University of Adelaide PhD student Tracey Taylor is investigating if special training exercises can help older dogs who are starting to show signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD).
Keeping the mind active as we age is often recommended to ward off or improve symptoms of dementia in people, but can the same advice also be put into practice for pet dogs as they enter their twilight years?
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are investigating if special training exercises such as scent tasks or obstacle courses can help “paws” time for older pooches who are starting to show signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), also known as doggy dementia.
“Previous studies have shown that non-medicated interventions have improved symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s in humans, and it’s hoped our study will replicate those findings in dogs and help them to fight the signs of cognitive decline,” said University of Adelaide PhD student Tracey Taylor from the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, who runs the training sessions.
While more dogs are enjoying longer lives thanks to advances in veterinary medicines, doggy dementia is also becoming more common. Researchers believe the disease is underreported by pet owners because many of the signs are often dismissed as ‘old age’.
“Some studies suggest up to 60 per cent of senior dogs, mostly over the age of 11, are affected by doggy dementia. Often owners think their dog is just slowing down but symptoms such as getting lost at home, changing interactions towards other dogs or humans and vacant staring can all be signs of CCD,” said Ms Taylor.
“Having cared for a dog with dementia, I know firsthand how hard it can be to see your pet go through this illness. While there is no cure, teaching dogs different behaviours and activities could be a rewarding way to help improve their quality of life in their later years.”
“Previous studies have shown that non-medicated interventions have improved symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s in humans, and it’s hoped our study will replicate those findings in dogs and help them to fight the signs of cognitive decline.”Tracey Taylor, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Adelaide.
As part of the study, participants will attend free training sessions held once a week, over five weeks. During the session, dogs will undergo brain training activities such as scent tasks, balance and obstacle navigation. All of the activities are designed to be low or no impact in line with the needs of the elderly pets, with a focus on positive reinforcement methods to encourage the dogs as they carry out the different tasks. The dogs involved in the trial are also required to wear an activity tracker to monitor movement.
“There are only a few medications that vets can prescribe to mitigate signs of dementia in dogs and new treatments are urgently needed,” said Associate Professor Susan Hazel from the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, who is the principal investigator for this study.
“If this intervention works, it could be an easy, effective and accessible way to give our furry friends quality of life during their senior years until new medications become available.”
The researchers are looking for more dogs who are over the age of eight to participate in the trial, which is expected to continue until the end of the year.
