Could Your Dog Have Dementia?

As your dog ages, you may notice them being irritable, forgetting their routine, having accidents inside, or getting lost in the house. Believe it or not, these can be signs of dog dementia.

Dog dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome, is a degenerative brain condition that causes memory loss, mood changes, and behavior changes. It’s estimated that nearly 15% of dogs over age 8 develop CCD.

It’s disheartening to see a once spirited dog deteriorate and become disoriented in their own surroundings. There is no cure for this disease, but with proper diagnosis, medication, and supportive care at home, pet parents can help their dog live the longest and best life possible.

What is canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or dog dementia?

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is the dog version of Alzheimer's disease in humans. The start of dog dementia leads to the inability to remember or process information. In turn, it affects the brain’s signals to the body.

This declining cognitive function is in part due to increasing amounts of beta-amyloid protein as a dog ages, which is toxic to the brain. Less blood flow and malfunctioning neurons can also contribute to the first signs and symptoms of dementia. Neurons are a type of cell that help carry messages throughout a dog’s brain and body.

At what age does dog dementia start?

Dog dementia begins to affect dogs around the age of 9. But, dogs as young as 8 years old may also develop the condition. And the chances of your dog developing CCD goes up as they get older.

Which dog breeds get dementia?

According to Dr. Georgina Ushi Phillips, a veterinarian with Fuzzy Pet Health, dementia can affect all dog breeds.

What are the signs and symptoms of dementia in dogs?

The signs of cognitive dysfunction appear over time as your dog ages. Below are some of the main signs and symptoms of dementia in dogs.

1. Disorientation and confusion

Your usually alert dog will act confused and lost in their own surroundings. “This may manifest as wandering, staring, or moving to unusual places,” says Dr. Ushi.

Your dog may also have trouble finding their food and water bowls, backing out of a corner, or getting around a piece of furniture. As the disease progresses, your dog may no longer recognize their own name, family members, or familiar commands.

2. Anxiety and fear

Confusion caused by dementia can lead to stress and anxiety. Your pet may become more clingy and develop separation anxiety. They may also get more anxious, restless, and have mood swings after the sun goes down.

In some cases, your dog may start to have new phobias or fears, especially if they experience vision or hearing loss. Anxiety may also cause loss of appetite.

Canines with CCD may express their anxiety through repeated actions, such as licking, compulsive pacing, or going in circles.

3. Forgetting routines, training, or house rules

Older dogs with dementia can fail to remember their house training or any other training they received. “This may result in inappropriate urination and defecation in the house,” says Dr. Ushi. In working dogs, this can manifest as a decline in performance.

4. Extreme irritability

Dogs with dementia have less patience and may show their irritability with a growl or a bite. Your dog may also avoid other pets in the house or be unwilling to meet new people or go places.

7. Night vocalization and walking

Your dog may bark, whine, or cry for no obvious reason, or because they feel anxious or stressed due to confusion. Some dogs may go on “midnight walks” or pace around the house at night. Add motion-sensor lights so your pooch can see clearly.

8. Less desire to play

Even though your dog may be pacing at night, they may not want to go out for a walk or play during the day as the disease progresses. They may also have less energy during the day.

How is dementia diagnosed in dogs?

If your dog shows any of the above signs and symptoms, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.

A veterinarian will use the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES) and perhaps a behavior checklist for dog dementia called DISHAA as part of your dog’s evaluation. “The list can be given to the owner to complete or discuss with them during their appointment,” says Dr. Ushi.

DISHAA is an acronym that asks about different types of symptoms:

• Disorientation

• Interactions (with humans and other animals)

• Sleep-wake changes

• House soiling, learning, and memory issues

• Activity changes

• Anxiety changes

Your dog’s veterinarian may recommend additional tests to rule out other conditions that can have similar symptoms to dog dementia.

According to Dr. Ushi, your vet may also suggest:

• Reviewing current medications and their side effects

• Doing a physical and neurological assessment

• Ordering laboratory tests, such as bloodwork

• Using imaging tests, such as an MRI

What treatments are available for dogs with CCD?

There is no cure for dementia. But your veterinarian can prescribe treatments to help slow the progression of the disease or ease your dog’s symptoms.

Medications

Your veterinarian may prescribe selegiline hydrochloride (Anipryl). It’s given to your pet once a day by mouth in the morning. This medication can take at least 2 to 4 weeks to take effect. But it can take 8 to 12 weeks to see if it will help your dog improve.

Currently, selegiline hydrochloride is the only FDA-approved medicine to treat cognitive dysfunction in dogs. However, researchers are investigating other possible medication options for the future.

Diet changes

Your veterinarian may recommend a diet change to help protect healthy brain cells. Diets containing antioxidants, fats, and fatty acids help slow down cognitive decline. Pet foods such as Purina’s Neurocare and Hill’s Brain Aging Care are two options available on the market.

Supplements

Some supplements may also protect your dog’s brain health and improve their dementia symptoms. These include:

• SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine): This dietary aid may help lower cognitive dysfunction, boost activity levels, and improve awareness in dogs showing signs of dementia.

• Apoaequorin: According to Dr. Ushi, apoaequorin (Neutricks) is made up of a protein found in jellyfish that may improve cognition in older dogs by protecting the brain cells. It comes in a soft chew form, and it can be given to your pet daily.

• Senilife: Senilife is a brand-name supplement that contains antioxidants and other compounds that may help slow down brain aging.

What can I do to best support my dog living with dementia?

Dogs with dementia need more patience and care to stay safe and live healthier lives.

Here are some ways you can make your canine’s life a bit more comfortable:

• If your dog can walk, continue regular play and low-impact exercise to maintain a healthy weight and offer stimulation. Food puzzles and tricks also provide enrichment.

• If your pet’s vision is still good, teach them hand signals. “This will help when or if their hearing fails. Learning signals is fun for some dogs and can be more natural than verbal commands,” says Dr. Ushi.

• Spend more time with your dog, giving them extra snuggles or a good brushing.

• Use a gate to block stairways to prevent your dog from falling. Block access to areas, like behind the couch, to prevent your dog from getting confused.

• If your dog doesn’t want to mingle with humans, make sure they have a place they can go to rest in a quiet space.

• If your dog is deaf, stomp your feet when approaching them while they are sleeping to avoid startling them.

• If your dog has the habit of night walking, take them for a walk before bedtime to help them sleep through the night.

How long does a dog with dementia live?

Dogs with CCD can have a full life span, says Dr. Ushi, so long as they are supported by the pet parent and veterinarian.

But, dogs with severe symptoms, she says, are often euthanized within 12 to 24 months from the start of the disease and diagnosis.

“This is because of the progression of dementia or other health-related problems, like heart disease or cancer.”

If you have any questions, make sure to talk to your dog’s veterinarian about what to expect for your pup.

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Written by:

Lavanya Sunkara

Lavanya Sunkara is a writer and animal lover living in the suburbs of New York City. She has been a pet writer for more than a decade and is passionate about animal causes.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM

Ghanasyam Bey, DVM, is from Cleveland, Ohio, and attended Princeton University for undergraduate studies. After a year of biology research at Duke University, he attended Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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