8 Signs Your Dog Could Have Dementia
Updated: Dec. 02, 2021Dementia isn't just a people problem: Veterinarians explain how to spot dog dementia and what you can to do help your dog.
Dog dementia is more common than owners realize
Vets typically refer to dog dementia as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Overall, the incidence of CCD is 15 to 30 percent, Rossman says. Worse? “It’s often underdiagnosed,” says Melissa Bain, DVM, professor of clinical animal behavior at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis, California. On average, most dogs are diagnosed at eight years old. In a study conducted by Bain, 28 percent of dogs aged 11 to 12 and 68 percent of dogs 15 to 16 showed one or more signs of cognitive impairment. Here are the signs to watch for—and what you can do to help your dog.
Your dog doesn’t seem to be able to focus anymore
Even though dementia in a dog can’t be officially diagnosed, certain signs can indicate your dog might be suffering from this condition that causes a decline in cognitive function. The best way to tell? Watch your dog’s behavior. “Specific behavioral alterations can indicate your dog may have dementia,” says Ashley Rossman, DVM, a veterinarian at the Glen Oak Dog & Cat Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. Aimless wandering or pacing and staring into space are two of the biggies. If your dog isn’t acting right, these are signs your dog might have cancer.
Your dog doesn’t want to interact as much
Whether it’s with you, other members of the family or canine buddies, decreased social interaction is one of the telltale signs of dog dementia, Rossman says.
Your dog is more fearful or anxious
One of the main clinical signs of dementia involves being a little more scared of things that may not have bothered your dog in the past. Your dog might even show signs of separation anxiety and follow you around the house more closely, according to the IAABC Journal. (IAABC stands for International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.)
Your dog is having issues going through doors
Clumsiness can strike with age—and with dementia. It can be part of a disorder called dysthymia, according to experts at Washington State University, and it may mean that your dog has trouble figuring out her way around furniture or through doors or other spaces.
Your dog is becoming more aggressive
According to the IAABC, dogs with dementia can become aggressive toward people or other pets they know, possibly because they no longer recognize them. On the flip side, these are sure signs that your dog is happy.
Your dog has accidents in the house
Your dog may never have had bathroom issues in the house since she was a puppy. Yet with dementia, she might have accidents in the house, even if she’s just gone outside, says Bain. Making mistakes indoors can indicate other issues—it’s one of the signs that could mean your dog is ill.
Treating dog dementia
“There are diets and supplements available that slow the progression of the disease,” Bain says. One prescription antidepressant drug called Anipryl is licensed to treat CCD and has shown some success in decreasing some of the signs that dogs demonstrate. Other treatments like supplements with antioxidants, L-carnitine or omega-3 have been shown to have some positive effects, Rossman says.
Managing dog dementia requires patience
Just as with humans who have dementia, pet parents must learn to be patient. “This is a very trying and difficult disease, and it’s best to be as patient as possible with your dog,” Rossman says, adding that now isn’t the time to change anything in your dog’s schedule. Keep the routines as consistent as possible.
Simple changes that can help
Drugs and supplements can only go so far in helping your dog and you manage this devastating disease. Yet there are things you can do to address the changes you’re seeing in behavior, Bain says. For starters, make sure that your house is safe, which means you may have to pull out the baby gates again. Also, treat them like a puppy by taking them outside frequently to go to the bathroom and going out with them; when your dog does eliminate outside, reward him or her. You might even keep your dog somewhat confined when you can’t supervise him or her to avoid any issues with eliminating inside. Finally, try to keep them active during the day so they’re more likely to sleep through the night. If you’re spending more time with your dog outdoors, make sure you’re aware of these 28 summer health tips all dog owners should follow.
