Just like humans, pets can get “dementia” (age related cognitive decline). This can be seen as behavioural and other changes including:

• Disorientation – appearing not to recognise their surroundings or people
• Altered or reduced interaction with people and other pets
• changes to Sleep–wake cycle change (eg, night-time wakefulness)
• House soiling
• Excessive barking or meowing
• Decreased activity
• Increased anxiety or aggression

In one study, 28% of dogs 11 to 12 years of age and 68% of dogs 15 to 16 years of age had at least one sign of dementia, and 28% of cats 11 to 14 years of age and 50% of cats 15 years of age or older also exhibited at least one behavior change attributable to dementia.

Things you can do to help old pets and pets with cognitive decline (dementia)

1. Remember, old pets have pain. Osteoarthritis or nerve conditions limit activity. Tailor the environment to minimize pain and risk of injury. For example, provide nonslip surfaces (eg, rugs, mats) for secure footing and to encourage pets to be more active.

A series of steps or platforms may allow elderly cats access to their favourite, elevated resting areas they can no longer reach by jumping. For pets who find exercise difficult, focus should be on mental stimulation rather than physical activity.

2. Remember that old pets may be going blind or deaf. For these pets, training and communication may be modified by using visual (ie, hand) signals or by using verbal or tactile cues (eg, a light tap on the shoulder).

3. Remember that blind or deaf old pets, or pets with problems can get anxious or stressed. Sudden changes to environment or routine may stress older pets, particularly cats. Make changes slowly and limit them to one or 2 minor changes at a time. Once a pet is happy with these changes,  additional activities or changes can be introduced.

4. Physical Exercise isn’t just important, it can slow mental decline. Exercise has been shown to improve memory in elderly beagles. Exercise should take each pet’s physical abilities and health into consideration (many old pets have heart disease). Slow, controlled leash walks, swimming, or hydrotherapy may be good options for dogs with joint disease or limited mobility. To increase activity, cats may be encouraged to chase toys or hunt for treats throughout the house.

5. Don’t forget the senses. New smells, sights and sounds can really help, especially for pets that are sick or can’t exercise. For example, dogs that cannot walk but enjoy being outdoors can be taken in carriers, in strollers, or on car rides. Cats may continue to have outdoor access under supervised conditions (eg, leash walks, secure outdoor enclosures). Control is important as old, sick or senile cats may simply disappear and you may never find them.

Try introducing new smells and unfamiliar items (eg, a shopping bag or cardboard box for cats, a family member’s shirt for dogs). BUT if the pet has a history of urine marking, new items or smells may be marked!

Pheromones (Adaptil, Feliway) can reduce anxiety, which often increases with age. In addition, approximately 68% of cats respond to catnip, which may produce a happy with characteristic sniffing, licking, rubbing, and rolling.

Classical music has been shown to increase resting behavior in some dogs, and studies have shown that some dogs and cats show interest in video images, particularly of other pets and moving objects. Various apps and channels exist to entertain pets, particularly cats, with cartoon mice or other moving images. Cats may also respond to a bird feeder outside a window or providing a covered fish tank in the house.

6. Don’t Give Up On Training! While they learn more slowly, teaching “old dogs new tricks” slows the progression of dementia. . You can also rotate toys weekly,  housing with a kennelmate, and gentle walks. These activities have been shown to help old pets animals absorb new training, compared to pets that don’t get these additional stimulus.

7. Don’t forget that pets like to work! Puzzle toys,  and actively teaching new behaviours can help your pet stay sharp with age. Food, treats, or toys can be hidden around the house for the pet to find,  or hidden in boxes or under towels that the pet must remove to get to the treat.  Commercial treat-dispensing puzzle and activity toys are also available, or you can cut small holes in a soft-drink bottle and put a handful of small treats inside so they fall out when the bottle is rolled.

For old pets with mobility issues,  try teaching commands that don’t need too much movement, such as targeting (ie, touching a hand or object with the nose), giving a paw, lying down on their bed, and choosing a treat hidden in an owner’s right or left hand (eg, “right or left”).

8. Don’t forget that your old pet still loves and needs you. Daily positive attention, whether through playing, training, exercising, or sitting with the pet, should be an important part of your routine with your older pets. It’s easy to get caught up in the business if life, or a younger pet in the household who demands attention. Just because your old pet is quieter doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to spend quality time with the people he loves.

Source: Adapted from Clinicans Brief 01 Jan 2018