Is Your Dog Forgetting Things? How To Spot Canine Dementia Early

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Is your dog staring at the wall? Forgetting commands they’ve known for years? These could be early signs of canine dementia—a condition that affects nearly 1 in 4 senior pups.

Here’s how to spot the warning signs and what you can do to help them stay sharp.

Dog Dementia 101: What It Really Means

Yes, dogs can develop dementia. Veterinarians call it canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), and it often begins showing up in dogs as they reach their senior years. While symptoms are most common in dogs over age eight, studies show that prevalence skyrockets once dogs hit their early teens.

The condition affects how a dog thinks, remembers, and interacts with the world. As the brain ages, it starts to change in ways that impact memory, focus, learning, and even recognition of familiar people or places. To a pet parent, this can look like minor quirks at first, but over time, the changes grow more noticeable.

Quick Takeaway: Dementia is not just “getting old.” It is a medical condition that can be managed once you spot the signs early.

Canine Dementia Statistics

• According to the National Library of Medicine, canine dementia affects an estimated 14% of dogs over eight years old.
• 28% of canines between 11 and 12 years old show at least one sign of cognitive decline syndrome. This increases to 68% in dogs over age 15.
• In a recent study by the Dog Aging Project, it was shown that dogs have a 52% higher chance of developing dementia every year they age past 10 (when other health variables are considered). Based on age alone (with no health variables considered), the chance increases to 68% for every year past their 10th birthday.
• The same study found that the odds of CCD are 6.57 times higher in sedentary dogs vs. active dogs.

Quick Takeaway: If your pup is in their senior years, dementia risk rises sharply with age.

First Red Flags: Signs Your Dog May Be Forgetting Things

So what should make you stop and take a closer look? Here are some of the most common early signs of canine dementia:

• Acting confused in familiar places, such as getting lost in their own yard
• Becoming unusually clingy or anxious, especially during nighttime hours
• Staring at walls, corners, or barking at “nothing”
• Forgetting basic commands or even failing to respond to their name
• Having accidents indoors after being reliably house-trained

At first, these behaviors may seem like quirks or minor personality changes. Many owners dismiss them as a regular part of the aging process. The tricky part is that the earliest signs are often subtle and easily missed.

The difference between normal aging and dementia is that the symptoms keep piling up. A dog may go from exhibiting one or two odd behaviors to a whole pattern of confusion, anxiety, or forgetfulness. If you notice this progression, it is time to bring your vet into the conversation.

From The Veterinarian

As a pet parent to a senior dog currently showing signs of CDS that are gradually worsening, I am always looking to learn more about how to provide my pup with the best care. I chatted with Dr. Hannah Godfrey, BVetMed MRCVS, to get a veterinarian’s perspective on canine dementia.

“If your dog has dementia, they might seem vacant, confused, or less responsible than normal, or they might be more restless and pace around the room,” said Dr. Godfrey. “You might notice them barking more than normal or seeming anxious, and they might beg for food immediately after eating or seem unable to find their way outside to go to the toilet.”

Dr. Godfrey continues, “This condition tends to affect dogs over 10 years old, and it usually starts with mild symptoms that get progressively worse, so at the beginning, you might not be sure whether there’s something actually wrong or you’re just imagining it. Of course, dogs can experience some cognitive decline when they get older, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you or your vet can do to support them and make life a little easier for you, too.”

The 3 Stages Of Canine Dementia (And What Owners Notice Most)

Canine dementia usually progresses through three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Dogs may not follow the stages in perfect order, but these patterns are what most owners notice as the condition advances.

