The behavioural effect of short-term cognitive and physical intervention therapies in old dogs

We examined the impact of three-month-long intervention therapies (cognitive, physical, combined) on the cognitive performance and behaviour of old, healthy dogs (N  = 72; aged 7.68–14.54 years) using a 12-subtest behavioural test battery. We did not find the combined intervention group outperforming either the cognitive-only or physical-only therapy groups. Physical interventions, either alone or in combination, improved dogs' behavioural flexibility an d social behaviour. Cognitive interventions, either alone or in combination, increased neophilia. Furthermore, all intervention therapies made dogs more engaged with their environment. Moreover, less old, around eight years old dogs, exhibited improved social behaviour, problem solving ability, and increased neophilia by their second test occasion. Additionally, dogs' performance was influenced by their health, training, daily play with the owner, and activity/excitability traits. In sum, both cognitive and physical intervention therapies can have an impact on the behaviour of old, healthy pet dogs. However, these therapies may be more effective when longer or applied at a younger age, as the healthy older dogs were less likely to show improvement.
Source: AGE - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research