hearing problems, or vision problems. They may even develop neurological problems.
Cognitive dysfunction, a condition better known as canine dementia, is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. Generally, this disease affects older dogs from the age of ten and causes physical changes and brain abnormalities similar to those seen in human Alzheimer’s disease.
The number of cases of canine dementia has been increasing in recent years, according to experts at the University of California, Davis, in a study conducted by the university.
Studies conducted by experts at the University of California, Davis, confirm that more than 60% of dogs between 15 and 16 years old may show symptoms of dementia. One reason for the increasing number of cases of canine dementia is that pets are living longer due to advances in veterinary medicine.
“Some of the signs we see in dogs with dementia include a decline in the training they received at home and changes in their sleep cycle - they sleep during the day and stay awake at night,” Melissa Bain, a professor of clinical animal behavior at the University of California, Davis, said in an interview with ABC13. She added that they often notice that “dogs do not recognize their owners.”
Dr. Bain emphasizes that current treatments are limited, but one way to help dogs may be through their diet. “There are two different diets that are authorized to slow canine cognitive dysfunction. They contain antioxidants,” she said in the interview with ABC13.
For this reason, owners are advised to monitor and stay alert to their dog’s behavior. If they notice that their dog becomes disoriented at home or in familiar places, does not recognize a family member or an object, or displays any of the behaviors mentioned above, they should take the dog to a veterinarian.
Possible symptoms
Some possible symptoms include:
- Slowness and a lack of response to stimuli
- Disorientation and difficulty following a route during walks.
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of interest in playing
- Forgetting house rules
- Changes in the sleep cycle
- Behavioral changes
ARISTOPET recommends that you always consult your veterinarian if your dog shows possible symptoms or unusual behavior. A visit to the veterinarian can help you detect and diagnose diseases early.