Cognitive dysfunction in dogs is a common condition that can affect your dog’s ability to perform basic tasks such as walking, eating, and drinking.
Dogs with cognitive dysfunction often exhibit signs of anxiety and confusion. They may become aggressive or withdrawn, and they may respond unpredictably to stimuli like loud noises or sudden movements.
Cognitive dysfunction in dogs can be caused by many factors, including age-related degenerative brain disease (such as Alzheimer’s disease), environmental toxins, genetics, and head trauma.
The main symptom of canine cognitive dysfunction is a change in your pet’s behavior that makes it difficult for him or her to live independently. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of dementia in humans — but they tend to appear earlier in dogs than they do in humans.
Causes of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
The exact cause of canine cognitive dysfunction is not known. However, it is known that there are many risk factors that can contribute to the condition. These include:
Age – Dogs who are over 7 years old have a higher chance of developing cognitive dysfunction than younger dogs.
Breed – Certain breeds of dogs may be more likely to develop the condition than others. These include: German shepherds and related breeds
- Doberman pinschers and related breeds
- Border collies and related breeds
- Golden retrievers and related breeds
Labrador retrievers