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Sometimes the little guy just stops and does not know where he is any more.
At 15 years old, Olli the pug is very old, in need of help and often disoriented. He does not hear or see much, and his back legs hurt.
“Olli has had dementia for a few years,” says owner Ute Hausmann. She has adjusted to his needs, caring for, nurturing, looking after and encouraging the “dearly loved” animal who has been with her and her husband in Cologne, Germany, for 11 years.
According to Holger Volk, a professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover in Germany, dementia is common among dogs and cats of an advanced age.
He says about one in three dogs aged 12 to 13 show clinical symptoms of the condition.
By the age of 15 to 16, two out of three dogs are affected by “canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome”.

Among very old cats, those around 16 years of age, around 50 per cent have dementia.
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.
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 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 poor sleep or a means to promote blood circulation – says Volk.
It is important to observe your animal carefully for any changes.
Cats like to do their own thing – and therefore tend to slip under the radar. Signs of dementia in cats can include appearing anxious, becoming less active and interacting less, the veterinarian says.
Olli used to be very boisterous and lively. Now he’s slow, unsure of himself and always wants to be where I am
Ute Hausmann, Olli’s owner
It is also common for cats to miaow loudly, and almost scream at night, a sign the animal is trying to locate itself.
A cat may 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. With patience and the right care, the progression of the incurable disease can be slowed down.
As for Olli, exercise and routine are very important. 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 kerb can pose a challenge. After a short walk, Hausmann lifts Olli 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.
Converted into human years, Olli is almost 100 years old.

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, vets 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, age is a risk factor but is not a cause of dementia in cats and dogs, he says.
“We need to work much harder on prevention. A happy life includes a healthy brain,” he adds.
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Health & Wellness

Health

Is your older dog or cat starting to act confused? Learn about pet dementia and its signs, plus tips on care, diet and stimulating them


Is your older dog or cat starting to act confused? Learn about pet dementia and its signs, plus tips on care, diet and stimulating them.


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Mental health

How to care for ageing cats and dogs with dementia, with tips from an expert

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Is your older dog or cat starting to act confused? Learn about pet dementia and its signs, plus tips on care, diet and stimulating them

Is your older dog or cat starting to act confused? Learn about pet dementia and its signs, plus tips on care, diet and stimulating them