The truth is that we all love our dogs and probably hate having negative thoughts about our pets, such as the possibility that they may suffer from dementia, but unfortunately, just like humans, pets will get older and can develop certain diseases as well. So, the more we learn about some diseases and symptoms, the better we can take care of our beloved furry friends. 

Canine dementia – also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS), is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. “It gives us the ability to check against a list of things to show that something else isn’t going on. If your dog has one of the symptoms or some combination, then we’re more likely to call it cognitive dysfunction,” explains Dr. Denise Petryk, DVM. 

“The more signs and frequency we see, the greater significance of the problem. Each sign or symptom doesn’t really signify a particular phase,” said Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Here is a list of signs of dementia in dogs. So, read on for more info!

When does this disease occur?

This disease is usually seen in older dogs and results in altered behaviors and memory loss. “Age of onset can vary greatly based on individual breed characteristics, however, we commonly see signs of CCDS in dogs 11 years and older,” Dr. Emily Wilson, of Fuzzy Pet Health, tells Bustle. “Subtle initial clinical signs can be noted as early as seven years of age in some dogs.”

“One of the best things is regular environmental enrichment and mental stimulation,” Dr. Wilson says. “This can include food puzzles or some simple low stress training to help engage their minds on a daily basis. Regular low-impact exercise is also really important and it will also help maintain a healthy weight as well as mental stimulation.”

Disorientation

If your dog seems disoriented in their normal or familiar environment, it may be due to dementia. “This often happens when the dog is out in the backyard and he goes to the wrong door or the wrong side of the door to get back in. The part of the brain that is involved with orientation has been affected.” Dr. Beaver says.

Unfortunately, dogs with dementia start to get scared of where they are, because everything suddenly seems unfamiliar to them, so if you find them acting weird in their normal environment, it could be a sign that they are suffering from this disease. In this case, you have to schedule a vet consultation as soon as possible. 

“The first thing you should do is to take your dog in for a checkup. It might not be a cognitive issue, so your vet may want to rule out some other possible medical causes, which could involve a brain tumor or diabetes,” said Dr. Petryk.

They interact differently with humans and other pets

As some of you probably know, canine dementia can be found in dogs that react differently around other pets and humans. If your dog has been socialized and interacts well with other animals or family members and has suddenly become irritated by those around them, then there is a possibility that they have developed this disease.

“He may be acting this way because he’s in pain. He could have arthritis or some other ailment that hurts when he moves or is touched. Your vet may want to do X-rays to rule out a painful condition,” explains Dr. Petryk.

So, all you have to do is to talk to your vet about their behavioral changes, because he or she can help you with proper treatment. 

In addition, some dogs can become aggressive. “Aggression toward family or friends [is] due to lack of recognition,” Dr. Turnera Croom, a holistic veterinarian, tells Bustle. “The aggression that the dog may display confuses human family members prior to a definitive diagnosis.”

Change in sleep patterns

Well, a healthy dog ​​sleeps during the night and is active during the day, but pets with dementia can become active during the night.

“If your dog is active at night and you want to get him to sleep, a nightlight or white noise may help him,” Dr. Beaver says. Or you can try to find some interesting activities and games to keep them active during the day because this way they can get tired and sleep better at night. 

The truth is that dogs sleep a lot, especially as they get older, but a dog with dementia will sleep more often than usual, so you have to pay attention to this symptom. “It is important to pay attention to this since it can also be an early sign of CCDS,” Dr. Wilson says. “Some dogs will start to sleep more during the day and then be restless with increased wakefulness during the night either due to increased anxiety or decreased awareness of their regular routine.”

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.”

They can experience restlessness 

Other common symptoms of canine dementia are associated with restlessness and repetitive movements. “They may exhibit repetitive motion; things like head bobbing, leg shaking or pacing in circles. This kind of action is more related to cognitive dysfunction or a degeneration of the brain. It’s less likely to be mistaken for anything else,” Dr. Petryk says.

They won’t wander around the house

Aimless wandering can be a common symptom in dogs with dementia. “Changes in orientation can include aimless wandering, as well as pets appearing ‘stuck,’ such as in a corner for no apparent reason,” Dr. Wilson says. “As dogs develop CCDS they have difficulty with day-to-day routine recognition and remembering where to go, similar to humans with Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Keeping a regular schedule with your dog [can] minimize [their] confusion and anxiety,” Dr. Turnera Croom, a holistic veterinarian, tells Bustle. “Also keep the layout of your home, and your dog’s belongings, in the same place.”

Urinating or defecating in an inappropriate place

If your dog urinates and defecates in the house, even though they were initially trained to defecate outside, they may suffer from cognitive dysfunction. 

“After we run tests and rule out a bladder infection, kidney problems, or diabetes, then there’s usually been a cognitive change. If your dog is staring out at the sliding glass door and then poops in the house anyway, and it’s not because of bowel trouble; he’s lost the understanding that he should poop outside,” Dr. Petryk explains.

“Changes in house training are a common initial sign in some of our older dog patients. This may be due to decreased mobility in addition to confusion as to the ‘routine’ of going outside to potty. Dogs may forget or get confused about which door to use to go outside even though it has been a part of their routine for years,” said Dr. Wilson.