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Older dogs suffer from an incurable condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans
Research has found more and more evidence linking a dog’s behavior to its owner and the pet animal when aged can develop a mental condition that’s similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
Dogs are super sensitive and reflect your mood and emotions. A recent study shows that your stress is likely making your dog more pessimistic. Unlike behavioral changes due to external factors age-related disease in dogs is common and occurs due to changes in the brain.
CDS is common in older dogs
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a common old-age-related issue in dogs, causing deterioration similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
In one of his videos, veterinarian Dr.Frank Bozelka explains the symptoms of “Doggy Alzheimer’s”, while revealing there’s no cure for the condition, but it’s manageable.
Cornell’s official vet website notes that brain cells in dogs called neurons, which are essential to transmit information throughout the body, start to “waste away” at the age of nine or above.
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When the neurons stop functioning, the dog can display various behavioral changes due to the brain’s incapacity to process information. This can also cause physical changes in your pooch.
There are several clinical signs of the doggy mental health condition, but the most common ones include:
- Disorientation or confusion
- Aimless wandering or pacing
- Forgetting familiar people or places
- Abnormal vocalizing
- Getting lost at home
It can’t be cured
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for CDS in dogs, but the symptoms can be “managed to a certain degree” with early detection and different combinations of therapy.
Dr. Frank says medications, diet changes, and environmental enrichment can increase mental stimulation in your pet and help keep the mind active.
The Cornell website suggests supplements for older dogs with the mental condition under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Dr. Frank Bozelka is a certified veterinarian with a degree from the University of Illinois. He has been working with Arboretum View Emergency and Critical Care Service since the beginning of his career. His interests include cardiac and orthopedic emergencies as well as general trauma. Dr. Frank has close to 500,000 followers on TikTok.
