Dementia in dogs: what you should know

Like humans, dogs can experience changes to their brain function, memory and awareness as they age. Dementia in dogs, otherwise known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), can be similar in its effects, too. 

Although it’s not clear exactly what triggers dementia in dogs, we know that it’s linked to a breakdown of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain that carry messages around the brain and body. The result is that typical behaviour and responses become scrambled and erratic. 

Here, we look at how to spot the signs of dementia in dogs, how to manage the condition, and what you can do to provide extra care for a pet experiencing CDS.

CDS in dogs can develop as young as eight or nine but is more common in later life. Most cases go undiagnosed until the symptoms become more pronounced. Research suggests that around a quarter of dogs aged 11 to 12 may show at least one sign of the condition, and two-thirds of dogs aged 15 to 16. 

Many dogs experience behaviour changes in later life, and the early symptoms of dementia in dogs are not always obvious. Note, however, that other conditions can also cause some of these signs and symptoms, although a combination of the signs listed below is highly suggestive of dementia.    

Using the acronym DISHA can help you to remember and recognise the signs of dementia in dogs, which we explain below

One of the main first signs of dementia in dogs is disorientation and confusion. Your dog may seem lost in places they know well, or stare blankly into space. They may become forgetful about regular routines, activities or commands. 

Dogs with CDS may go through social changes. You may notice your dog interacts less with family members and other dogs. They may seem more withdrawn, or even depressed. 

A dog with CDS may go off their food - although this can obviously be a sign of other health issues. Alternatively, they may seem to forget when they've eaten and keep going back to their bowl, expecting to be fed.

Forgetting previous house training and toileting in inappropriate places can be a symptom of dementia in dogs. In fact, a dog with CDS might relieve themselves indoors immediately after returning from a walk.

Changes in activity are common too – your dog might be unwilling to go on walks during the day but pace through the night.  

They might also show anxiety if the activity involves a new person or place even if they were once confident. Look out for increased separation anxiety, or howling and barking for no apparent reason.  

A dog with CDS may experience appetite loss or increase. Alternatively, if after feeding they keep returning to their bowl and looking expectant, it might be that they’ve forgotten they’ve eaten. 

CDS in dogs can be difficult to spot and the signs easy to misread – many overlap with other common health conditions that dogs experience in later life.  

For example, it’s worth noting that a dog’s sleep cycle changes throughout life; arthritis can make dogs more reluctant to move; disorientation may be due to failing eyesight or hearing loss, and toileting problems could also signal a urinary infection or age-related incontinence.  

As always, if you’re worried about any symptoms or behaviour changes in your dog, always talk to your vet. 

• If appropriate, your vet may prescribe the drug selegiline hydrochloride, which can improve some of the troubling symptoms of dementia in dogs by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. 
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• There are also supplements or formulated diets available that are designed to help maintain healthy brain function in ageing dogs – these typically include omega oils to improve antioxidant levels. 

• Additionally, research shows that acupuncture is an effective complementary treatment for cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs, improving cognitive impairment and reducing symptoms. 
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• Rehab procedures such as hydrotherapy or general swimming will help keep a senior dog active – important for boosting blood flow to the brain and easing anxiety and disorientation. 
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• Try not to carry out any major rearrangements around the house, unless an object has become a hazard for your dog. Keeping everything in its usual spot will help them feel confident in their surroundings.  

• Try Puzzle games, regular exercise and fun training activities will keep those neurons firing. As long as it doesn’t distress your dog, ensure they get plenty of social interaction with their favourite human and other animals. 

• Go back to basics. For a dog with dementia, practising their foundational training regularly – with treats – will help refresh skills such as recall. 

• Wherever possible, keep walking an older dog to maintain their overall health – but if they’re prone to becoming disorientated, keep them close by or on a long lead.  
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• This is also a sensible precaution in case your dog becomes confused or fearful around other dogs and gets into confrontations. 

• Dogs with dementia often have disrupted sleep. They might pace and howl at night because they feel frightened and vulnerable.  
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• Night lights, non-slip rugs, pheromone diffusers and other products can help calm and improve a dog’s nighttime behaviour. 

• Remember, your dog is doing the best they can; they can’t help their toilet mishaps or general confusion. Managing dementia in dogs requires patience, and your support will help them enjoy a healthy and comfortable old age. 

• Caring for a dog with cognitive dysfunction syndrome is not without emotional challenges. But with the right support, many dogs continue to enjoy a good quality of life for some time after diagnosis. The key is catching the early signs of dementia in dogs and acting quickly. 
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• If you’re unsure whether what you’re seeing is dementia or something else, always speak to your vet. And if you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat via your Petplan account and speak directly with experienced professionals about any concerns you have as your dog ages. It’s just one of the ways Petplan is here to support you and your dog throughout their life.