Reducing cognitive decline

[Caro]

We all know keeping your mind occupied can delay dementia and other cognitive decline in humans, it seems the same works for dogs.

Research by the Family dog project in Hungary found

Participating in dog training activities was revealed to be protective against behavioural signs of cognitive decline in aged dogs as perceived by the owners.
Szabo et al, Owner reported sensory impairments affect behavioural signs associated with cognitive decline in dogs
​

Deska's got clear signs of cognitive decline (barking, skittish, wandering) so I'm going to try introducing regular training sessions into his day to focus his brain again. Will be interesting to see if that helps. Heck I could do with the brain training too.

 

[Hanne]

Caro - sounds very likely
- working dog breeds who had to use their brains to take care of their jobs - did not die of cognitive decline,
but because their body was exhausted

 

[ghggp]

Good for you! I understand exactly what you are talking about as Jasmine went through that as well. Her hearing and sight was going too. Made it that much more difficult.

Keep us updated on your progress! We know their sniffer still works so possibly scent tracking?

 

[Chris]

Annie Laurie became what we called "doddery" in her last year. She had Sundown Syndrome (decline in the evening), but only in her last week did she truly succumb to old age anxiety. We were so blessed to have her until fifteen and a half!

 

[sable]

Lil' Lady had everything going on, her heart, stroke, bladder busted big time, couldn't eat, and a hard time
breathing. Plus the fact she didn't have a clue where she was going, walking into walls.
She was going down hill the past months and the last two days were horrible. I miss my little
girl. Yes we were blessed to have our girl and such an honor to have her in our lives.
All best wishes for Deska, hoping for success. Update when you can.