Understanding Dementia in Dogs

What do you do when your best friend starts forgetting?

If you've noticed your aging pup getting lost in familiar corners of your home or staring blankly at walls, you're not alone. Just like humans, our soulful sidekicks can experience cognitive decline in their golden years. While watching your pet struggle with memory issues feels like a special kind of heartbreak, understanding canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) – the clinical term for dog dementia – can help you navigate this challenging chapter together.

Dogs can get dementia?

Yes, they absolutely can. CCD is quite similar to dementia in humans in that as the canine population ages, the risk of developing dementia increases dramatically. Studies show that 3.4% of dogs between 8-10 years develop the condition, rising to 5% for dogs aged 10-12 years, then jumping significantly to 23.3% for dogs aged 12-14 years, and reaching a concerning 41% for dogs 14 years and older.

Your sweet old girl isn't just "being difficult" when she paces at 3 AM or forgets her house training – she's dealing with real neurological changes. And just like its human equivalent, it deserves our attention and compassion.

What causes dog dementia?

Understanding the causes of dementia in dogs can help in prevention and management. While age is the primary factor, genetics, diet, and overall health all play crucial roles. Research indicates a breed-size relationship with cognitive decline in dogs. Small breeds typically begin exhibiting cognitive dysfunction after age 12, while larger breeds may show similar symptoms before reaching 10 years. Notably, terriers and dogs in the toy and non-sporting classifications have over three times the incidence rate of canine cognitive dysfunction compared to other breed categories.

Physical activity appears to be a significant protective factor, as sedentary dogs face nearly 6.5 times higher risk of developing cognitive impairment. Additionally, dogs with previous neurological, ocular, or aural medical conditions have double the likelihood of cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive veterinary care throughout a dog's life. 

Signs of dementia in dogs

What are the signs of dementia in dogs? The earliest red flags can be subtle and increase in intensity as the disease progresses.

Disorientation

One of the earliest signs often manifests in your dog appearing lost in familiar spaces, like getting confused about which door leads to the backyard or how to navigate around furniture they've known for years. You might notice them standing in corners or staring blankly at walls, seeming disconnected from their surroundings.

Sundowning Syndrome and disrupted sleep

Sundowning syndrome in dogs is a pattern within canine cognitive dysfunction where symptoms worsen during evening and nighttime hours. Affected dogs may become increasingly disoriented, restless, vocal, and experience interrupted sleep as daylight fades. 

Early recognition of these symptoms—rather than dismissing them as normal aging—allows for proper veterinary care and management strategies that can significantly improve your senior dog's quality of life. 

Personality shifts

Social changes are another sign that your dog may be struggling with a form of cognitive decline. Your formerly outgoing pup might seem anxious or withdrawn around familiar family members, or conversely, they might become clingy and show separation anxiety they've never had before. 

Incontinence and memory loss

House-training accidents become more frequent, even in dogs with years of perfect potty habits. Your dog might also show signs of confusion with basic commands – the same pup who once responded instantly to "sit" might now look at you with a puzzled expression, as if hearing the word for the first time. 

Perhaps most heartbreaking for pet parents, dogs with dementia might show reduced interest in previously beloved activities, whether it's their favorite game of fetch or those ear scratches they used to love. 

Other behavioral indicators

Physical symptoms that your dog is struggling with CCD can include aimless wandering, walking in circles, or getting stuck in tight spaces. Some dogs develop repetitive behaviors, like licking excessively or barking at nothing. Changes in appetite are common too – either forgetting they've eaten or losing interest in food altogether. 

Dogs and dementia: Treatment options

While we can't cure dogs with dementia, dog dementia treatment options can help make life better. On the veterinary care front, there are medications that may help slow progression or help treat symptoms, along with dog dementia supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Commonly prescribed medications include:

• Selegiline / Anipryl — These drugs may help alleviate symptoms of canine dementia.  

• Antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds — Drugs like fluoxetine, trazodone and gabapentin can help give relief to pets suffering with anxious behaviors associated with CCD. 

• Melatonin — May help with dogs struggling with restlessness and sleep disturbances. 

What changes can I make to help my dog with dementia?

If your dog has been diagnosed with CCD, regular check-ups are crucial to monitor progression. Your vet can help adjust your pet’s treatment plan to evolve as their symptoms do. Beyond vet care, many pet parents look to explore lifestyle adjustments that may help alleviate their dog’s suffering. 

• Maintaining routine – Predictable schedules are every dog’s best friend, but even more so if they’re struggling with cognitive decline. Keep meals, walks, play time, etc on a consistent schedule to help alleviate confusion. 

• Increase accessibility and comfort – Older pets may struggle with mobility, eyesight and hearing, even those who don’t receive a formal dementia diagnosis. Consider night lights for increased visibility, rugs, booties, or toe grips to prevent slips on flooring, and pee pads for incontinence. Soothing music may help to calm an agitated pup, and soft orthotic beds can soothe aching joints and bones. 

• Mental stimulation – While a stimulating environment can help prevent some pets from developing dementia, even those who have already been diagnosed can benefit from enrichment activities like puzzles, lick mats, and sensory walks. 

• Patience – Above all, it’s important to try your best to extend grace and patience toward a pet experiencing cognitive decline. While some of their symptoms may be frustrating – increased vocalization, irritability, sleeplessness, etc. – your dog is doing their best to navigate a new, incredibly disorienting world. Calm and compassion is what they need most. 

How long can dogs live with dementia?

The timeline varies – some dogs live comfortably with the condition for years, while others decline more rapidly. The key isn't focusing on duration but on quality of life. Working closely with your vet and monitoring your pet’s progression and symptoms can help you monitor your dog’s wellbeing and prognosis. 

The emotional reality

Here's what no one tells you: watching your dog navigate cognitive decline is tough. The midnight wandering, the confused looks, the moments when they don't seem to recognize you – it's okay to feel overwhelmed. You're not just caring for a pet; you're supporting a family member through a significant change. It can be devastating to watch the companion who’s been by your side through thick and thin suffering in their golden years; don’t be afraid to reach out for support. 

Moving forward together

Whether you're just noticing the first signs or deep in the caregiving journey, remember this: your dog doesn't need you to be perfect. They need you to be present. Stay connected with your vet, join support groups (yes, they exist for pet parents too), and remember that every good day together is a gift. 

Sometimes love means adjusting our expectations and finding new ways to connect. Maybe your fetch champion now prefers gentle pets, or your once-independent pup needs more guidance. That's okay. You're not losing your dog – you're learning to love them in a new way. As your journey together evolves, your pet's care team can help guide difficult decisions when the time comes, ensuring any choices you make prioritize your loyal sidekick's quality of life and comfort above all else.

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.