Common Signs of Dog Sensitivity
Have you noticed strange behaviors in your senior dog that you can not explain? You may be wondering if it is possible for dogs to have Alzheimer’s. Here is a list of the most common signs seen with high dementia in dogs. (If you have a feline pet that exhibits similar symptoms, see High Dementia in Cats .)
- Getting “lost” in the corners or on the wrong side of a door
This is a common complaint with cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs . Some dogs may stand upside down in a corner or on the side of a door hanger, waiting for it to open or stand still; able to figure out the next step. - Pacing or Anxiety
Loss of intentional activity – stimulation and weaving around the house, often disturbed, without other symptoms (eg excess bowel or bladder). - Loss of housing
Dairy seniors with dementia may forget to go out to do their business as they have always used to. A medical problem – urinary tract infection , gastrointestinal problems – should always be ruled out before it is assumed to be a behavioral problem (dementia).
Your dog may not be aware that they are ‘leaking’ or may deliberately seek out worthless places in the house, knowing that this is not normal behavior. - Does not greet family members as before
A dog with cognitive dysfunction will often not seek human companionship, sometimes walking away being petted. Also noted: do not greet family members upon arrival. - Barking for no reason
This could be because they do not know family members or because they are “lost” in the yard or behind a door. There is also an element of general confusion, which can cause barking , especially at night. - Loss of appetite
Tall dogs can “forget” to eat and lose interest in food. Geriatric animals have small reserves – please see your veterinarian if your pet does not eat or has a reduced appetite. - Sleep irregularities
A dog with cognitive dysfunction may sleep more than normal or change night and day; sleeping during the day and awake (and confused) at night. - Does not respond to voice commands as before
The first thing to rule out here is hearing loss, which is quite common in tall dogs . In the event of cognitive dysfunction, the dog cannot process the command and act on it as before. The dog may even be confused with his or her name when called upon. - If you notice any of these signs with your pet
Keep a record of what behaviors you have noticed, the duration, or how often you have noticed these behaviors, and make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss. As stated above, the first step to any behavioral problem is to rule out any medical causes first.
For example, if your dog urinates at home and has not done so before, he or she will want to rule out urinary problems before treating high dementia changes.
For dogs suspected of having high dementia, your veterinarian may prescribe medications, such as Anipryl , that may be helpful with common signs of dementia. Some dogs are helped with DAP to reduce the high complaint of dementia.
