Dogs and cats are living longer and happier lives. Unfortunately, old age provides new health challenges, such as pet dementia. In some cases, pet dementia can be treated. Dr. Lorraine Watson at Dr 4 Pets would like to discuss the facts regarding dementia in elderly dogs and cats. We provide quality in-home veterinary care for pets in and around Thousand Oaks, Porter Ranch, and Canoga Park, CA.
Although there is still a lot about pet dementia and cognitive dysfunctions that we do not know, one thing is clear, not all elderly pets get it. About 68% of dogs will develop some form of dementia by age 15 and only 28% of cats will get it by age 14, although their risk increases to 50% over the age of 14.
A diagnosis of dementia should never be considered an automatic death sentence for a pet. Both dogs and cats can live for years with dementia. Just what factors make a pet with dementia die within months while another lives for years is unknown. Owners have to be willing to make sacrifices and make adjustments to live with and care for a pet with dementia.
Cats with dementia have problems with time. They may cry for dinner, take one bite, and then cry for dinner again. They also have problems with space. They may fall down stairs, wander outside of the home, miss the litter box, or stand right in front of a wall. They may pace restlessly or sleep for far longer than usual. Basically, your cat will start not acting like your cat.
Dogs with dementia also have problems with time and space. They may bark at night and constantly try to wake you up for you to give them breakfast, a walk, or whatever you usually do with your dog in the morning. They may walk into a corner of a room and not remember how to back out of it. They stop grooming, may lick their paws constantly, seem anxious all of the time, lose their appetites, and have housetraining accidents.
Dementia often indicates your pet may be nearing the end of his or her life. Since 1989, Dr. Lorraine Watson of Dr 4 Pets has provided in-home pet euthanasia for Thousand Oaks, Porter Ranch, and Canoga Park. If your dog or cat is nearing the end of his or her life, call our team today at (805) 494-3339 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form to learn more about our services.
