Just like humans, as dogs age their memory can be affected. But how do we know what is a normal level of cognitive decline in senior dogs? And what is a sign of a condition related to aging?

Dementia in dogs causes symptoms that can be seen with other conditions. So, although there are no tests for diagnosing dementia, there are tests for other conditions that may cause the same symptoms. By eliminating them, a diagnosis for canine dementia may be reached.

Can Dogs get Dementia?

Dogs can suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) which affects the brain and causes deterioration in brain function similar to that of Alzheimer's disease in people.

It’s an age-related cognitive condition that impairs memory and learning. So, although the conditions are not identical, it’s said that dogs can suffer from dementia. All dog breeds are affected by the condition, but some dog breeds may be more prone to dementia than others.

What are the Signs of Dementia in Dogs?

• Some dog dementia signs are difficult to distinguish from the normal signs of ageing, like slowing down and being less active. The more obvious and common signs of dementia include:
• Spatial or temporal disorientation – staring blankly, repeatedly asking to go out, walking into things, getting lost in familiar places.
• Social interactions – changes to relationships, becoming more clingy and needy, showing signs of irritability or aggression, reduced greeting behaviour, treating family members as strangers.
• Sleep-wake cycle – restless at night, barking or whining repeatedly, sleeping more during the day.
• House-soiling – toileting indoors and no longer asking to go outside.
• Alterations in activity and attention – obsessive licking, aimless pacing, or reduced enthusiasm about eating, going out, or playing.
• Anxiety – separation anxiety, fear of new people or places, attention-seeking.
• Learning and memory – responds less to commands, slow to adapt to change, forgetting previously learned behaviour.
• House soiling and dogs displaying aggression are two of the biggest struggles for owners of dogs with dementia.

Signs of dog dementia are typically seen in dogs over the age of 7 for large breeds, and over the age of 10 for smaller breeds. If they do begin to suffer, your dog's dementia symptoms will gradually worsen over time.

Your vet will want to rule out other medical conditions that my cause similar signs, so may recommend some diagnostic tests

Dog Dementia Treatment

There’s no cure for Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, but there is treatment to help slow the progression of the disease and improve the symptoms.

There are medications, special diets and nutritional supplements available that can help with their cognitive function. It’s believed that a dog’s diet high in fatty acids is helpful for memory. Regular exercise and mental stimulation with toys and play activities have shown to help slow the progression and keep dogs more alert in their senior years.

If you’ve got a dog with dementia, knowing when to say goodbye is a difficult decision, but this should be based on your dog’s quality of life, especially if the condition is becoming distressing for your dog.

Looking after a Dog with Dementia

The best way to help a dog with dementia is to provide a consistent routine. Having a schedule for bed, eating, toileting, exercise and play can help prevent confusion and relieve stress and anxiety. This may not be possible every day but try to stick to it as much as possible.

A dog with dementia may suffer from vision loss and spatial awareness, so can often bump into things. Keeping your furniture in the same layout and making sure the floor is clutter free, will help your dog to get around your house. Try not to make any major changes to your home as this can cause confusion and be stressful for your dog.

Toilet accidents are a very common symptom, so make sure you give them plenty of opportunities to go outside. You may also need to start letting them out during the night.

How to Calm a Dog with Dementia at Night

One of the main symptoms of canine dementia is restlessness at night. Their sleep-wake cycle is affected so they may bark, whine or pace in the middle of the night, and then sleep more during the day.

Following a specific bedtime routine can help settle your dog at night, stick to it every night as failing to remember routines is common. Take them outside to go to the toilet just before you put them to bed. Maybe give them a bedtime treat and tell them to get into bed. As your dog ages, they can suffer from joint pain, so investing in an orthopaedic bed will ensure your dog has a comfy at night.

Can Dog Dementia be Prevented?

The exact cause of canine dementia is unknown, so it’s hard to know how to prevent the condition. However, keeping older dogs physically and mentally active is believed to help. The following tips will help to keep your dog’s mind sharp and healthy:

• Teach them new tricks
• Regularly exercise them
• Feed them a balanced diet
• Give them brain-healthy supplements
• Play lots of games together
• Allow them to regularly socialise and have new experiences
• Avoid stressful situations

Talk to your vet if you think your dog has dementia and they’ll be able to run some tests. If dementia is diagnosed, can provide care to help slow its progression and relieve some of the symptoms. Try to keep your dog’s mind sharp and healthy through play, training, exercise and socialisation. However, the most important thing you can do when looking after a dog with dementia is to stick to a schedule and to continue to provide plenty of love and tlc. 

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Content provided from Vetstream's Vetlexicon Canis - www.vetstream.com/treat/canis 

Vetlexicon is the world’s largest peer-reviewed online clinical reference source. All our content is written and peer-reviewed by over 1,000 of the world’s leading veterinarians, ensuring relevance, accuracy and quality.