Canine cognitive dysfunction

Humans and dogs can both develop Alzheimer’s disease.

Challenges can include, confusion, getting lost, getting stuck, forgetting what we were just doing or things that happened only moments ago, changes to interactions and repetitive behaviours.  Your previously housetrained dog may regress and begin having potty accidents indoors.

For physical changes we need to rule out other problems.  E.g. a dog suddenly starting to mess indoors may have a U.T.I.  One of the most difficult changes for dog owners to accept may be the way their pet interacts with them.

Studies are in progress to compare age, rates of onset, patterns and trends such as size.  Larger breeds tend to have a shorter lifespan than cross breeds or smaller dogs so studies will help determine whether the rate of C.C.D. raises proportionally the same rate across different breeds.

If you have any questions about your dogs changing behaviours please consult your veterinarian.  It is very helpful for you to take some video footage of the behaviour/s happening at home so your vet can see what you are referring to.  Barney photographed here has no concern as he can always remember where he left his bone.

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)