If you have an elderly dog at home, it is important not to let him give in to old age and continue to stimulate the animal, both physically and mentally. Canine Alzheimer's, or canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, is a disease that can affect older dogs and presents itself in a very similar way to humans, as the animal becomes more difficult to learn, remember and remember.As much as it is a delicate disease, it is important to know how to take care of your dog at this time, with a lot of patience and support. Some physical activities, for example, can be a good way to prevent the progression of the disease. So we tell you exactly what to do if your dog has Alzheimer's and you don't know how to take care of him at this time.

Alzheimer's in dogs: understand how the disease manifests itself

Canine Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease that significantly affects the dog's cognitive abilities, causing the animal to have greater difficulty learning and also leading to the forgetting of commands already learned. It is not known exactly what is the reason behind the disease, but usually Alzheimer's ends up developing when the dog reaches old age, there ...Another risk factor for the disease is canine epilepsy. Many researchers around the world study the action of degenerative disease in humans and animals. Some studies even analyze the hypothesis that females, neutered animals and small dogs would be more susceptible to developing the disease, but nothing has been confirmed so far.

Canine Alzheimer's needs recurrent mental stimulation

Caring for a dog with Alzheimer's is not one of the most difficult tasks in the world. What the guardian needs to keep in mind is that his four-legged friend, even though he is older, needs to be constantly stimulated, both physically and mentally. Some activities are super indicated, such as investing in interactive dog toys. Whether it's a simple door to lift or an objectwhich must be turned over or disassembled to make the treat fall: the important thing is to challenge your pet to figure out what he needs to do to achieve a goal.

In addition, social interactions - whether with humans or other animals - are essential. It is even possible to try to teach your friend some tricks, even at this complicated time. Although dogs with Alzheimer's have greater difficulty, insisting on learning commands is a good way to prevent the progression of the disease.

Dog health: Alzheimer's does not prevent physical exercise

Many people are afraid to take an elderly dog for a walk, and even if they are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, this routine outside the home should be maintained. The walks should be shorter, of course, so as not to tire or overload your four-legged friend, but it is still a physical stimulus that will only bring benefits. What's more, other simpler games, such as throwing the ballfor him to fetch, is also very effective in keeping the dog minimally active at this time.

Alzheimer's in dogs: symptoms go beyond learning and memory loss

Have you noticed that your dog's sleep schedule is all out of whack, sleeping all day and getting very restless at night? It's important to be aware. Although dogs' sleep is different from ours, since they actually need more hours of sleep than humans, this drastic change in your friend's routine may be indicative of Alzheimer's in dogs. Other signs that may benoticeable are when the dog goes back to the wrong place and/or decreases the amount of interaction with his family, becoming more reclusive and distant. Disorientation in places he already knows, as if he were lost, is also an indication of the disease.