Pet Dementia Prevention

Pet Dementia PreventionAs pets age, there are a growing number of cats and dogs that are suffering from dementia and veterinarians are warning that a pet’s sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can be to blame. There are an increasing number of cats and dogs suffering from this progressing disease, and many pets are dying of it.

The problems that animals face can be a direct result of lifestyle choices made by not only the pet but primarily the pet owners. A lack of physical activity and a diet of “cheap” pet food plays a significant role in the increasing number of dementia cases in cats and dogs.

“We see an increase in pet obesity,” says Professor Dr. Holger Volk, a leading veterinary scientist at the Royal Veterinary College, “Just as we see health problems among people who are less active so we see the same problems with their pets eating more and getting less exercise and this may lead to an increase in dementia.” With the growing issues, it may be difficult for pet owners to detect the decline of their beloved pet’s health.

How can you detect dementia in your loyal companion?

Some signs include:

  • Getting “stuck” behind furniture
  • Walking in circles
  • Forgetting certain activities, such as eating or forgetting that they have already greeted you
  • Attempting to go in a door the wrong way
  • Getting lost or struggling to find their way around
  • Increased amount of sleep during a 24-hour period
  • Disinterest in surroundings
  • Decreased purposeful activity
  • Loss of knowledge, including daily activities such as housebreaking
  • Increased amounts of anxiety shown by apprehension, panting, moaning or excessive shivering

Other signs of dementia in pets include failure to respond to commands and difficulty hearing, inability to recognize familiar people, and difficulty navigating the environment.
There are three main contributors to the changes in an aging brain that cause a gradual impairment in cognitive functioning: oxidative stress from free radical damage, the formation of lesions on the brain, and alterations in oxygen and energy availability.

The brain is thought to be more sensitive to the effects of oxidation than other tissues of the body. The damage to your dog’s brain caused by oxidative stress can cause a decrease in cognition as well as degenerative nerve disease similar to, for example, Alzheimer’s disease in humans.

It is critical to monitor changes within your pet, as well as get the proper attention from an experienced vet. Dementia can accelerate at differing rates and cause different amounts of impairment and discomfort to your beloved pets. If you see any of the warning signs or sense something is out of place, it is important to contact Radford Hills Animal Clinic and seek immediate attention for your pet.

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Everyone that works there are so nice! They love all the pets that come into the office. We lost our 14 year old Border Collie Oreo and they were... read more

Denise I.

I have known Dr Leavell for many years. He is a great man and a very intelligent and compassionate veterinarian. If you want top care for your pet... read more

Victoria W.

Dr. Leavell is so wonderful. I can tell he loves animals and that’s great because I put my fur babies in his care! Dr. Leavell and his staff are... read more

Heather C.

Dr. Leavell has been our families vet for years, this was my first visit. Not only was he patient and gentle with my dog but he answered all of my... read more

Ashely S.

Dr. Leavell and his staff are so caring and knowledgeable. Our fur babies are our babies, and we wouldn't trust them with anyone... read more

Sandie R.

Denise I.

Everyone that works there are so nice! They love all the pets that come into the office. We lost our 14 year old Border Collie Oreo and they were so Loving and Caring to arrange Cremation for us. They Treated us so kind and even sent a card to us. They are now taking care of my Grand-dog. I would highly recommend them to anyone!

Victoria W.

I have known Dr Leavell for many years. He is a great man and a very intelligent and compassionate veterinarian. If you want top care for your pet you would be wise to choose Radford Hills.

Heather C.

Dr. Leavell is so wonderful. I can tell he loves animals and that’s great because I put my fur babies in his care! Dr. Leavell and his staff are amazing. Amos, Floyd and I thank you all for everything you do!!

Ashely S.

Dr. Leavell has been our families vet for years, this was my first visit. Not only was he patient and gentle with my dog but he answered all of my questions and more, gave me recommendations for my dog and his care and the prices were very good. The entire staff was wonderful and now I know why he's the family vet!

Sandie R.

Dr. Leavell and his staff are so caring and knowledgeable. Our fur babies are our babies, and we wouldn't trust them with anyone else.

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