Understanding Dementia In Pets

With age, just like humans, our beloved pets can start to slow down. Their once bountiful energy may stop being endless and their once-keen senses might dull as their minds and bodies start to change. They will always be the pets you’ve grown to love over the years, but their cognition may become affected with age, which can cause confusion, disorientation, and memory problems, similar to Alzheimer's disease.
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We’ll be exploring the causes of dementia in pets, treatment options, and how it can be managed without sacrificing your pet’s quality of life.

Can Pets Get Dementia?

If you’re wondering ‘can pets get dementia?’, the unfortunate answer is yes. Labelled as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) in pets, it is reported extensively in dogs, cats, horses, and smaller animals like rabbits as well.

In dogs, 28% aged 11 to 12 and 68% aged 15 to 16 were found to have impairment in either their orientation in the home, their social interaction, house training, or the sleep-wake cycle. In cats, 28% aged 11 to 14 and 50% of cats over the age of 15 years old were shown to exhibit signs of CDS.

Causes Of Pet Dementia

Just like humans, your pet's brain changes as they age as the result of the buildup of abnormal proteins, free radicals that cause oxidative damage, and the degeneration of neurons and the communication cells in the brain, which can disrupt normal brain function and lead to cognitive decline.

Chronic inflammation has also been shown to contribute to dementia in pets by damaging brain cells and hindering communication between them, which, when coupled with vascular issues that deprive brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly, can lead to cognitive decline. 

Although not as well-understood as in humans, some research has also suggested that there is a potential genetic predisposition to dementia in certain breeds of dogs.

Signs Of Dementia In Pets

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome often progresses gradually, and the signs can be hard to see at first. Disorientation and confusion are common signs, which might include getting lost in familiar places, having difficulty navigating stairs or furniture, or appearing bewildered in the home environment. This can also contribute to increased anxiety, which can be presented in your pet appearing fearful or startling easily.

Changes in your pet’s sleep-wake cycles may also present as an early warning sign, as they may sleep more during the day or become restless or disoriented at night. Other symptoms could present with changes to their usual routines or accidents in the house.

Finally, repetitive behaviours could be a symptom of cognitive decline. Whilst some pets display this behaviour from a young age, if they start to pace randomly, vocalise for no apparent reason, or stare into space, it is a behaviour to speak to your vet about. 

Treatment & Management Options

If you are concerned that your pet may have cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a thorough veterinary examination is crucial to rule out other medical conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms. This may involve a behavioural or neurological assessment, blood tests, or imaging studies in the form of an MRI scan. If your veterinarian confirms that your pet does have CDS, there’s no need to panic. 

Whilst there is no definitive cure for CDS, there are several steps that can be taken to manage the condition and improve your pet's quality of life. If it is still at an early stage, changes to your pet’s diet and added supplements like antioxidants could help to slow any further decline. In more advanced cases medications may be prescribed to manage behavioural changes associated with dementia, such as anxiety or aggression.

It can be difficult for any pet owner to see cognitive decline in their pet, but it’s important to have patience and understanding. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome causes behavioural changes in your pet including mistakes or accidents around the house. Just as you would with a puppy, avoid scolding and use positive reinforcement for desired behaviours.

Creating a safe and predictable environment for your pet is especially important in protecting their health and well-being. By keeping their routine consistent and reducing major changes in their surroundings, you can maintain the quality of life for your pet for years to come.

At Ripponlea, we’re here to support you and your pet through good days and bad. We understand that your pet is part of the family, which is why we offer the best healthcare to keep your pet in the best shape possible. Schedule an appointment with us now to ensure the best quality of life for your pet!
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