Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes behavioral and cognitive changes in older dogs. Hence, it is given the name of “Alzheimer’s in dogs”, since the symptoms are very similar to those of this disease: forgetfulness, disorientation, changes in behavior, sleep cycle disorder …
Its main consequence is the decrease in the cognitive capacity of the dog, which in turn has a series of effects that are noticed in the day-to-day life of the animal and in its relationship with us and with other dogs and animals. They may even forget customs that they already have very integrated, such as relieving themselves outside the home or giving the leg, or key places in the house, such as their bed or the place where their food is.
The causes of the appearance of this syndrome can be several, although the decrease in blood flow due to age is usually the most common, as well as oxidative damage, which causes the death of neurons. As each dog is different, the symptoms in each of them will be different, but there are some that we can qualify as common to the syndrome.
It is difficult to detect it early since many times we tend to simply think that our dog is getting old and that is why he has those “manias” and sudden forgetfulness. Therefore, our work of observation is key since if we see something that is out of the ordinary and we notice several of the symptoms described, we can act and take it to the veterinarian to do the relevant tests.
In general, they tend to start out wanting to be alone more time than normal and interacting much less with others, although the reverse can also be the case: that they do not want to be separated from the family because they feel lost and disoriented. Sometimes there is also, in this first phase, a forgetfulness of their usual customs, just like a person with Alzheimer’s.
In the following gallery we will tell you some of the clearest symptoms and what we should do. First of all, we anticipate you: a lot of love and patience.
