Friends with elderly dogs at home, will they find that the dogs often circle in circles, stare at the wall for a long time in a daze, reverse their work and rest, or even change their temperament? If you have some of these symptoms, you need to pay attention, because dogs may suffer from cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which is Alzheimer’s disease.
If a dog’s ability to learn or memory deteriorates, the owner may simply think it’s just getting old. In fact, dogs can also suffer from Alzheimer’s. Generally speaking, dogs over 7 years old and cats over 11 years old begin to enter the age of onset of cognitive impairment syndrome. Studies have shown that 50% of dogs eight years old or older will develop Alzheimer’s disease, and by the age of 11, the proportion of the disease will rise to 60%. And unfortunately, cognitive impairment syndrome is an irreversible disease.
The official name of Alzheimer’s disease in dogs is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). This is a behavioral disorder in older dogs. The cause of the disease is still under investigation. However, the academic community believes that the damage of brain cells due to aging is one of the possible reasons; in addition, from the experience of clinical treatment, it is found that when the dog’s life is too monotonous and lacks stimulation, the chance of suffering also increases.
Main symptoms of dementia in dogs
In the early stage of the onset of cognitive impairment syndrome, dogs will not have obvious changes in physical symptoms, but will be reflected in behavior and emotions. We can see if dogs have the following symptoms:
1. Disorientation
Dogs with dementia are often disoriented. It may wander somewhere often, or stare blankly at a certain point, forgetting where things are often used, or when there are guests in the house, the dog may not be able to recognize objects around it.
2. Great change in temperament
Dementia syndrome can affect a dog’s cognitive abilities. Some dogs may be trained because they forget some of the instructions given to them by their owners, and they may become like peeing around, calling their names without responding, or barking and so on. There are also dogs who gradually forget their home environment and become more withdrawn, or even become unfamiliar with their owners and become cold. In addition to this, CDS can also affect a dog’s activity level. Some dogs may become more active, but others may become more sedentary.
3. Work and rest upside down
Dogs with dementia often become more sleepy during the day and toss and turn at night. They may even become restless due to insomnia, run around the house at night, or bark.
4. Anxiety
Dementia syndrome makes dogs more prone to anxiety. When you are separated from your dog, it may become anxious, it may be afraid of some irritating sounds, or it may be resistant to going out.
Exclude these diseases with symptoms similar to CDS
Currently, there is no test that can accurately diagnose CDS. Therefore, doctors will do a lot of tests to screen them during the physical examination. If they suspect a dog has CDS, they will ask the owner for a behavioral history to see the extent of the dog’s behavioral changes.
1. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction
2. Arthritis or skin disease
3. Liver or kidney problems
4. Hypertension
5. Drug side effects
6. Vision or hearing loss
7. Urinary tract infection
Prevention of Alzheimer’s in dogs
1. Continue to teach the dog new commands
Don’t feel the need to teach your dog new things just because he’s older. In fact, doing so can be very effective in preventing Alzheimer’s. Continue to teach him new commands or actions, even if the dog’s response is slow and takes a long time, it doesn’t matter, the important thing is not to let his brain “rust”, and to keep the brain cells running.
2. Make sure your dog is getting proper exercise
As dogs get older, they become less active as their bodily functions decline. But we can’t let the dog sit still all day. As far as the dog’s physical condition allows, we take them out for a walk, blow the air, and see different people and things, which are all of great benefit to the dog’s brain stimulation.
3. Use educational toys to help dogs use their brains
Prepare some educational toys for your dog, some of which can be stuffed with your dog’s favorite treats. Dogs want treats and become more mindful. In addition, dogs can keep their brains running when they are at home by themselves instead of sitting all day.
4. Physical contact is essential
Studies have shown that petting dogs regularly can help stimulate their cranial nerves. So we can pet the dog from time to time, cuddle it, or brush it.
5. Eat more antioxidants
Oxidation may also be one of the reasons for the occurrence of CDS. Antioxidants can prevent cells from being damaged by free radicals, and even achieve anti-aging effects, which can effectively prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Let your dog eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, E and carotenoids, such as: blueberries, broccoli, pumpkin, chia seeds, sardines, etc. These are all natural antioxidants!
Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s in dogs, not all senior dogs will get the disease. As long as we care and accompany them more, take them out for more activities, and don’t let their lives be static and boring, dogs will have the opportunity to stay away from Alzheimer’s!