Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: Recognizing and Managing Dog Dementia

Canine cognitive dysfunction is a disease where aging-related changes in the brain cause a decline in a dog's memory, sleep patterns and even personality. This disease is similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. Unfortunately, it's unknown what causes dementia in dogs or why some dogs seem more severely affected than others.

Generally, the disease tends to worsen as dogs age. But other factors that come with age (such as vision and hearing loss) can amplify the problem and make navigating their world even more challenging.

Unlike most diseases, CCD cannot be diagnosed with special testing. The best way to diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction is by identifying the signs that play out in their daily life. You, as the pet parent, are the most helpful resource in this area, since you're well acquainted with their normal routines and behaviors, and any changes to them. Keep an eye out for these signs:

Altered Sleep Patterns

Changes to their sleep cycle are among the most common signs of dementia in dogs. Some dogs want to go outside in the middle of the night for no apparent reason. Others may pace around a room of the house all night, while some may become more vocal during nighttime hours.

Pacing

Another common sign of CCD is constant pacing. Many dogs have a route that they follow, often in a circle along the edge of a room or the yard. In severe cases, this route is repeated over and over, with no reason or goal. Dogs who are blind, along with having dementia, may not deviate from this route at all, and any changes are upsetting to the dog. Some dogs may actually get stuck behind doorways or in corners, and not know how to get out.

Abnormal Vocalization

Dogs with dementia may howl, whine, or bark for no reason. Many dogs with dementia also experience some hearing loss, which can make them less cautious when it comes to being noisy. This can happen at any time of day or night.

Potty Trouble

If your older dog is starting to have accidents in the house, this can be a sign of dementia. In severe cases, they may not even realize they are doing it. However, keep in mind that there can be other causes of more frequent accidents, so it's important to check with your veterinarian before assuming they have CCD.

Confusion or Forgetfulness

Is your dog going outside and forgetting why they asked to go? Are they less excited to see you, and even having a hard time recognizing you? Other signs in this category include a lack of interest in things they used to love, or even forgetting commands. These signs often have a slow, gradual onset, and it's hard for a pet parent who sees them every day to pick up on them. A conversation with your vet about how they used to act years ago can help.

Sundowning Safety

Dogs and people with dementia often suffer from disturbances in their sleep-wake cycles. Those affected by "sundowning" sleep more during the day and remain awake, disoriented, and agitated throughout the night. Human patients with cognitive impairment become easily confused and are prone to becoming lost, while a dog with dementia may pace or wander out of the yard. These circumstances account for why people and pets with dementia must not be left unattended, especially in unfamiliar places. Dog parents must take extra precautions to ensure that their pet always has proper identification and is not able to accidentally escape from the home or property.

The best way to help your dog is with patience, kindness and understanding. Often, increased confusion can bring with it anxiety and frustration for your dog, so forgiveness is key. Sometimes, simple changes in the house can help your dog cope better. Consider these strategies:

• Consistent schedule: Dogs with dementia don't like change, so a predictable routine is easier for them to manage.

• Safe routes: If your dog wants to pace, there's not much stopping them. Keep the path safe and avoid any unexpected obstacles.

• Mats and rugs: Elderly dogs don't have good traction, so if you have slick floors, rubber-backed rugs or even yoga mats along the path can make a big difference in keeping them safe and preventing falls.

• Prioritize security: While this should be a practice all the time, make sure you take special care to lock gates and keep your dog from getting out. Forgetful dogs may find themselves wandering with no memory of how to get home.

• Prevent catastrophe: If you have an in-ground pool or another body of water on your property, make sure your dog cannot access it.

Although there's no cure for dementia in dogs, there are some steps you can take to keep them comfortable, manage signs and ensure they're the healthiest they can be. Remember: consult your vet for any specific questions you have about caring for your senior dog.

• Proper nutrition: A food high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help support dogs with dementia.

• Potty accidents: If you find accidents in the house, never scold or punish your dog; in the case of CCD, they may not even know they've had an accident! Simply clean it up, and gently clean your dog up if needed. Some dogs can show embarrassment, since they've been trained that accidents in the house are wrong, so use a gentle and positive tone, even when it can be frustrating.

Your vet may have additional tips, so it's always best to consult a professional when you suspect your dog may be dealing with CCD.