What are the symptoms of dementia in dogs?

Dementia in dogs is a real thing. Dogs can lose their minds as they age, which can manifest as cognitive impairment. While your puppy or kitten will never forget where they left their keys, they may withdraw from their family, feel lost in their own home, cry for no reason, or have trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this condition, and the symptoms only get worse over time. Some medications can be given to dogs, but none are yet approved for cats.

Dementia in dogs

Most people are familiar with Alzheimer's disease and senility, so it should come as no surprise that older dogs and cats can develop a disease called cognitive dysfunction, which is very similar to Alzheimer's disease (CD).

Studies have shown that beta-amyloid protein deposits play a role in the development of CD in dogs and cats. However, researchers are still trying to figure out what causes the abnormalities in the brains of affected animals. These deposits prevent the brain from working as well as it should. Intriguingly, research into Alzheimer’s disease in humans has produced similar results to animal studies.

There is a lack of knowledge about the exact prevalence of CD in dogs and cats. On the other hand, there are indications that the incidence of the disease increases with the age of the pet. According to one study, CD affected 47 percent of dogs aged 11 to 12 years and 86 percent of dogs aged 15 to 16 years.

Identifying Dementia in Dogs

In some cases, it can be challenging to distinguish some of the subtle clinical signs of CD from the usual markers of aging. Examples of these include walking more slowly and moving less. On the other hand, canines and cats affected by CD exhibit a wide range of signs, including the following:

• “Forgetting” how to use the litter box or “taking it out of the box” are both examples of what is called “housekeeping” in cats.
• reduced activity levels
• a weakening of concentration
• disorientation
• Pacing
• Voice-overs (often for no reason)
• Observe (sometimes against walls)
• Variations in sleep cycle (wandering at night)
• the act of withdrawing from interactions with members of one's own family
• Anxiety

Some pets may give the impression that they do not know the members of the household. They may even act belligerently towards other pets or people in the household as if they were outsiders.

Dementia or something else?

When diagnosing CD, the most crucial step is to rule out other medical conditions that can cause symptoms similar to CD. For example, an older cat who begins defecating outside the litter box may be suffering from a bladder infection, diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease. Other possible causes include kidney disease and thyroid disease. There is a possibility that increased urination is a result of any of these variables. Likewise, a cat suffering from arthritis may have difficulty getting in and out of the litter box, making it less likely to use the box.

Older dogs' vision and hearing can sometimes decline, which can affect how they interact and respond to family members. It can also often lead to a sense of uncertainty. Your veterinarian may need to perform a variety of diagnostic procedures to rule out the possibility of other medical conditions before diagnosing CD.

It is possible to perform the following preliminary tests:

• Several blood tests are available, including a chemistry panel and a complete blood count (CBC)
• Urinalysis and urine culture tests are used to evaluate kidney function and look for evidence of infection in the kidneys
• X-rays are used to check for symptoms of arthritis, as well as cancer and other abnormalities that may be present
• Abdominal ultrasound was performed
• Blood tests of a specific type are used to evaluate thyroid function and the status of other medical conditions.

Neurologists are often contacted when people want to know if they have brain tumors or other problems affecting the central nervous system.

Treatment of dementia in dogs

Although dementia cannot be cured, some medications can help reduce symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. There are medications that can be used depending on the severity of clinical signs, but there is currently no approved medication. There is a diet that can be beneficial, as well as nutritional supplements that can help cats and dogs manage the disease. Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are beneficial for dogs experiencing cognitive decline.

No medication can completely reverse the effects of CD in all dogs. On the other hand, research has shown that regular physical activity and mental stimulation can help reduce the risk of developing CD. To keep their minds sharp as they age, dogs can exercise regularly. Some animals, such as cats and dogs, may feel less stressed if they had a regular schedule.

Let’s say the disease becomes too severe and causes problems such as anger and inability to move that affect the quality of life. In that case, euthanasia may be a possible solution. Veterinarians may be able to help families work through these issues and come to terms with the fact that their loved ones are dying.

Prevention

There is no known method to prevent this other than keeping pets in good physical condition throughout their older years by providing them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.