Of course, a significant loss of mental acuity is anything but normal.
But Dr. Stelow tells Lifehacker that sometimes, the signs arent always clear.
Cognitive dysfunction in cats looks a little different; namely, the list of symptoms is much shorter.
Dont be too quick to write off weird behavior as just old age.
Those could be their only symptoms, but the idea is to check that you dont miss other ones.
Learning new skills keeps your pets brain occupied and is engaging for both of you.
You dont think about teaching cats to sit, but its a behavior that they engage in.
High fives, handshakes, and coming when called are allgreat starter tricks for a cat.
Even lower-key dog sports require enormous mental effort, which is exactly what you want.
They cant get that connection from anyone else: Youre their best buddy.
MCTs, which are usually extracted from coconut oil, have been used inbrain health dietsfor years.
The same is true for dogs, at least in theory.
Theres limitedresearch to suggest that dog food enriched with MCTs helps CDS symptoms.
Dr. Stelow recommends Purina Bright Mind because its available over-the-counter and is moderately rich in MCTs.
(Higher levels are geared towards epilepsy treatment and may be overkill for CDS.)
Supplements may help your pet, too, particularly those with antioxidants.
Dr. Stelow says that Denamarin and Senalife are most commonly used for brain support.
They wont turn back the clock, but they fall firmly in the cant hurt, might help category.
But if youre starting to see clinical signs, you kick them into high gear.
Its the only way to tell whats normal and what isnt.
Dr. Stelow put it best: Old age is not a disease, she says.
If youre seeing clinical signs of a disease, dont call it old age.
