26. Set Up Your Pet's Home for Success with Dementia

Did you know there’s a way to set up your home that can support your aging pet’s brain? Today, Dr. Amanda talks about how the right home setup can help improve quality of life for senior dogs and cats dealing with dementia, or cognitive decline. She discusses: Ways to adapt the home and daily routine to support senior dogs and cats with cognitive decline How nightlights and a smaller, safer sleeping area can help Enrichment activities that provide mental stimulation, including puzzle feeders, treat searches, scent games, toy rotation, and more Options for pets with limited mobility, such as stroller walks and physical therapy Balancing enrichment with routine and predictability Why it helps to keep furniture, food and water bowls, and litter boxes in familiar places Practical home modifications to improve safety and comfort Why routine blood pressure checks matter for senior cats Listen in to learn how to set up your home to support your pet and their brain health. LINKS How do I know if my pet has dementia? Listen in here! Or missed the episode on pheromones? Catch it here! Sign up for Dr. Steffen’s email list and grab the freebies here: http://www.seniorpetconnection.com/freebies Follow Senior Pet Talk and find Dr. Amanda on Instagram at @‌dramandasteffen. Website: http://seniorpetconnection.com Book your personalized virtual consultation: https://bit.ly/SPTConsult TRANSCRIPT TIME STAMPS 00:00 - Introduction to home setup for aging pets 01:48 - Floyd's story and lessons learned 04:03 - Practical modifications: nightlights and space reduction 06:12 - Signs of dementia in pets 08:08 - Behavioral enrichment and senior dog classes 09:47 - Enrichment activities: puzzle toys, scent games, and more 12:09 - Home safety: lighting, gates, and environment consistency 14:09 - Activities for cats: puzzle feeders, bird watching, and more 16:05 - Physical therapy and routine for cognitive health 17:58 - The importance of routine and predictability 21:52 - Blood pressure in senior cats Disclaimer: Senior Pet Talk is not a substitute for professional veterinary care or the clinical judgment of a licensed veterinarian. This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or make medical decisions for your pet. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's specific health needs.