Can dogs have amnesia? Unfortunately yes. Although until not long ago it was believed that they did not suffer from it since they were supposed to have no memory, the reality is that they do, only that it is different from ours.
And it is that, while we are remembering things and events that allow us to create our life experience and say "I have a past", the furry only remember what is really useful for their survival and happiness. But as they get older amnesia in dogs can make an appearance at any time.
What is amnesia?
Amnesia (Greek for "forgetfulness") is the partial or complete loss of memory, either permanently or temporarily. It is caused by organic damage (brain diseases, trauma), and also by the natural aging of those who suffer from it.
The wear of the organs over time becomes more and more evident: the first gray hair appears, we lose interest in things that we used to love, we become more sedentary, we lose our appetite, ... well, we experience a series of changes that prepare us (or not 🙂, but in any case warn us that it is close) for the elderly.
What are the symptoms in dogs?
Our dog can show symptoms from the age of eight or so, which is when his body can begin to age. The most common are:
- Behavior changes
- Disorientation
- Loss of vision, hearing, and smell
- Loss of interest in gambling and other things that used to be satisfying
- Desire to be calm
- Moves slower
- He is no longer as affectionate as before
Although some are sad and may even be worrisome, we never have to punish him. That is, if at any given moment we see that he gets a little violent, we have to ask ourselves why, since most likely we have overlooked the signs of calm What he has been doing to us telling us that he wants to be calm (for more information on this subject I recommend reading the book »The signs of calm» by Turig Rugaas).
How to take care of them?
Apart from what we have already said, you have to be very patient and, above all, be calm. Just because a dog suffers from amnesia does not mean that it does not deserve to continue receiving the care it deserves; but, in fact, now more than ever is when he needs his human the most. You should not leave him alone, even if he spends a lot of time sleeping.
Daily walks must continue; all you have to do is slow down, allowing you to explore and enjoy being outdoors as much as before. To make it even better, we recommend bringing treats for dogs that we will give you regularly throughout the journey.
Yes, it is important to avoid drastic changes, such as a move for example, since they will be very difficult to assimilate. In the event that we go on a trip and we have no one to leave it with, we should not modify its routine to prevent it from becoming disoriented.
Some choose to euthanize it, since the animal's cognitive impairment sometimes makes living together painful. But this must be the last option. If it is treated with affection, it is played with and it continues to be taken for a walk normally, the dog will lead a normal life; at a slower pace, yes, but you will be happy, and that's what counts.
So if you suspect that your dog has amnesia, don't hesitate to take him to the vet so he can tell you what medications he can take to feel good 🙂.