Is Your Dog Forgetting Things? Here’s How To Tell If They Have Dementia

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Caring for a senior dog can present new challenges to pet parents. I currently have a senior dog, age 13, who is showing multiple signs of cognitive decline. Canine dementia is a very real condition that can require special care and treatment for your pup. Whether you currently have a senior dog, are considering adopting one, or simply want to know more, there is much to learn about canine dementia. I introduce you to this progressive cognitive condition, canine dementia symptoms, care basics, and treatment options. Let’s get into what you need to know to help your pup gracefully through the aging process.

Can Dogs Get Dementia?

Yes, dogs can develop dementia. It is sometimes referred to as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). It can start developing in adult and senior dogs, usually those over eight years old, though it can show up in rare cases in dogs as young as six. Dementia occurs as a dog’s brain ages, affecting their behavior, orientation, recall, comprehension, learning, and memory.

The chances of a dog developing cognitive dysfunction increase with age. This increases substantially every year after age 10, according to recent research by the University of Washington. Research estimates that cognitive decline affects an estimated 14% of dogs over eight years old. Smaller breeds are more likely to develop canine dementia than larger breeds, likely due to their longer lifespan.

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.

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. Here’s what she shared.

“Dementia in dogs is sometimes called canine cognitive dysfunction. 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. 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,” said Dr. Godfrey.

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. On the other hand, I’ve also known owners who have dismissed dementia symptoms as their dog ‘just getting older.’ 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.”

What Is Canine Dementia? Understanding Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

Canine dementia occurs as a result of aging in a dog’s brain. As the brain ages, it starts to change. Damage to the brain’s cells affects the function of neurons and the circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain. This causes what is called oxidative damage, a result of deteriorating oxygen metabolism in the damaged cells.

As a result of the damage, toxic proteins called beta-amyloids can develop and cause damage to neurons. The neurons start to fail and die, and the brain’s capacity to process information continues deteriorating. This damage happens at a higher rate in the area of the brain where memories and learning are stored, called the hippocampus. As this internal breakdown of the brain occurs, it leads to physical and behavioral changes that owners may start to notice.

Similarities To Alzheimer’s Disease

This deterioration of the brain is similar to human Alzheimer’s disease. Both diseases cause early-onset hippocampal damage due to a build-up of neurotoxic proteins. This damage causes changes to the brain, including loss of neurons and neuroinflammation. Both diseases cause behavioral changes, including confusion, disorientation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Due to the similarities between Alzheimer’s disease and CCD, the two are often studied together to offer a better understanding and development of treatment.

Canine Dementia Symptoms

Dementia symptoms in dogs tend to fall into four categories: spatial orientation, sleep-wake cycles, social interactions, and house soiling.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a progressive disease, which means that over time, symptoms develop from quite mild to more severe. Dogs in the earlier stages may have mild to unnoticeable symptoms, so it’s important to understand what to look for. While your dog may not experience all of these, they can progress in severity over time. (This is not a complete list.)

• Increased nerves, separation anxiety, and clinginess
• Bathroom accidents in the house or relieving themselves in inappropriate locations
• Atypical social interactions and disinterest in usual activities
• Disruption of sleep cycle and habits, including lack of sleep or excessive sleep and nighttime wandering
• Uncharacteristic or increased aggression
• Sudden fluctuation in appetite
• Confusion with basic commands or own name
• Disorientation
• Repetitive behaviors
• Staring at the walls, barking at nothing, or excessive barking
• Reluctance to interact with favorite people

3 Stages Of Dementia

Canine dementia is categorized into three stages. Mild (or early), moderate, and severe. Symptoms can overlap stages and often worsen as the disease progresses.

1. Mild – Early-stage dementia often goes unnoticed as it can be very mild and may be dismissed as normal signs of age. These signs can be as simple as forgetting basic commands or routines. Subtle behavior changes include disorder in sleep patterns, less interest in social interactions, and other mild personality shifts. Your dog may become more clingy, irritable, and less interactive with other people and animals.
2. Moderate – Dogs in the moderate stage of dementia may start to have more obvious signals for owners to pick up on. One of the most prevalent signs in this phase is house soiling, especially in previously house-trained dogs. Other behavioral changes include hyperactivity at night, disorientation, and sleeping more during the day.
3. Severe – The third and most severe stage includes symptoms that grow noticeably worse. These can include night disturbances or your pup wandering around the house, increased confusion and disorientation, and little interest in interaction, playing, or their normal routine. You may also notice increased unusual barking, especially when there doesn’t appear to be anything there. Dogs sometimes stop responding even to their own name.

