This week is dementia awareness week so I thought I would focus on pet dementia this week and look at some ways to maintain brain health in our pets and support them as they get old. Dementia or cognitive dysfunction syndrome to give it its correct term is a neurobehavioural disorder affecting geriatric dogs and cats that is characterized by an age-related decline in cognitive abilities sufficient to affect functioning, with behaviour changes that are not attributable to other medical conditions. Diagnosis is key as this is underdiagnosed as many symptoms just put down as normal ageing.
Senior-pet checklists typically include questions about disorientation, social interactions with humans and other animals, sleep–wake cycle changes, house soiling, and changes in activity levels. Moving and exploratory behaviours vary as a function of age and cognitive status Locomotor and exploratory behaviours vary as a function of age and cognitive status. Cognitively impaired older dogs tend to have higher locomotor activity and spent more time in aimless activity than young dogs (younger than 9 years); the more severe the cognitive impairment, the higher both of these measures were. Older dogs also appear to have an age-dependent decline in exploratory behaviour.
Keeping your pet comfy as they age but also engaged is key for support and boosting longevity and cognitive health.
The environment may need to be modified to accommodate the ageing pet’s needs and improve comfort and resources need to be easily accessible. Place litterboxes in easy locations and you may need to make the entry lower to accommodate an older and maybe arthritic cat. Older dogs may require more opportunities for toileting, either outdoors or in an indoor elimination area. Waking during the night is a problem, owners should increase the pet’s daytime exercise and reduce disturbances in the evening essential oils can really help here with soothing them and helping promote sleep.
Older pets may be less tolerant of children and other household pets and should be provided with protected resting areas so they cannot be disturbed this is a key factor when looking at children getting bitten around an older dog. Older pets may also be less tolerant of environmental changes and may require behavioural assistance if changes induce anxiety-related problems once again essential oils can assist here.
Older pets can slip on hard floors which may also be more uncomfortable to walk or sit on and padded surfaces for sitting and traction for movement may help. If the pet is in pain, altering cues to “stand” or “look” would be useful to replace “sit” or “down” cues. Plus signals may need adjusting if sensory dysfunction is significant, including tactile cues or hand signals. More powerful motivators for learning may be needed, including the use of high-value food rewards which also helps keep the brain engaged and therefore optimising cognition.
Good nutrition is vital with a diet rich in anti-oxidants which supports the brain and the cardiovascular system which in turn also helps the brain. Blueberries and green veg blended up in the food can really give your dogs a boost - you may not even need to blend - I have lost many a broccoli or kale to my green veg loving dogs!
Brain derived neurotrophic factor is a key molecule in the maintenance of memory and by ensuring that you feed antioxidant fortified food helps support neuroplasticity and maintains good cognition Supplements and essential oils can be of great benefit as many are potent in antioxidants and my favourites are DDR Prime and the Deep Blue Polyphenols. Also don’t forget to include omega 3 as this is crucial for good brain health too - for dogs 1000mg per 10kg of body weight.
Daily exercise to maintain mobility to support the musculoskeletal system but it also helps increase BDNF as well. The brain also benefits from exercise interact with your pet, give them activities to occupy the brain, there are lots of games to play with your elderly pets that doesn’t require an abundance of mobility..
There are lots of ways to keep your senior dog happy and healthy and there is no reason at all they can't learn new tricks - continued learning like us is the key to longevity. Now obviously they may not be as mobile as they once were but by being a bit inventive there are lots of games that you can play - from scent work to hand targeting. Check out my latest podcast for more info as I discuss more about brain training there- see link in the bio or
www.thehealthfuldoctor.com/podcast
Maintaining a regular routine can reduce anxiety, as older pets often have anxiety related conditions and the same essential oils mentioned above can work wonderfully well either in a diffuser or applied topically and applied in a little massage can be even more beneficial.
Check out some massage tips in this video
Let me know any comments or questions you have and drop me a message if you would like to have a chat about your pets needs.
Information given here is not intended as a substitute for medical or veterinary consultation - the author has no liability nor responsibility with respect to any issues occurring out of use such as damage, loss, injury.