Mary Allen
Not only do we humans grow old, but our four-legged friends also age and unfortunately often much faster than we would like. With age, not only the body changes but also the mind. In addition to the typical signs of aging, such as declining activity or reduced appetite, other signs can give us clues that our dogs are getting older. These can sometimes be signs of dementia in dogs.
Dementia in Dogs – What is it Actually?
Dementia is not the same as the aging process that occurs in every aging dog. It is a disease in which the nerve cells in the brain slowly die. It is about those nerve cells that are responsible for learning, memory, orientation, and consciousness. This slow process of destruction can drag on for years.
Dementia in dogs is also called CDS, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. It usually only occurs in old age. Breed or size doesn’t matter – any dog can be affected. Although this disease cannot be cured, it can be treated so that the course of the disease can be delayed.
Recognize Symptoms
Dementia is clearly distinguishable from the typical signs of aging in every dog. Because longer periods of rest, less appetite, graying of the coat, or a reduction in vision, hearing, and smell can occur with any aging dog. However, there are some symptoms that can give you clues that your dog has dementia.
Disorientation and Altered Communication
Disorientation is one of the typical behaviors that can be seen in this disease. Dogs can walk around as if they have no destination and no longer know where they want to go. Things can also be looked at that were previously known to your dog and now suddenly seem completely foreign. Sometimes dogs also show an inexplicable persistence in a certain position, in a corner or behind pieces of furniture, and appear completely withdrawn with a fixed gaze. They usually do not get out of this situation by themselves, but need support from their people.
Unfortunately, it can also happen that your dog suddenly no longer recognizes you or other people you know and even suddenly growls at them or backs away from them. Your dog may also change its need for cuddles and closeness. Some dogs become withdrawn and less interested in their immediate surroundings.
Changed Sleep Rhythm
Your dog will likely have a well-established sleep schedule. During the day he will tend to be more awake and active with fewer periods of sleep, while most of the night will be resting and sleeping. Of course, it can be different for every dog, depending on age, state of health, or everyday circumstances. In dogs with dementia, the normal day-night rhythm is altered. An increased amount of sleep can be seen during the day, with more waking phases occurring at night. It can even lead to complete insomnia at night. Some dogs also show restless behavior, such as increased panting, sudden startles, or aimless wandering.
Problems with Housebreaking
Even if you have diligently trained your dog to be housebroken, this learned behavior can actually be forgotten. Dementia in dogs can lead to urine and feces being deposited in the house or apartment again and again. As a rule, the dogs no longer or only very rarely indicate beforehand that they have to detach themselves.
Signals are Forgotten
It’s easy to explain why old dogs don’t carry out signals because they can’t hear or see well. But if your dog suffers from dementia, it can quickly forget your given signals, such as sit or down, and no longer carry them out. Sometimes dogs can even no longer correctly classify and recognize their own name.
Tips for Everyday Life
While there is no cure for dementia, there are a few things you can do to make your dog more comfortable. For example, special feed and dietary supplements can reduce symptoms. And your veterinarian may also prescribe medications for treatment. You too can have a positive influence.
Keep Calm
Even if you know about your dog’s illness, there can always be moments in everyday life when your own nerves are badly strained and you lack the strength to think and act logically. We all know that. There are days when everything goes wrong and a lot of stress has built up through work and family. Especially on such days, it is important to recognize and control your own mood. Dogs can recognize our moods and perceive our frustration and stress. If your dog suffers from dementia and is disoriented, probably doesn’t recognize you, or is defecating and urinating in the living room, you should first take a deep breath. Your dog cannot understand and classify anger, annoyance, and stress from your day at such a moment.
Adjust everyday rhythm
Everyday life changes completely when a dog suffers from dementia. Since he will urinate and defecate more often in the apartment, more short walks or more time outside with your dog can help. There are also dog diapers that help and protect against small mishaps on the carpet or floor.
Offer closeness
It is also important not to leave your dog alone at home for too long, if at all. If he’s disoriented and wandering around aimlessly, being alone can cause stress. Because there is no one there to help him. If you have no other option for your dog and he really needs to be alone for a moment, choose a room where he feels particularly comfortable and safe.
Provide cognitive stimulation
Change your walking routes regularly and give your dog small tasks in the form of intelligence games or new signals. This will help your dog refocus and stimulate its brain activity.