Can Pets Get Dementia?

Cats and dogs are living long, healthy lives, but as they age they encounter age-related health concerns, one being cognitive decline.

Aging is aging for both humans and pets alike, right? This seems to be the case when it comes to cognitive function in our domesticated pets as they’re living full and vibrant lives well into ripe old ages. But with this longevity comes a caveat — they’re experiencing age-related health concerns including dementia.

Do you know how to recognize pet dementia in your furry friend? Let The VetSet lend a hand! We offer both mobile veterinarian services in addition to our vet clinic located in Carroll Gardens. Explore more about dementia in pets and how to better recognize it in today’s post.

Dementia in the Wild Kingdom

There is a very good chance that animals in the wild do not get a majority of the age-related health issues our domesticated pets do. Concerns such as cognitive decline, diabetes, and obesity don’t affect wild animals because, not only are their lifespans much shorter than domesticated, but they don’t receive regular veterinarian care that provides a cushion of longevity. Because life is harder in the wild when animals break teeth or experience hip issues, they become vulnerable and likely won’t survive.

Cognitive Decline in Domestic Pets

Because our pets are intimately a part of our family and sometimes favored over children, they receive the ultimate care when it comes to addressing even the tiniest health concern. As a result, our family pets are living long lives and pushing the life expectancy further and further out. The environment that our pets live in also keeps them protected and well fed — far from anything in the wild. All of these factors provide our pets with longer lives, yet they become susceptible to age-related health issues as a result.

As the longevity in pets increases, veterinarians are observing more and more cases of dementia in domesticated animals. This type of cognitive decline is referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).

Dementia in Dogs

CCD or dogzheimers can affect how your old pup experiences the life. Symptoms may surface as:

Disorientation
Staring at walls
Less social
Anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Lower activity levels
Confused vocalization (barking, whining, or howling)
Bathroom issues
Constant pacing and repetitive behaviors
Aggression

Dementia in Cats

If you’ve noticed behavioral changes in your feline it’s important not to dismiss them as just “old age.” Investigate further as for why they might be acting out and connect with your local vet to find more insight and testing.

To better identify cognitive decline in cats look for the following signs including:

Forgetting to use their litter box
Excessive vocalization
Decreased grooming
Anxious or increased agitation at night
Increased sleep
Cranky
Forgetting to eat

CCD

While testing has yet to catch up to CCD it is often misdiagnosed in pets, and as it becomes more understood and researched vets can more easily identify it and treat the condition. CCD is emerging and more information is always needed, but as of late it doesn’t appear to be curable and isn’t considered to be reversible. But, the good news is specific forms of it may be preventable and it is a condition that can in which the symptoms can be managed.

Treatment for Dementia in Pets

Pets can live a healthy and functional life with cognitive decline and symptom management comes from a variety of interventions including environment and behavior management, medication, and a specific diet.

Behavior

A pet’s behavior can be better managed by increasing their mental stimulation and providing many opportunities for social interactions. When pets have plenty of physical activity outdoors and are exposed to sunlight, this can balance their sleep-wake cycle helping them adjust to the different parts of the day.

Environment

A predictable environment is best for pets with, so knowing your pet and their patterns is crucial. Work to better pet-proof your home to keep them safe and provide adequate toileting options or areas for older dogs who can’t hold it, or leave a litter box in a couple of different rooms for your cat.

Diet

This is probably the most involved part of dementia management for pet owners. The nutrition that is optimal for pets with cognitive decline is one abundant in antioxidants and medium-chain triglycerides. Finding a commercial pet food that has all the good stuff and less of the bad stuff is a very difficult feat, so many pet owners just stick to preparing the food at home.

The goal through both supplementation and diet is to improve oxidation in the brain. Supplements recommended for pets for a better brain function include:

SAMe
Vitamin E
Omega-3 fatty acids

Pet dementia is commonly seen in pets that are living longer. As research continues to develop for CCD vets will learn better how to treat it and perhaps even find a cure.