SENIORS AND BRAIN AGING

Written by Lugene Homan

Advances in veterinary medicine are allowing our pets to live longer and healthier lives. We may not notice gradual changes with our pet's behavior and signs of brain aging.

 

Observable brain aging behaviors in dogs may include:

    *lethargy and being sluggish, no longer wanting to lead while on walks, not getting up to greet you

    *pacing, aimless wandering

    *spending less time playing and more time sleeping

    *confusing days and nights

    *becoming disoriented in the house, bumping into things, getting stuck behind furniture or in

            corners

    *losing interest in being petted

    *losing interest in eating, may be unable to find the food and water bowls

    *forgetting to ask to go outside, accidents are more common

 

Brain aging behaviors in cats may be harder to detect due to the independent nature of felines. Any unexplained behavior changes should be addressed. Observable brain aging behaviors may include:

    *sleeping more during the day

    *meowing during the night, insomnia

    *uncoordinated movements

    *increasing or decreasing appetite

    *vomiting or digestive issues

    *not using the litter box

    *becoming aggressive or irritable

 

LIVING WITH A SENIOR DOG:

    *Feed a diet your veterinarian recommends

    *Keep your dog active

    *Keep your dog's life as calm and consistent as possible; try to maintain schedules with little

            disruption

    *Limit exposure to confusing or potentially upsetting activities - such as noisy children and crowds

    *Elevate the feeding bowls

    *Use a ramp in place of steps

    *Place non-skid mats in the pet's living area

    *Provide a warming bed to help alleviate joint pain

 

LIVING WITH A SENIOR CAT:

    *Provide moderate exercise, spend more time interacting with your cat

    *Avoid stress, don't add a kitten to the household

    *Add comfort with a new bed, new furniture or adding a perch

    *Make the litter box more accessible. Arthritic cats may find it difficult to step up and into the

            box, consider a box with shorter sides

    *Maintain your cat's weight. Obese cats are at-risk for diseases such as diabetes. A cat that is too

            thin or one that is losing weight risks muscle loss and a weaker immune system

    *Feed a diet that your veterinarian recommends

    *Elevate the feeding bowls

 

                            SIGN                                                                         POTENTIAL PROBLEM

lameness, pain, reluctant to walk, stiffness                   arthritis

 

enlarged pupils, hazy spot in the lens, bumping               cataracts/glaucoma

into things

 

changes in sleep and activity patterns, interactions            cognitive dysfunction

or personality;confusion, loss of bladder or bowel

control

 

bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, bleeding                dental disease

gums, weight or appetite loss

 

excessive thirst, frequent urinations, increased                          diabetes

appetite, weight loss

 

weight change, coughing, exercise intolerance,                  heart or lung disease

difficulty breathing, weakness, wheezing