Stage 1: Mild

Early signs can be easily missed. Owners often assume their dog is simply “slowing down.” Look for:

• Forgetting basic commands or routines
• Restlessness at night or changes in sleep habits
• Increased clinginess or mild personality shifts
• Less interest in play or social interactions

Stage 2: Moderate

Changes become more noticeable, and daily life starts to feel different. Common signs include:

• House accidents in previously trained dogs
• Night pacing or restlessness
• Confusion in familiar places, like their own yard
• Sleeping more during the day and less at night

Stage 3: Severe

This stage brings dramatic behavior changes that are hard to ignore. Symptoms often include:

• Wandering aimlessly or appearing very disoriented
• Excessive barking at “nothing”
• No longer responding to their name or familiar cues
• Little to no interest in play, family interactions, or favorite routines

Quick Takeaway: Dogs can progress from mild to moderate in just six months. Early recognition and supportive care can slow the decline and help your pup stay more comfortable for longer.

Our Personal Experience With Canine Sundowners

While not an official diagnosis, our 15-year-old rescue dog Lily appears to be exhibiting some symptoms of dementia. Particularly in the evening.

She appears disoriented and sometimes seems unsure of her surroundings. We’ve found that giving her a melatonin supplement (this one) right at sunset helps to alleviate some of her “sundowner syndrome” symptoms.

– Alex & Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parents, Canine Journal Co-Founders

What Is Happening Inside A Dog’s Brain?

So why does dementia happen in the first place? As a dog’s brain ages, its cells begin to change in ways that affect memory, learning, and behavior.

Researchers point to three key processes:

• Protein buildup: Toxic proteins called beta-amyloids accumulate and damage brain cells.
• Neuron loss: As cells die, the brain struggles to process and store information.
• Reduced blood flow: Less oxygen reaches the brain, leading to more confusion and memory problems.

These changes particularly affect the hippocampus—the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. Over time, that damage is what leads to the behaviors owners start to notice at home.

Quick Takeaway: Canine dementia is not “just old age.” It’s the result of real, physical changes in the brain that affect how a dog thinks and reacts.

Why It Looks A Lot Like Alzheimer’s In Humans

If some of the symptoms sound familiar, there is a reason. Canine dementia shares many of the same brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s disease. Both conditions involve damage to the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

Key similarities include:

• Protein buildup
• Neuron loss
• Inflammation
• Behavioral changes, like confusion, anxiety, sleep disruptions, and personality shifts are common in both species.

Quick Fact: Because the conditions are so alike, researchers often study dogs with dementia to better understand and develop treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in people.

The DISHAA Test: The At-Home Quiz Vets Use

Think your dog might be showing signs of dementia? Veterinarians often use something called the DISHAA test to check for mental decline. It is not a formal diagnosis, but it can provide you and your veterinarian with a clearer picture of what is happening.

Here’s how it works. Score your dog in each of these six categories. The more signs you see, the stronger the chance your pup is showing cognitive decline:

• Disorientation: Gets stuck behind furniture, goes to the wrong side of the door, stares blankly, or seems lost in familiar places
• Interactions: Shows personality changes such as irritability, aggression, fearfulness, or less interest in people and pets
• Sleep-Wake Cycles: Paces or vocalizes at night, sleeps less, or wanders when the house is dark
• House Soiling, Learning, Memory: Has accidents indoors, forgets housetraining, struggles with new tasks, or loses focus
• Activity: Plays less, explores less, or develops repetitive habits like circling, chewing, or licking
• Anxiety: Seems more nervous, reacts strongly to sights and sounds, or refuses to go outside

Quick Takeaway: You can access a downloadable DISHAA evaluation assessment to fill out for your dog This test will not confirm dementia on its own, but it is a valuable tool to bring to your veterinarian. Many owners screenshot or print the categories to track symptoms over time.

Diagnosing Canine Dementia

There is no formal tool or test to diagnose canine dementia. Often, diagnosing cognitive decline syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. Because many of the symptoms can be attributed to other medical conditions or simply normal aging, your veterinarian will want to rule out other medical causes first.

Your veterinarian will gather information and look at all the different clinical signs to determine if a diagnosis of canine dementia is appropriate. The diagnosis will include a thorough physical exam and blood and urine tests to identify or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Depending on your dog’s overall health, the veterinarian may ask for imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds. Your vet will likely try to rule out arthritis, hearing loss, tumors, cancer, and other conditions related to aging. However, your pup can have dementia along with one of these other conditions.

