More than one in four cat and dog owners do not know their pet can develop age-related dementia. The study of 2,000 pet owners found many are unaware of early indicators such as confusion, anxiety, restlessness, and a decreased desire to play. And half would not be confident identifying symptoms in their pet. Almost two thirds would put any significant behavioural changes in their pet down to them getting old. Of those who currently or previously had an elderly cat or dog, a loss of appetite and decreased desire to play were the most common changes they had witnessed in their ageing pets. Although many have previously put changes in sleep cycle down to getting old – rather than considering the onset of dementia.

Keywords - Pet