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The cognition subsection encompasses all cognitive and/or neurological challenges faced by pet owners with disabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, memory-related challenges, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, depression, and so on.
Common cognitive challenges faced during pet care:
Common cognitive challenges faced during pet care:
Memory (e.g., recalling feeding times, recalling training commands, etc.)
Safety awareness
Sensory defensiveness and/ or inappropriate sensory seeking
Mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression
Executive function
Anxiety/ stigma surrounding inappropriate dog behavior
While there are not solutions provided on this website for every one of these challenges due to their complex nature, hopefully the below resources give you an idea of where to begin when targeting this area.
Interventions for cognitive challenges in pet care:
Interventions for cognitive challenges in pet care:
Memory Aids
Memory Aids
Amazon (Yauyik), 2023
Feeding calendar
Feeding calendar
Amazon (Petory), 2021
Automatic pet feeder
Automatic pet feeder
*Consider pairing with repeating phone reminders to remind owner to re-fill when empty
Amazon (Amazon Basics), 2017
Gravity water dispenser
Gravity water dispenser
*Consider pairing with repeating phone reminders to remind owner to re-fill when empty
Apple / Canine Scholars, n.d.
This app provides push notifications to remind owners when their dog needs to be taken out, fed, and so on.
Pupford, 2023
Visual aids
Visual aids
Beneficial for recalling training commands, common dog toxins, and so on.
Owner's Safety Awareness
Owner's Safety Awareness
Amazon (KPCM), 2016
If safety is a concern, please contact a professional.
If safety is a concern, please contact a professional.
Here are some practical tips taken from information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control:
Always keep your dog on a leash, indoors, or in a fenced area.
Spay or neuter your dog. This often reduces aggressive tendencies and a dog’s desire to roam.
Don’t startle your dog by approaching it from behind or waking it up.
Don’t run away from a dog, even during play.
Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g., wrestling). Don’t encourage your dog to be unacceptably aggressive.
Properly socialize and train any dog entering your household. Teach the dog submissive behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the abdomen and giving up food without growling).
Introduce your dog to different people and situations so it won’t be nervous or frightened in social settings.
Train your dog. This will enable your family to learn to teach the dog manners and be able to safely control it. Attending a class along with other dogs and people will help socialize your dog.
Before you bring a dog into your household consult with a professional to learn what breeds of dogs are the best suited to your household.
Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.
Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or responsible breeders if the dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors.
Never leave infants or young children alone with a dog.
Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog into your household.
If your dog is feeling ill or has an injury, it may be more prone to biting. If a dog isn't feeling well or is in pain, it may not want to be approached or even touched by its favorite people.
Never mistreat your pet. Physically abusing your dog will make them more prone to lash out at you and others.
Alex & Associates P.C., 2020
Sensory Seeking
Sensory Seeking
Individuals with the tendency to seek sensory input may not have the awareness regarding what is/ is not appropriate. If the individual begins physically or psychologically harming the dog, it is integral to separate the dog from the individual and seek professional help.
Julia Drahzal, 2024
If appropriate to the situation, a sensory vest can be applied to the pet to assist in educating the individual about what is/ is not appropriate play.
Please note that not all dogs will tolerate wearing articles of clothing or having the vest be manipulated, and this advice should be applied only if the user knows the dog's temperament well.
Sensory Avoidance
Sensory Avoidance
Individuals with the tendency to avoid sensory input may have a difficult time tolerating the presence of a pet in their home. The below ideas can assist with graded exposure to the sensory trigger, or act as a band-aid for short periods of dysregulation. Ideally, a dog would be trained to re-direct their attention away from the individual. The below are ideas for when this is not possible.
Amazon (Miaododo), 2023
Dog pajamas/ socks
Dog pajamas/ socks
Note that many dogs will not tolerate clothing, and that clothing should not be a long-term solution.
Amazon (Petphindu), 2021
Drool bib
Drool bib
A standard bandana is another option that works the same way.
Washpaw, 2023
Regular brushing
Regular brushing
Regular brushing and de-shedding will reduce the amount of hair that falls off the dog.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders
Mood disorders can affect a person's ability to provide regular care to their pets. If a pet is experiencing neglect due to an owner's disordered behavior, please seek out professional help and consider re-homing until status has improved.
Diamond Pet Foods, n.d.
Multiple food/ water access points
Multiple food/ water access points
This, paired with an automatic pet feeder, eliminates the need for the owner to travel a far distance in their homes to feed their pet.
Puppy Academy, 2023
Use of indoor potty pads/ turf
Use of indoor potty pads/ turf
If an owner experiences occasional difficulty taking their dog out, this can be used intermittently to ensure the dog has the ability to toilet regularly.
Paw Purrfect, 2023
Dog walking service
Dog walking service
This eliminates the need for an owner to exercise their pet themselves if they are experiencing a difficult period.
Amazon (Multipet), 2024
Leash flags/ vests
Leash flags/ vests
Beneficial for those with anxiety or PTSD who prefer less interaction in community settings.
Julia Drahzal
Disclaimer: The suggestions on this website are not medical advice, and should only be implemented under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.
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