If your dog is getting up there in years, it's time to start worrying about dementia. You might not realize this, but dogs can suffer from dementia, too, and you may not recognize it as easily as you would in a human. That's why it's important that you know what you're looking for. Here are four signs that your dog may be in the beginning stages of dementia.
Your Dog Gets Lost Inside the House
If your dog has started acting confused when it roams through the house, you may be seeing the onset of dementia. As dementia takes hold of your dog, you'll notice that it gets lost in places that were once familiar to it. For instance, your dog may get lost going from one room the next, or it might get stuck behind a door and not know how to get out. If you notice these behaviors, it's time to talk to the veterinarian.
Your Dog No Longer Knows Its Name
Your dog has known its name for years, and it's always answered to it. Now you've noticed that it no longer responds when you call its name. If your dog is suffering from dementia, it's not responding because it no longer remembers its name. To make sure your dog hasn't simply grown tired of responding, have someone else try calling your dog. If your dog still doesn't respond, you need to seek medical care for your beloved pet.
Your Dog is No Longer Happy to See You
If your dog used to jump up and down with excitement when you got home, but now it barely responds, it may not recognize you anymore. Dementia can affect your dogs ability to remember people and things that were once important to it. Unfortunately, once your dog begins to suffer from memory problems, the disease will progress at a more rapid pace. Be sure to enjoy the moments you have with your dog, and be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
Your Dog has Problems Responding to Verbal Commands
Your dog used to respond to commands immediately, but now it seems to be confused by what you're saying. The problem may be that it no longer understands what you're asking it to do. Dementia causes cognitive dysfunction, which means that your dog will lose the ability to process verbal commands. Once your dog reaches this stage in the progression of dementia, you'll need the help of your veterinarian.
For more information, contact professionals like Norwin Veterinary Hospital.
Although it might not seem like it, your pet might be having a bad day too, which is why you should always respond to animals with the most sincere kindness. I started thinking more and more about my pet's experience a few months ago, and it was really neat to see just how much of a difference those simple actions made for me. Within weeks, my animal seemed happier and more well-adjusted, and it was fun to see the change. Check out this website for loads of information on improving your animal's life today, so that you can enjoy a great life with your pet.