Symptoms often progress from mild to moderate in the span of about six months. Compared to humans, this is a much quicker disease progression; however, dogs age faster than people.

First Signs Of Dementia In Dogs: How Do I Know If My Dog Has Dementia?

The first signs of canine dementia or mental decline tend to be quite mild. They may start with your dog seeming confused in a familiar place or being more clingy than normal. Often, this is chalked up to a change in routine or separation anxiety. However, excessive clinginess is a common early sign. A dog may show disinterest in a familiar activity or start aimlessly wandering. They may have trouble maneuvering and start to bump into things. These are all symptoms and signs that can be associated with other common ailments, so they can often be missed until they become more prevalent.

DISHAA Assessment Evaluation

If you are concerned that your dog has dementia, you can use the DISHAA assessment to understand better and evaluate your dog’s brain health. This evaluation presents six areas for you to score your dog to determine if they show signs of mental dysfunction.

• D: Disorientation – This area includes behavior changes such as getting stuck behind furniture or walls, going to the wrong side of the door, staring blankly, not recognizing familiar people, places, and other pets, getting lost in familiar places, and becoming less reactive to visual and auditory stimulus.
• I: Interactions – This area asks about changes in social interactions, including personality changes such as becoming more irritable, aggressive, and fearful and having a decreased interest in interacting with others.
• S: Sleep Wake Cycles – looks for changes in the sleep cycle, including pacing and restlessness at night, sleeping less, waking in the night, nighttime wandering, and nighttime vocalization.
• H: House Soiling, Learning, Memory – discusses changes in behavior in coding trouble with new tasks or previously learned skills, urination or defecation inside, a lack of signaling to go out to relieve themselves, and an overall decrease in attention and focus.
• A: Activity – Looks for changes in activity, including playing, exploration, interaction with others, decrease or increase in specific activity, and repetitive behaviors, including chewing, licking, gazing, circling, and digging.
• A: Anxiety – Tracks changes in the area of increased anxiety, increased separation anxiety, increased reactiveness or fearfulness to sights and sounds, and an increased fear or reluctance to go outside or into new environments.

You can access a downloadable DISHAA evaluation assessment to fill out for your dog. Follow the instructions for scoring and then discuss these results with your veterinarian. While not an official diagnosis, this evaluation tool may help you determine if your dog’s behavior changes are related to mental decline or something else.

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.

Canine Dementia Treatment

“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. 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,” said Dr. Hannah Godfrey.

There is no cure for canine dementia, but there are steps owners can take to treat and manage symptoms. Earlier treatment and intervention can help slow the progression of the disease. Treatment is multifaceted and can include lifestyle changes, diet, medication, and supplements.

Supplements

There are a variety of supplements that have shown potential in research to help enhance brain function in dogs with cognitive decline. These include:

1. Ginkgo biloba – an herbal extract that has positive effects on cerebral functions in elderly dogs
2. Antioxidants (such as vitamins E and C, selenium, L-carnitine, carotenoids, alpha-lipoic acid, and flavonoids) – found in fruits, ancient grains, vegetables, and superfoods
3. Anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids – a healthy source of these is fish oil
4. B vitamins – found in healthy meats, fish, eggs, nuts, grains, seeds, legumes
5. Medium-chain triglycerides such as coconut and palm oil

Medications

These are some common medications given to manage canine mental deterioration.

1. Selegiline – increases neurotransmitter levels to boost brain functioning
2. Melatonin – helps regulate sleep-wake cycles
3. Nicergoline – increases blood supply to the brain
4. S-adenosylmethionine – supports neurotransmitter production

Diet

A diet that is formulated to support brain health can be greatly beneficial to aging dogs. There are some available by prescription, including Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NC NeuroCare. These recipes are formulated specifically to support brain health, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cognitive function. These recipes are high in fatty acids, antioxidants, B vitamins, and other nutrients that can help support brain health.

Research has shown that diets fortified to support brain health can improve and reduce the rate of cognitive decline. It’s important to discuss your pup’s nutritional needs with your veterinarian to ensure they are getting the right nutrients to support cognitive health.

