Though many dog owners may not be aware of it, our canine friends can develop dementia too.
Dementia in dogs — also known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome — often follows a similar pattern of development as it does in humans, says Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behaviorist and senior veterinary scientific director with the research organization CanCog.
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“Dogs have neurodegenerative disease disorders that they develop with age,” he says. “It can be progressive … but as in the human condition, it doesn't always progress to a more severe dementia.”
While symptoms depend on the individual dog, there are some common signs pet owners should watch out for. Landsberg uses the acronym DISHA, which stands for disorientation, interactions, sleep, house soiling and activity changes.
In other words, dogs may become trapped in rooms they are otherwise familiar with; become ...
