Can dogs also get dementia? Here are the tips for veterinarians

Did you know that dogs also have dementia? However, this is a bit difficult to detect. Research conducted on more than 15,000 dogs in the US under the Dog Aging Project shows that it is especially common in dogs over the age of 10 years. We are telling you some such symptoms, based on which you can consult your veterinarian on time if you feel a change in the behavior of the pet dog.

What is dementia in dogs?
Dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction, is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. This disease related to the brain is associated with practical, changes in the ability to understand something and other changes. It usually occurs in dogs older than 8 years of age, but can also occur in dogs under the age of six. Pet owners dismiss many changes as related to behavior. The disease is difficult to diagnose even for veterinarians because there is no test for it and, just like humans, aging dogs are prone to many other health problems.

Does my dog ​​have dementia?
Dogs with dementia are often lost in the back of the house or the house. They tend to get stuck behind furniture or in the corners of rooms because they forget that they can also be pulled out of the back. They may demand more or less love from their owners than before, or begin to show anger with other dogs in the household. They also forget the faces they have known so far. They sleep more during the day and wake up more at night. They may moan or bark for no reason.

What the research found
American researchers studied more than 15,000 dogs under the 'Dog Aging Project'. Researchers asked pet dog owners to take part in two surveys. In one, the dogs were asked about their health status and physical activity, and in the other, the thinking power of the dogs was assessed. The data showed that about 1.4 percent of dogs have canine cognitive dysfunction. For dogs over the age of ten, the risk of this disease increases by more than 50 percent. Less active dogs were about 6.5 times more likely to develop dementia.

I Think My Dog Has Dementia, Now What?
Some medications can help reduce dementia in a dog. Exercise may reduce the risk of dementia in people. Therefore, walking the dogs also helps them in this. Therefore, if you think your dog is affected by it, consult your vet. Unfortunately, there is no cure for it.