UC Davis conducts study on aging dogs

DAVIS, CALIF. - 4/25/05 - In an effort to improve the relationship between owners and their older dogs, the University of California-Davis will conduct a study to monitor aspects of animals' lives that can improve cognitive impairment.

The researchers are investigating whether nutritional supplements work to improve the level of alertness senior pets experience.

Aging dogs suffer from degenerative disturbances in the body that interfere with memory and ability to perform simple tasks such as relieve themselves outside or remember the location of the food bowl.

Dr. Melissa Bain, a veterinary behaviorist at the university, says aging pet behavior can have a negative impact on the human-animal bond.

The dogs might pace at night and forget behaviors it was taught long ago, Bain says.

The researchers are looking at whether antioxidants slow the progression of dementia in dogs.

Results are expected to be released about a year after the research begins.