Humans aren’t the only ones who have to worry about senility. Dogs and cats can suffer from cognitive dysfunction syndrome, also known as senility or dementia in humans.
As dogs — and cats — live longer, owners are starting to see more issues that never used to be a problem. Why? Because the pets used to never live that long! Cats and small dogs are living to see twenty; medium and large dogs are reaching their teens. This is all thanks to improved nutrition, better veterinary care, and home environments.
Recent research shows that nearly a third of dogs ages 11-14 show signs of senility. After fifteen, that number goes up: nearly two thirds of dogs fifteen and up show signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Up to eighty percent of felines over sixteen can show signs of senility.
How do you know if your pet is showing signs of senility?
- Watch for disorientation, such as staring at walls, getting “stuck” in familiar rooms, losing balance, and falling.
- Monitor interactions with people. If a pet experiences a dramatic personality change, it may be a sign of serious illness or mental disorder.
- Note your pet’s sleeping habits. They may reverse, sleeping through the day and being restless at night.
- Watch for a loss of house training. A senile pet may forget where the little box is or not remember to ask to go out.
Other health issues may also cause similar problems. A pet with severe arthritis may have difficulty getting into or out of the litterbox, or squatting to eliminate. An older pet may stop vocalizing. Only your vet can determine whether or not cognitive dysfunction syndrome is at work.
How can you help a pet with signs of memory problems? Talk to your veterinarian. Some dogs have success with a diet change to include more omega-3 fatty acids and other antioxidants. Some pets do well on medications that help increase attentiveness and regulate the sleep cycle.
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