Mental Stimulation

All dogs need mental stimulation, but it is especially important for dogs experiencing cognitive decline. Mental stimulation keeps the brain active and engaged and helps slow the progression of the disease. Look for interactive dog toys like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and treat mazes. Along with that, work on teaching your pup new simple tricks and games. Hide and seek for treats and scatter feeding can encourage foraging and sniffing. Learn more about video games to help with canine dementia and brain games for your dog.

Daily walks and physical exercise are beneficial for your pup’s overall health and also help provide mental stimulation. Keep games and exercises short and simple. Do not overcomplicate things or try to push your pup too hard, but encourage engagement and offer plenty of rewards.

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.

Caring For A Dog With Dementia

Caring for a dog with dementia is a big responsibility, and it can take its toll on you physically and emotionally. However, there are a few things you can do to help provide a safe and positive environment for your pup and your family.

1. Set a routine. The routine is incredibly important. Putting your dog on a consistent schedule for playtime, meals, walks, and snacks is helpful. Keeping them on this schedule helps them know what to expect and makes them feel safe and more secure in their surroundings.
2. Create a safe space. Dogs with dementia can get confused and disoriented easily. It’s important to provide them with a safe space and block access to areas where they can get hurt, like stairways, low windows, garages, and basements. This may include moving furniture to create a clear path for them to move through. It’s also important to keep your home layout as consistent as possible to avoid confusing them.
3. Keep your dog’s belongings, like their bed, food, water bowl, and toys, in the same place. This helps them stay in one safe area and also provides consistency. Provide your pup with a comfortable, cozy area where they can feel secure and relaxed. This will help with anxiety and aggressive behaviors. Look for an anti-anxiety bed and a crate to help keep your pup calm and secure.
4. Never leave your dog unattended unless they’re in a fully secure and safe area. Along with that, it’s important to provide them with identifying factors, including a microchip and a personalized collar with their name, as well as your name and contact information.
5. Provide a healthy, brain-supportive diet.
6. Offer regular mental and physical stimulation.
7. Walk and play at your dog’s pace. Dogs with dementia often become confused or uneasy quickly. Allow them to take their time when on walks and playing games so as not to overwhelm them with too much stimulation.
8. Be prepared for house-soiling accidents. Sadly, it is quite common for dogs with dementia to lose bowel control and have incontinence accidents. One of the best things you can do is to be prepared with clean-up materials and also to prepare ahead by taking your dog out more often for potty breaks. Knowing that your dog may not always recognize the need to go, you must put in that extra effort to help avoid these accidents. You may also want to look into pee pads and dog diapers to help prevent big messes when you’re not home or when you can’t take your dog out for long periods. Diapers can be an immensely helpful tool for getting through the night for many senior dogs.
9. Maintain patience and understanding for both your dog and you. Canine dementia causes a wide variety of symptoms, and your dog cannot control it. Getting angry or losing your patience will not help the situation. Being prepared ahead of time and having patience with your pup is particularly important. Extend this patience to yourself, and when things get hard, give yourself a minute to breathe before reacting. Ask for help from family members and explain your dog’s situation to friends and visitors. This can help them understand beforehand and modify their behavior around your pup if needed.

My Personal Experience Caring For A Dog With Canine Dementia

I have cared for two dogs with cognitive decline. I share their dementia stories below.

Bear’s Dementia Story

My black Labrador Retriever Bear had epilepsy. 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 episode that was particularly strong, 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’s also incurable. While we were able to provide 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.

Unfortunately, my veterinarian, after assessing the clinical signs and doing a checklist of symptoms, confirmed my suspicions that Bear was developing canine dementia. Bear started taking melatonin to help regulate his wake-sleep cycles because many of his seizures occurred in the evening and at night, and that was also the time his pacing and aggressiveness got worse. Unfortunately, Bear’s decline continued to progress at a rapid rate, and he reached the end of his life about a year after we started discussing cognitive decline. Bear lived to be 12, with his last year being 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’s a Pitbull Labrador mix and a wonderful, sweet, and smart dog. However, Daisy is facing some serious medical conditions as she ages. Along with physical ailments, we have also begun to notice signs of cognitive decline.

Fortunately, Daisy is not experiencing any house soiling or potty accidents at this time. However, she has started to become more aggressive with familiar people, pets, and strangers. Daisy also barks at nothing multiple times throughout the day and night. She continues to pace and often acts as if she cannot hear us when we call her name or give her a basic command. She has also become incredibly clingy, trying to sleep in my bed at night and becoming very sullen and withdrawn whenever she’s left home.