4 Treatment Options

There is no cure for canine dementia, but there are ways to slow the decline and make life easier for your dog. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, supplements, diet, and lifestyle modifications. The earlier you start, the more effective these steps can be.

“Although dementia in dogs cannot be cured or prevented, treatments like selegiline and propentofylline can slow the progression of symptoms, and essential fatty acids can also help to maintain brain function,” said Dr. Godfrey. “Aside from treatments, supporting your dog so that they can get outside easily and find their way around the house without too many obstacles while ensuring that you don’t show anger or frustration with them will help reduce anxiety.”

1. Medications

Vets may prescribe drugs that support brain function or reduce anxiety. Common options include:

• Selegiline: boosts neurotransmitters to help with focus and memory
• Melatonin: helps regulate sleep-wake cycles
• Nicergoline: improves blood flow to the brain
• S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe): supports brain chemistry and mood

2. Supplements

Some natural compounds show promise in helping the aging brain:

• Ginkgo biloba: a herbal extract supports circulation and cognitive function
• Antioxidants (vitamins C and E, selenium, alpha-lipoic acid): fight oxidative stress
• Omega-3 fatty acids: found in fish oil, help reduce inflammation
• B vitamins: aid nerve health and energy metabolism
• Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs): found in coconut and palm oil, provide an alternate energy source for the brain

3. Diet

Prescription diets for brain health are available through your vet. Two examples include:

• Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d
• Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare

These formulas are fortified with antioxidants, omega-3s, and B vitamins to support cognitive function. Research indicates that dogs on brain-supportive diets may experience a slower decline.

4. Lifestyle Changes

Minor adjustments at home can make a big difference:

• Keep routines predictable to reduce confusion
• Provide safe, open walking paths inside the house
• Use puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or short training sessions for mental exercise
• Take daily walks at your dog’s pace

Quick Takeaway: While dementia cannot be reversed, a mix of medical care, brain-friendly nutrition, and consistent routines can give your dog a more comfortable and engaged life. Learn more about video games to help with canine dementia and brain games for your dog.

Prognosis

Unfortunately, there is no cure or way to reverse canine cognitive dysfunction. It is a progressive disease; however, given the appropriate care, dogs can live with dementia for a few months to a few years.

On average, most dogs live with the disease for one to three years. A dog’s prognosis depends on when the signs are identified, how early interventions and treatments are given, and the dog’s overall health, lifestyle, and environment.

All dogs respond differently to different therapies and treatments, so there is no way to tell exactly how long a dog can live with this disease. Many dogs who develop dementia go undiagnosed and may live with it for quite a long time.

Daily Life With A Forgetful Pup: Routines, Accidents, & Comfort Hacks

Living with a dog who has dementia takes patience, but small changes can make a big difference in their comfort and your peace of mind. Think of it as creating a world that feels safe and predictable.

Routines That Work

• Stick to a schedule: Feed, walk, and play at the same times each day so your dog knows what to expect.
• Keep things familiar: Avoid rearranging furniture or moving their bed, bowls, or toys. Consistency helps prevent confusion.
• Use bedtime cues: Short walks, a bathroom break, and dimming the lights signal it is time to sleep.

Accident-Proofing Your Home

• Plan for potty breaks: Take them outside more often, even if they do not ask. It is quite common for dogs with dementia to lose bowel control and have incontinence accidents
• Use dog diapers or pee pads: These are especially useful overnight or when you are not home.
• Have cleanup supplies ready: Accidents will happen, and being prepared reduces frustration.

Comfort Hacks That Help

• Create a safe zone: A cozy bed in a quiet spot helps your dog relax.
• Block danger spots: Use baby gates for stairs or close off unsafe areas.
• Add calming aids: Anti-anxiety beds, gentle music, or CBD treats (vet-approved) can ease stress.
• Walk at their pace: Dementia can make dogs anxious or slow. Let them sniff and wander without pressure.

