How to spot dementia in your dog or cat

Key Points:

• Dementia, or cognitive dysfunction, affects aging dogs and cats, with symptoms often mistaken for normal aging or other diseases; about 10% of dogs show signs by age 8, rising to 80% by age 18, while over half of cats older than 15 exhibit symptoms.
• Early signs include wandering, house accidents, difficulty with stairs, increased vocalization, and changes in responsiveness; cats may also over-groom, making diagnosis challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other illnesses like hyperthyroidism.
• Veterinarians diagnose dementia through owner questionnaires, physical and neurological exams, blood tests to exclude other conditions, and sometimes MRI scans, though MRIs are costly and require anesthesia.
• Managing dementia involves maintaining a consistent routine, providing regular physical and mental exercise, ensuring a safe environment, and offering diets rich in MCTs, antioxidants, and omega-3s; medications may be used under veterinary supervision.
• Owners are encouraged to practice patience and compassion, understanding that behavioral changes are due to illness rather than intentional misbehavior, to maintain a strong bond and quality of life for their aging pets.