Page 3 - Diet And Dementia Casein Antioxidants DHEA

One out of two dogs over the age of 7 will show some signs of cognitive dysfunction. This is tragic, and
often leads to euthanasia because the owner doesn’t think there is anything they can do. Only 12% bring
these changes to the attention of the vet. Cognition signs that pet parents should be concerned about
in their aging dogs and cats are described using the acronym DISHA.

DISHA signs in dogs

Disorientation: the senior dog may get disoriented, even when he’s in his normal or familiar
environment. He may go to the wrong door or the wrong side of the door to get back in, or wander
behind the couch and then realize he doesn’t know where he is or how to get out.

Social Interaction: the dog may act cranky and irritable, and may not react normally in interactions with
both people and other pets. He may lash out and bite his once favorite playmates. Some dogs withdraw
from their family and their favorite activities. The dog may not even respond when the [pet parent gets
his leash out for a walk.

Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes: change in sleep patterns. Dogs that used to sleep soundly may now pace all
night. Many dogs reverse their normal schedules, so their daytime activities become their nighttime
activities. This “up all night” routine can be frustrating and tiring to pet owners.

House Soiling --Urinating or defecating in the house is one of the most common ways cognitive
dysfunction is detected in dogs, especially if the dog was previously housetrained.

Activity Level - Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may show a decreased desire to explore and a decreased
response to things, people, and sounds in their environments. They may not greet you or they may no
longer respond on cue to fetch their favorite toy. They may also be less focused and show an altered
response to stimuli. Some dogs have trouble eating or drinking or finding their food bowls. Pet parents
should also be aware if their typically quiet dog now barks excessively or if he barks at times when
nothing is going on.

DISHA signs in cats

Disorientation: The cat may appear confused and unable to navigate around familiar settings. This might
include wandering behavior, a general loss of spatial awareness, difficulty locating their food/water
bowls and litter box, and meowing/crying.

Social Interaction Changes: The cat may lose interest in being petted, greeting the pet parent at the
door, sitting on the pet parent’s lap, or any other social interactions that were once common.

Sleep Cycle Changes: The cat’s sleep cycle may be affected. This could mean restlessness at night and
more sleeping during the day.

House Soiling: The cat may urinate or defecate outside of their litter box or exhibit incontinence.

Activity Changes: The cat may become uninterested in normal activities such as eating, grooming, and
exploring around the house. They might also develop restlessness, irritability, and anxiety.