Quick Takeaway: Life with a dog who has dementia is about reducing confusion and boosting comfort. The more predictable and safe their world feels, the calmer and happier they will be.

My Personal Experience Caring For A Dog With Canine Dementia

I have cared for two dogs with cognitive decline. Their journeys were very different, but both taught me how important patience and support are when a pup starts to lose their memory.

Bear’s Dementia Story

I raised Bear from when he was eight weeks old, and he was a healthy, happy pup. Close to his third birthday, Bear started having odd episodes of disorientation, losing his balance, and flailing about on the floor.

After one particularly strong episode, I took him to the vet, and he was diagnosed with epilepsy. He was under treatment for this condition for the rest of his life. Epilepsy is a degenerative disease that is also incurable, and while we provided Bear with treatment and plenty of loving care, the disease took its toll on his mental function.

Eventually, I started noticing signs of cognitive decline, including excessive disorientation, lack of interest in activities, confusion, and house soiling. My veterinarian confirmed my suspicions after assessing clinical signs and doing a symptom checklist. Bear was developing canine dementia.

He began taking melatonin to help regulate his sleep-wake cycles, especially since many of his seizures occurred in the evening and at night. Unfortunately, Bear’s decline continued at a rapid pace. He reached the end of his life about a year after dementia became a concern.

Bear lived to be 12, with his last year heavily affected by cognitive decline.

Daisy’s Dementia Story

Daisy is a rescue dog who is about 13 years old. I took Daisy in when she was around 10 weeks old. She is a Pitbull Labrador mix and a wonderful, sweet, and smart dog.

However, Daisy is now facing serious medical conditions as she ages. Along with physical ailments, we have begun to notice signs of cognitive decline. Fortunately, she is not experiencing house soiling or potty accidents at this time.

She has, however, become more aggressive with familiar people, pets, and strangers. Daisy also barks at nothing multiple times a day and often paces.

Sometimes she acts as if she cannot hear us when we call her name or give her a command. She has also become incredibly clingy, trying to sleep in my bed at night and becoming very sullen whenever she is left home.

At her recent exam, the vet recommended melatonin supplements and cannabidiol (CBD) treats to help manage her mood and anxiety. She is not on prescription medication yet, though we know that could change at her next appointment.

I have also started adding brain-supportive ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach to her meals. These foods provide antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that support cognitive health.

At home, I created open, unobstructed walking paths since Daisy now struggles with mobility and occasional slips and falls. By making her space safer, she can move more freely without the risk of bumping into hazards.

After caring for two dogs with dementia, my best advice is to work closely with your veterinarian. They can help you set up a routine, adjust diet, and combine supplements or medications to give your dog the best quality of life possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are plenty of questions about canine dementia. Below, I address a few of the most often asked, but if I missed yours, please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to find you an answer.

What Is The Difference Between Canine Dementia & Vestibular Syndrome?

Both conditions can cause imbalance, confusion, or changes in appetite, but they are not the same.

• Vestibular syndrome comes from an inner ear or brain abnormality that disrupts balance.
• Canine dementia comes from age-related brain changes that affect memory, orientation, and behavior.

If your dog appears wobbly, your veterinarian can help determine the underlying condition.

Do Dogs With Dementia Bark A Lot?

Yes, many bark excessively. Dogs with dementia may bark at “nothing” or vocalize more out of fear and confusion. Barking is often how they communicate when they feel lost or anxious.

Instead of raising your voice, try to calm them with a soothing tone, gentle touch, or a consistent routine. This reassurance often helps more than correction.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Canine Dementia?

Coverage depends entirely on your policy. Some plans exclude age-related conditions, while others may cover testing, medications, or supplements. If your dog is already showing symptoms, it may count as a pre-existing condition.

Learn more about what pet insurance covers and if it is worth it in our detailed guide.