Is It Canine Cognitive Dysfunction/ Dog Dementia?

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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.

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Your big old mutt has been with you for years.

He’s been a loyal companion through new places, new children, new pastimes, and new adventures.

He is still with you, but something’s not quite the same.

We’re accustomed to hearing about aging people, but your pet is aging too and might be experiencing cognitive decline. 

This is the ultimate new adventure as you strive to keep the best quality of life for your friend.

Experts say that a large dog seems to age faster than smaller breeds. Sadly, he may have a shorter life span. 

As your dog ages, you may see some canine cognitive dysfunction, also known as dog dementia, along with physical decline. This dysfunction can affect the personality you have loved for all these years.

What is canine cognitive dysfunction?

Canine cognitive dysfunction is much like dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. It is the result of aging and can be different in every dog. Genetics do play a role in how aging affects your pet and if or when he gets dog dementia.

Symptoms are the result of pathological changes in the brain. Mental functioning becomes slower causing loss of memory. 

These losses can include loss of motor function and of learned behaviors from training early in life, like being housebroken, or following commands. 

Your pet may not recognize where he is, or people and other animals he has interacted with in the past. 

At night, when he has been a good sleeper in the past, he may become restless and vocal. 

He may become clumsy and run into things. 

Your dog may forget to ask to go outside to relieve himself and have accidents in the house.

He may no longer respond to usual commands.

Your dog is a family member and seeing these changes can be sad. 

You will probably want to ask if there are ways to help your pet as you go through this together. 

Be sure to work hand in hand with your vet to make this aging time easier. Your dog is still your family and friend. If there are medications that will help, or a change of diet is needed, your vet is your ally to manage your dog with dementia.

What symptoms should you watch for in your aging dog?

You may have noticed changes in your pet in recent months and become concerned. Symptoms of dementia in dogs can be similar to those in people. Generally, you will see these changes in your pet:

•  He may be less responsive to favorite toys or to commands.
• You may notice a lack of interest in outdoor activities like walks.
• A change in sleep-wake cycles may cause him to pace, or bark as the evening progresses. He may not want to be separated from you at night.
•  Your pet may exhibit disorientation even in familiar places. He may look around as if he is in an unknown place, or like he cannot find you.
•  Your dog that used to happily greet the mailman and the other dogs from the block might begin responding to other animals and people differently or aggressively.
• Because of poor memory or poor sensation he may have urinary and bowel mishaps in the house.
• Changes in weight and appetite are common in older dogs. They may want to eat incessantly, or not at all.

Although these are common symptoms of dementia in older dogs, do express your concerns to your vet. These symptoms can also be caused by underlying medical conditions like thyroid disorders or diabetes. Your vet will help rule out underlying medical issues. 

These may not be all the dog dementia signs, but are some of the most common.

You still love your pet just as you still love family members who show signs of dementia. You will do your best to ease this time in their life so you can continue to have that great relationship even as he ages.

Is there anything I can do for a senior dog with dementia?

The first thing to do if you notice any of the symptoms listed above is to visit your vet for a check-up. Not feeling well physically can affect your dog’s mood and behavior. Follow your vet’s recommendations to treat any health problems that they find. 

If your vet rules out medical problems with your dog, don’t fret, there are still a number of ways that you can help your dog.

Here are some things you will want to do for your senior dog. These are practical measures to make living with dementia in dogs easier.

• Provide new interests for your dog. Get a new toy, and interact with him more.
• When you go outdoors, offer new toys and special treats. Go with him even if he is only going out to rest in the sun or shade. Your presence is reassuring.
• Try to keep a familiar bedtime routine. Turn off the lights. Offer an article of clothing or bedding that smells like you. Use a crate for him if it makes him feel secure.
• Lessen disorientation by not making major rearrangements of furniture
• Be sure to be present when people or other animals visit to prevent aggression.
• Add more potty breaks to your routine to help with accidents inside. Provide potty pads if that does not work.
• Change up food, or add treats more often if he is losing weight. Use healthy foods that are calorie-dense. If your dog wants to eat constantly, provide challenges like treat loaded toys.

 Also, even though there is no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, your vet may be able to prescribe some medications to make some of the symptoms more manageable. 

In conclusion…

Even as your dog ages and is changing, enjoy every minute that you have. We all grow older. It’s important to maintain good health for your big dog, and also your own reassuring presence.

Familiar places, things, and routines ease the problems of dementia for dogs and people alike. Remember all the wonderful times you have spent with him and make this stage of his life satisfying as well.

Be aware of changes in your dog. Make sure they are not caused by medical condition but accept that your dog is growing older. You’ll learn a lot about yourself as you support your dog with dementia and keep him safe and comforted at home.

Have you noticed any changes in the way your dog behaves with age or has your dog been diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction/ dog dementia? Tell us about it in the comments.

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