It’s not too surprising that our four legged friends suffer the same old age problems we do – aches and pains, fading sight and hearing, and sadly also the decline of mental acuity. Sometimes the symptoms are relatively subtle – becoming quieter, withdrawn, mild confusion and disorientation. However, more significant symptoms can occur, such as toileting indoors or outside litter trays, meowing or barking for no reason, anxiety or fearfulness at things that never used to bother them, and restlessness at night. This is sometimes referred to as ‘Sundowner Syndrome’, where a dog might bark incessantly at night and seem unable to settle, but conversely sleeps throughout the day!

Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
One positive is that it is extremely rare for these behavioural changes to progress to the severe forms of dementia that humans suffer from. While dogs and cats can certainly exhibit some marked changes in old age, they are very unlikely to become severely debilitated by senility. In dogs and cats, dementia is referred to as ‘Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome’.

Pet owners often quietly accept the declining interaction and strange behaviour as ‘just part of getting old’, but there are treatments and medications that can improve dementia symptoms. Typtophan supplements have become popular in recent years, as they increase natural serotonin levels – a neuro-chemical produced in our brains, associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. This has helped with anxiety and fearfulness, and is a gentle non-medicative option. Likewise, melatonin supplements have been used with dogs suffering from Sundowner Syndrome, as the hormone can help encourage normal sleeping patterns.

A good diet and exercise can help
Various medications are licensed for use in dogs with senility. Propentofyllin (VivitoninTM) increases the oxygenation of neurological and cardiac tissue, and has been shown to help with mental function and general demeanour. Selegeline (SelgianTM) – used in humans primarily to treat depression and Parkinsons – can have a dramatic effect on some of the more severe symptoms of senility in dogs. While these drugs aren’t licensed for cats, there are options available.

As a pet owner you can do other things to help as well – feed a good quality diet rich in omega fatty acids and anti-oxidants, and keep taking dogs out for gentle daily exercise. Ensure any other health problems, such as arthritis or dental disease, are being treated adequately – pain associated with these issues can contribute to anxiety and depression. Keep the home environment as comfortable and stable as possible – moving furniture or pet beds can add to confusion and anxiety, as senile pets are less likely to cope well with change. Make sure you talk to your vet if you have any worries about an older pet.