What are these unclassified conditions in our pets?
More and more, the number of pet owners reporting behaviors closely resembling senility have been on the rise.
While your vet may not be able to give your furry friend a scientifically proven diagnosis, that doesn't mean your pet isn't exhibiting symptoms of the serious ailment commonly experienced by humans.
Domesticated dogs and cats are also becoming afflicted with more and more health disorders these days. This is likely attributed to factors like pollution, poor nutrition, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Conversely, they are also living longer due to advanced medical care and home environments, and experiencing conditions that were not often seen in their predecessors because they rarely reached a certain age.
Research from the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis showed a significant decrease in mental functioning in nearly a third of dogs 11 to 12 years of age, and almost two-thirds of dogs 15 to 16 years of age. Close to 80 percent of cats over 16 years of age showed a similar decline in cognitive impairment.
Behaviors to Watch For:
- Signs of Senility Dogs and cats tend to experience the following symptoms when senility is suspected:
- Confusion, such as aimless wandering, staring at walls, getting “trapped” in corners or losing balance and falling.
- Interactions with people change. A once-friendly dog or cat that showered you with affection upon returning home now ignores you or hides at inappropriate times. In addition, your dog or cat may become disobedient and defiant.
- Sleep habits reverse. Pets that slept through the night now experience restlessness or nocturnal activity and sleep during normal waking hours.
- House-training habits slip. They seem to forget where the litter box is or how to use the pet door to go outside.
It can be both frustrating and heartbreaking for owners to contend with their dogs or cats when they begin experiencing these kinds of behaviors. However, it is important to remain empathetic to the pet’s condition, as they do not understand nor can they control their behavior changes. Yelling or cruel disciplining will not help matters, but only cause trauma to the animal.
Very much like humans, the oxygen deprivation to the brain and age-related deterioration of tissue are likely contributors to the condition. Unfortunately, the progression tends to follow the same course as humans, with good days becoming numbered.
However, on a positive note, it is possible that these behaviors may actually be due to treatable conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, arthritis, or even high blood pressure. For instance, house-training accidents may be attributed to joint pain. Another example is elevated blood pressure, which can take its toll on blood vessels in the brain. Paying attention to changes in behavior and taking your pet in for regular check-ups can help catch and address problems early on.
Herbal Pet Remedies
Performance Plus™ Supports brain functioning & physical performance while promoting health & energy
PetCalm™ Effective tonic for pet nervous system and harmony
Aggression Formula™ Discourages routine restlessness and promotes soothed behavior in dogs and cats
Cushex Drops™ Supports health and balance in adrenal glands
GlucoBalance™ Natural pancreatic tonic keeps blood sugar & insulin levels within normal range
Problem Pet Solution™ Supports good behavior and maximize training efforts
EaseSure™ Supports animal brain function & routine nervous system health
Muscle & Joint Support™ Supports healthy muscles, joints and bones naturally
Thyro-Pet™ Maintain a healthy thyroid gland in dogs and cats
KC-Defense™ Promotes respiratory health, clear throat and a strong immune system
Heart and Circulation Tonic™ Supports healthy circulation and promote heart and artery health
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