Dementia in dogs and cats can be the owners fault

Slow and disoriented walking, memory loss - even for basic needs such as eating - and changes in habits. These are some perceived symptoms of dementia in dogs and pet cats, and unfortunately the number of cases of this disease seems to be increasing.

A study from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, suggests that half of cats over 15 and one-third of those aged 11 to 14 suffer from dementia. Among dogs, the effects can be perceived even earlier: one-third of dogs older than 8 years already have signs of the disease.

Causes of Dementia

This can all be the fault of the owners. According to Professor Holger Volk of Royal Veterinary College London, low physical activity and cheap, low-quality feed may be responsible for the high number of cases.

According to the veterinarian, obesity and lack of exercise cause health problems in animals, just as in people. Thus, the measures to try to prevent the disease are simple: ensure a balanced diet combined with physical activity.

However, carelessness is not always solely responsible. The increase in life expectancy of these animals is also a factor to consider, according to experts in the field. Today, it's not uncommon for dogs and cats to easily cross the 15-year-old barrier, which was not so common for some time. As the odds of dementia increase with age, their brains may not yet be evolved enough to survive so long.