If you’ve ever had a family member or loved one who experienced dementia, then you know just how difficult it can be for them, their caregivers, and others around them. Canine dementia is much like that for our furry companions, says Cathy Alinovi, D.V.M., a veterinarian at Healthy Pawsibilities in Clearwater, Florida.
Doggy dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), “really is a similar process,” says Alinovi. “In the elderly, regardless of the species, the brain doesn’t work as well as it did when the animal or human was young. And aging brains don’t process information as well, sometimes leading to confusion.” Remembering that dementia is essentially changes in brain function can help pet parents cope, she adds.
There is no exact cause known for dementia in dogs, aside from simply an aging brain, says Alinovi. That’s why it helps to watch for symptoms to manage them as they come.
Symptoms of dementia in dogs
Symptoms of CCD vary from dog to dog, but most pet parents tend to notice changes in their dog’s behavior or routine, says Sarah Amblard, D.V.M., veterinarian at Marathon Veterinary Hospital in Marathon, Florida.
The acronym DISHAAL can serve as a helpful reminder for common symptoms:
- Disorientation
- Abnormal Interactions
- Sleep/Wake Cycle Disturbances
- House Soiling
- Activity Changes
- Anxiety
- Learning or Memory Changes
Dementia symptoms in dogs can include getting stuck in corners or behind furniture, wandering, staring at the wall, or becoming extra clingy. Your pup may also begin pacing, whining, and barking at night, while sleeping less during the day.
“My childhood dog developed canine cognitive dysfunction as she got older, and one of the first signs we noticed was that she would pace and whine at night,” explains Amblard. “At first, it was easy to wonder if something else was bothering her or if she simply needed to go outside. As it became a recurring pattern, though, we realized that her sleep-wake cycle and nighttime behavior were changing. That experience really stuck with me because cognitive dysfunction can start with changes that seem relatively minor or easy to chalk up to just getting old.”
On the flip side, these symptoms don’t always signal dementia—sometimes it truly does mean your dog is just getting older. Alternatively, these same signs could indicate another problem, like pain, a neurologic condition, or urinary issues.
Is dementia in dogs fatal?
While not technically fatal, CCD is a progressive condition, says Amblard. Although dogs can live for years after the first signs of symptoms, the issues become more noticeable over time.
“As the disease progresses, cognitive decline can have a greater impact on a dog’s quality of life,” says Amblard. “Every dog progresses differently, so there is no specific timeline that applies to every dog with dementia.”
It ultimately comes down to paying attention to how your dog is behaving and their quality of life, as well as regularly chatting with their veterinarian, who can give insight into how far the disease may have progressed.
How to manage dementia in dogs
Sadly, there’s currently no cure for canine dementia, but there are strategies that can help you manage their symptoms. Veterinarians can prescribe selegiline, a medication that may help control some CCD symptoms, including sleep issues or disorientation, though not all dogs respond to it, says Amblard.
Diet can also help manage symptoms, says Alinovi. She suggests feeding your dog a brain-healthy diet of fresh food with high-quality ingredients, such as blueberries, mushrooms, fish, oil, coconut oil, and apples.
“Most people don’t realize their pet food contains many inflammatory ingredients and these ingredients are going to impair not only brain function, but body function,” she says.
Also try to keep your dog’s brain stimulated by continuing walks, getting them outdoors frequently, offering plenty of playtime, giving them scent-based tasks, and refreshing their basic commands.
“The more you interact with them, the more they will stay connected between their brain and their body,” says Alinovi. A dog with CCD can live a fulfilling life as long as they’re kept comfortable, engaged, and out of dangerous situations.
