Is Pet Dementia on the Rise?
We all know our pets seem to get a little forgetful as they get older. They think breakfast comes straight after dinner, and vice versa, with the mention of anything sounding like the W-word meaning a rush for the lead, or the bed depending on their given mood, especially in dogs.
Cats will start waking you up at around 2am for their midday meals and start to sit outside the cat-flap, as if trying to decipher a new door code. But isn't that just what happens to us all in our twilight years, or is pet dementia really on the rise?
Recent news has suggested that our pets are now leading such a sedentary life that we may actually be contributing to their early demise in cognitive function, along with our own.
Is the rise is cheaper processed food, more reality TV programmes than we can watch in a day and our own refusal to address our lifestyle issues a real cause for concern, not only for ourselves but also our pets? With many people now working longer hours to make ends meet, and a decline in enthusiasm for anything other than collapsing on the sofa at the end of a long day, is it any wonder that our mental health, and that of our pets, is going in to decline?
So is there a simple answer or solution?
To combat this vicious cycle, pet owners need to firstly look at their own lifestyles, and then incorporate a new regime in to their day that also benefits their pets. As we are primarily talking cats and dogs then for dog owners something as simple as a ten minute brisk walk before and after work can be enough to wake up your brain at the start of the day, and clear out the work clutter after you finish. And the benefits to your dog will work the same. Two ten minute walks will break up the day, and beat a trudge around late at night that no one really wants to take.
For cat owners, a ten minute play session on the floor, complete with things to chase and catch and run after will certainly entertain - even if it is only you acting out while the cat sits and watches in their own unique way.
Food hunts are also a good way to wake up a sedate mind. Take a small handful of your pets daily allowance, so as not to overfeed, and hide nibbles around the room while the pet waits outside, and then let them in to search. They will soon learn to use their nose and brain to sniff out and remember all the hiding places you find.
If you do discover your pet starting to act in an unusual and confused way then a trip to the vet is definitely in order, to rule out any other causes or issues your pet may be having. In the long term, when you get a new pet make sure you start how you mean to go on and get out and be as active as you can, benefiting both pet and owner.