After discussing Daisy’s condition with my vet at her recent physical exam, the vet recommended giving her melatonin supplements as well as cannabidiol (CBD) treats to help manage her mood and anxiety. Currently, Daisy is not taking prescription medication. However, that is something that both the veterinarian and I know may be discussed at her next appointment. Daisy is not on a special diet, but I am working on adding superfood ingredients to her meals, including sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach, as these offer antioxidants, vitamins, and other nutrients that can help support her cognitive function.

I have made adjustments to my home recently to provide Daisy with an open, unobstructed path to get around. She has started having mobility issues, and that, along with increasing confusion, has led to a few slips and falls. So, we have created a safe space for her to move about freely without the fear of bumping into a sharp corner or other potential hazard.

After caring for two dogs with cognitive decline, my best advice is to work closely with your veterinarian. They are your best resource to help keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible. They can also help you set up a consistent routine, develop a nutritious diet, and create suitable blends of supplements and medications to offer your pup the best support.

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 Sundowners?

Sundowner Syndrome, or Sundowners, is a form of early canine cognitive dysfunction that occurs specifically in the late afternoon, evening, and night hours. During these times, dogs with Sundowners can become restless, confused, disoriented, and vocal. They often have disrupted sleep patterns and can require extra support and attention to manage these symptoms. No one knows for sure what causes canine cognitive decline or Sundowners syndrome, but it is believed that it is connected to age-related cognitive decline. As their brains change and suffer damage, their cognitive function can be impaired.

Sundowners generally occurs in older dogs and is often accompanied by symptoms such as nighttime barking, disorientation, pacing, and extreme restlessness. Sundowners can be managed with a routine, increased daytime activity, and making adjustments to your dog’s nighttime routine.

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

How Do You Settle A Dog With Dementia At Night?

It can be difficult to settle a dog with dementia, especially if they have Sundowners or their symptoms are stronger at night. One thing to do is to try to make them physically tired by taking them for several short walks a day, including one in the evening. Provide a consistent bedtime routine, including a short walk and toilet break right before they go to bed. Create a calm, comfortable environment where they feel safe. You will likely also need to use some sort of nighttime calming aid, such as a melatonin chew or other medication your veterinarian prescribes.

What Is The Difference Between Canine Dementia vs Vestibular Syndrome?

Canine dementia and vestibular syndrome can have some similarities, such as imbalance, confusion, irritability, and lessened appetite. However, vestibular syndrome is generally caused by a brain abnormality in the inner ear that affects the dog’s balance. Canine dementia is not the same thing and occurs due to damage and dysfunction in a dog’s brain due to aging.

Do Dogs With Dementia Bark A Lot?

In some cases, dogs with dementia may be more vocal than other dogs. They may bark excessively at nothing or may bark more out of anxiety and fear. Dogs with dementia often feel disoriented and confused, which can lead to anxiety. Barking is one of the only ways they have to communicate these feelings. Do your best not to raise your voice or get angry with your dog when they are barking excessively. Rather, try to soothe and calm them.

Does Pet Insurance Cover Canine Dementia?

That will depend on your policy and specific coverage. Learn more about what pet insurance covers and if it is worth it in our detailed guide.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy From Puppy To Senior

There is no way to predict or prevent your dog from getting dementia or any other unforeseen medical condition. However, one of the most crucial factors in how your dog responds to any medical condition or treatment is their overall health. Establishing a healthy lifestyle from their earliest days is especially important. This includes always providing them with the healthiest dog food and considering adding fresh and human-grade dog foods to offer exceptional nutrition and flavor. Along with a healthy diet, you must ensure that your dog has regular physical activity and mental stimulation and stays at a healthy weight. Develop a strong relationship with your veterinarian in partnership with a healthy lifestyle. Keep up with your pup’s vaccinations throughout their life, and don’t forget those preventative health care appointments. This is your opportunity to discuss concerns and identify any medical conditions before they become serious.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Danielle is a dog owner with over 30 years of canine care experience. She has welcomed many rescue dogs into her life, including those with special medical needs. Among those conditions include cognitive decline. Danielle knows first-hand how challenging and rewarding caring for a senior dog with special needs can be. In her work as a researcher and writer for Canine Journal, she strives to provide the best, most accurate information to help dog owners better their pet’s lives.