2023-10-13 08:00:00
Dementia is a common disease experienced in an aging society. This also applies to pets. A disease similar to dementia that appears in humans in companion animals is cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease that occurs when the brain degenerates. As symptoms progress, systemic diseases such as paralysis and seizures may occur. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and manage dementia early. Learn about the precursor symptoms of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, a type of dementia in pets.
Walking is important to prevent dementia in dogs | Source: Getty Image Bank
If you notice changes in appetite or unreasonable aggression, you should suspect dementia in your dog.
First of all, in the beginning, the person does not want to move much, sleeps a lot, and begins to show signs of anxiety. In the beginning, the symptoms appear mild enough that many caregivers think it is simply a phenomenon caused by aging. Symptoms become increasingly severe over time.
When symptoms become severe, the person may appear to wander, staring blankly into space or circling in place. This is called circlering, and this symptom is also a symptom of dementia. If you are experiencing circle ringing, it should be considered that dementia has progressed to some extent.
They may wake up at night, cry, or make mistakes when urinating or defecating. They may even bark without recognizing their guardians and may not respond even when the pet’s name is called. Activity is low, the ability to recognize the surroundings is poor, reactions to stimulation are poor, and many people appear lethargic. In particular, if the person shows sluggish movements, there is a high probability that dementia has progressed. Additionally, due to reduced cognitive ability, people feel unfamiliar, show hostility, or react sensitively even in familiar environments.
Dementia can also be suspected if appetite suddenly increases or decreases. Dogs that are sensitive to changes in their sense of smell and taste may lose their sense of smell and taste due to aging and may not be able to control their food intake. If the amount of food you eat suddenly increases or decreases compared to usual, or if you do not eat your favorite snacks, you may have dementia. You should also carefully monitor changes in the amount of water you consume.
Increasing aggression for no reason can also be seen as a symptom of early dementia. Growling at light skinship or not recognizing or ignoring commands that were normally well understood are also types of dementia symptoms. If your senses decline due to aging, you may become more sensitive to even your usual actions.
Symptoms can be delayed through various mental and physical stimulation.
Dementia in dogs cannot be cured, but symptoms can be slowed through diet, exercise, and medication. After consulting with a veterinarian, symptoms can be slowed by feeding antioxidants and supplements and providing various mental and physical stimulation such as play and walks.
In particular, walking is important to prevent dementia in dogs. Walking relieves stress through sniffing, increases muscle mass, builds a strong body, and is excellent for preventing dementia in dogs. This is because brain activity occurs naturally as we experience and become familiar with various environments.
Nose Walk is also an excellent exercise method to prevent dementia in dogs. This is a game where you throw a snack wrapped in newspaper to your dog or place a snack under a blanket and let the dog find it and eat it on its own.
It is also important to manage your dog’s weight on a daily basis. Obesity is a source of disease in humans as well, but dogs with poor motor skills are always sluggish and their metabolic function is inevitably weakened. Of course, for weight management, it is important to take regular walks and develop eating habits centered on vegetables.
Good vegetable snacks include paprika, cooked tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli. Vegetables help your dog get enough water. When giving food, it is best to give it as a reward when exercising or performing a specific command.
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