Cognitive Behavior Problems

Keywords:
Unexplained, behavior, senior, appetite, changes, diet, teeth liver, kidney, osteoarthritis, cognitive, exam, Alzheimer's, tests, medication, aging

Cognitive Changes

Cognitive Behavior Problems

It may seem like it was just yesterday that your pet was a puppy or kitten, chewing up the furniture, learning to walk on a leash and climbing up your leg with those sharp little claws. They grow up too fast, and now you realize, those "highlights" in its fur are actually gray hairs.

One of the most distressing events that parents of senior pets witness is unexplained alterations in the behavior of their furry family members. Your previously well house--trained dog starts to have accidents. Your cat, who used to perch on your computer keyboard every time you sat down to work, now is content to lie in its bed. Is this just old age or could it be something more serious?

An occasional lack of appetite is not unusual, but if it persists for more than a day or two, it could be significant. Causes for a decrease in appetite range from a sudden change of diet, diseased teeth, liver or kidney disorders, or even early signs of cognitive dysfunction, a pet's version of Alzheimer's.

One in five adult dogs suffers from osteoarthritis. Less than half of these pets are treated. Too often pet owners don't realize that difficulty rising, resistance to going on a walk or just being standoffish could be signs of arthritis. Or, they may not be aware that there are medications that are safe and effective, even for long term use, for the control of the discomfort of this progressive disease.

One of the primary reasons why veterinarians recommend that pets have a wellness consultation twice yearly, even when they seem perfectly healthy to you, is to establish baselines for organ function. Ever notice your pet drinking increased amounts of water, urinating more frequently or having difficulties with elimination? These can all be hallmarks of weakening internal organs. Routine blood and urine tests can help to detect these abnormalities. If they are discovered early, treatment is typically more cost effective and usually has a better outcome.

Advances in veterinary medicine are allowing our pets to live longer and healthier lives. With increasing age, also comes the chance that they will experience many of the same geriatric physical and mental changes that we see in our aging human population. Medications are now available to help reverse many of these symptoms.

  Go back

Daily Pet News


Take caution when choosing a weight loss food for your fat cat
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again… An animal that is not overweight will live 30% longer than an overweight animal. So if you have a fat cat, do it a favor and put it on a diet. But before you do, know that 50% of weight control cat foods cannot do what they claim to do. The report from the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that the best way to help your pet is to design a weight loss program with the help of your veterinarian.

Does the thunder roll your dog into a cold dark corner?
If your dog is like mine, then he crawls under the covers or into a cold dark space when the thunder rolls. Experts say the best way to battle these fears is with love and treats. The fear of loud booming noises usually develops as a puppy and can worsen with age. However, positive reinforcement such as petting your dog or offering a treat can help to rewire the circuit. That is, they will now associate the thunder with pleasant events, rather than fear of injury. Between storms, playing loud sounds and using positive reinforcement, can help to desensitize your pet to the real thing. If things do not improve, you can ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety drugs.

Some foods that are toxic to dogs
Some foods that are considered healthy or harmless to humans can be toxic to dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping these items away from your dogs… Alcohol, caffeine, garlic, onions, avocado, and chewing gum. It is also advisable to limit intake of salt and sugar.

Babies can read facial expressions in dogs
A study at Brigham Young University has concluded that human babies as young as six months can tell the difference between an angry growl and a friendly bark. The study included showing two different pictures of the same dog to the infants, all of which lived with dogs. One picture was an angry looking dog with a scowl. The other was a playful looking dog with a nice smile. When playing a recording of a growling dog, the subjects tended to stare at the picture of the angry dog. When playing audio of a playful bark, the infants then focused on the happy looking dog. A BYU professor said that emotion is one of the first things babies can pick up on in their social world. Pets, in turn, are also very aware of emotions of their surroundings.

Rabies enters Colorado neighborhoods
Rabies cases in Colorado are increasing and moving from rural to urban areas. Rabies is a deadly disease and is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. It is most common amongst raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. The number of cases has nearly doubled compared to last year. Rabies is a major concern to all species including humans, especially if it spreads to domestic animals. Keeping your pets up to date on rabies vaccinations provides the best protection against the deadly virus.

Foxtail can pose a serious threat to your dog.
Cheatgrass or foxtail weeds can pose a danger to your dog. As they dry out, the weeds become sharp, like arrowheads, and can penetrate deep into a dog’s skin. If they are stuck, they can form serious infections. Either way, they cause severe pain. Foxtail weeds have been known to penetrate into blood vessels and even into the spinal cord when a dog rolls in them. Most commonly, the weeds are stepped on and thus penetrate deep into the pads of the feet. It is a good idea to always check your dog for foreign bodies after every walk or adventure into potentially dangerous areas.

Pets need blood transfusions too
Like humans, certain medical conditions in our pets may require blood transfusions. A healthy pet can safely donate several times per year to a local blood bank. In some programs such as the one offered at LSU, a pet who donates enough blood can qualify to receive blood for free, if needed. If you are interested in having your pet donate blood, check with your veterinarian for a location near you.

Further research is necessary to find out why cats are dying
Feline infectious peritonitis is one of the most devastating and least understood infectious diseases that affect cats. The disease is caused by a virus in the coronavirus family. However, while some cats develop the fatal disease, it is unknown why others don’t. There is no cure and treatment for the disease only helps to make the animal more comfortable. The virus is transmitted through fecal contact and can actually be inhaled. There is a vaccination for the virus, but it is often given to a kitten after they have already been exposed. Research is being done to help protect our pets from this terrible disease.

Yogi Bear may have rabies?
Yellowstone County remains under a rabies quarantine. The quarantine means that dogs, cats, and other pets must be vaccinated against rabies at least two weeks before being moved outside the county. Yellowstone has been under eight quarantines in the past two and half years. Montana’s state veterinarian says that this is the time of year that pet owners need to be vigilant and take extra precautions.

Tips on getting Marmaduke off your favorite couch
Does your dog like to relax on your favorite couch when you are not home? Here are a few tips. Number one, make sure you train your dog when you are home. He needs to understand that this is not acceptable. Always be consistent. Number two, while you are training, don’t allow your pet access to your furniture if you are not there to stop the behavior immediately. Number three, if you have trouble, there are products that can be sprayed on your furniture that are safe to both your pet and your furniture. These sprays produce an odor that repels your pet. Other products will vibrate or produce a loud noise if your pet comes in contact with the furniture. Always check with your veterinarian before using any products around your pets.