Confused and disoriented pets? Dementia is not just for humans

Yahoo

19-05-2025

Sometimes the little guy just stops and doesn't know where he is any more. At 15 years old, Olli the pug is very old, in need of help, often disoriented. He doesn't hear or see much and his hind legs hurt.
"Olli has had dementia for a few years," says owner Ute Hausmann. She has completely adjusted to his needs, caring for, nurturing, looking after and encouraging the animal that has been living with her and her husband in the Rheinisch-Bergisch district near Cologne for 11 years. Because: "Olli is dearly loved."
Dementia widespread among older dogs and cats
According to Holger Volk, a doctor at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, dementia is common among dogs and cats of an advanced age.
He says that about one in three dogs aged 12 to 13 years show clinical symptoms.
By the age of 15 to 16, two out of three dogs are affected by "canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome."
And among very old cats at about 16 years of age, around 50% have dementia, known as "feline" syndrome. So, all in all, a "huge number," he says.
Early intervention is very important. "When pet owners notice abnormalities, it is often almost too late," says Volk, who heads the hospital for small animals.
The disease is difficult to diagnose because the signs vary and dementia develops progressively. It is usually accompanied by other illnesses and not easily separated from "normal" degenerative signs of old age.
What causes dementia and what to watch for?
Changes in an animal's brain metabolism, inflammation and protein deposits all cause nerve cells to no longer work properly. Those changes make an animal slow down and some forget practised commands. They may get confused and no longer sleep well – and there are also behavioural changes.
"Loner behaviour and withdrawal" are examples Volk cites. Joint pain and dental disease are common.
Prevention can help. Measures can include a suitable low-sugar diet – with certain fatty acids that work as energy sources for older animals and prevent inflammatory reactions.
If dementia is diagnosed, special food is definitely part of a treatment strategy. Exercise and mental stimulation are also key.
"There are not many medications available" – except for a stimulant to help with persistent poor sleep or a means to promote blood circulation, says Volk.
So it is important to observe your animal carefully for any changes.
Cats: Harder to watch closely
Cats like to do their own thing – and therefore tend to slip under the radar and out of sight. But signs of dementia in cats can include appearing anxious, becoming less active and interacting less, the veterinarian says.
It is also very common for cats to meow loudly, almost scream at night, a sign the animal is trying to locate itself.
A cat may also struggle to find its litter tray – just as a normally house-trained dog may stop indicating when it has to go and instead relieve itself in the home, according to the animal welfare foundation Four Paws.
Dementia brings changes not only for the affected animals, but also for their families. But with patience and the right care, the progression of the incurable disease can be slowed down.
As for the senior pug Olli, exercise and a routine are very important. Owner Hausmann massages her pug's aching hind legs every morning. Then she takes him out two to three times a day – always the same familiar short distances and very slowly.
"It helps him to cope," she says.
Even a curb can pose a challenge. After the short walk, the 74-year-old lifts the 9-kilogram bundle onto the sofa at home. "Olli used to be very boisterous and lively. Now he's slow, unsure of himself and always wants to be where I am, constantly following me around."
Engaging with other four-legged friends is out of the question.
"He doesn't want anything to do with other dogs any more. He used to be in a good mood, was very interested in females, but now he doesn't like any contact at all."
At night, her pug often wakes up and seems completely lost. "Olli has a cautious, gentle character, he's not aggressive and luckily he still goes to the toilet outside," says Hausmann.
He manages to make himself noticed – and then he's out the front door and into the garden.
Hausmann, a former nursery school teacher who knows her pug inside out, doesn't miss a beat. Converted into human years, Olli is almost 100 years old.
Growing awareness of older animals' needs
Veterinarian Volk has observed that many pets are now living to a ripe old age, and this has led to a growing awareness of the issue.
However, he says doctors often only diagnose and treat concomitant diseases such as heart, kidney or joint problems. "The brain is not the focus of attention, but it is becoming more and more so."
He knows that it often helps pet owners when they receive clarity and a confirmed diagnosis of dementia.
Similar to humans, the same applies to dogs and cats: Age is a risk factor, but not a cause of dementia, he says. "We need to work much harder on prevention. A happy life includes a healthy brain."