They change their eating and drinking routine

Unfortunately, some dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome may have trouble eating or drinking, and the most common sign is not finding their food bowls. 

“They may drop something when they’re eating and they can’t find it,” says Dr. Petryk. “If they don’t have sight or hearing issues, this can be a true indication that they are experiencing cognitive dysfunction.”

“I’ve had patients whose dogs don’t recognize that their favorite cookies are treats for them,” says Dr. Petryk. “The owner’s first instinct is to buy other cookies. They don’t realize that something else could be going on.”