You notice your best friend having issues with sleeping, concentrating, and remembering to eat or drink. Dementia in dogs is commonly seen in aging dogs, but pet parents may dismiss it in its initial stages.
If you suspect your dog has dementia or was recently diagnosed, fortunately, there are many things you can do throughout the process. The signs of canine dementia are quite similar to those in humans.
Though canine dementia is not curable, there are things you can do to slow it down. The sooner you have a diagnosis, the likelihood of the proper interventions working increases. Here’s everything you need to know about dementia in dogs along with signs, treatment, studies, and how dog parents are coping.
What Is Dementia In Dogs?
Sometimes called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), dementia in dogs is a progressive, degenerative that impairs a dog’s ability to think and respond. It sounds like the symptoms of a brain tumor or normal aging changes, therein lies the problem.
Because symptoms of canine dementia resemble other diseases, it is difficult to ascertain how many dogs are affected in the USA yearly. Some studies in dogs indicate at least 14% to 35% of the population aged eight years and up are affected.
“Cognitive declines affect thousands of dogs and cats,” said Dr. Kelly Diehl, Morris Animal Foundation Senior Director of Science Communication. “As they are living longer, CDS is impacting more pets and their families.
Dr. Starr Cameron and Dr. Michael Khan, researchers of canine and feline cognition, provided insights into the prevention and treatment of, and common misperceptions about, cognitive decline in a webinar hosted by the Morris Animal Foundation in April 2023.
“The absolute age of the dog is the bigger predictor of cognitive decline in cognitive dysfunction,” Dr. Khan admits. “We don’t think of a lot of Irish Wolfhounds as getting cognitive dysfunction or getting dementia as they get older probably because they are not living as long as the Chihuahua or the Shih Tzus who are living to 15 or 17 years old.”
“Several years ago, I had a Cocker that would do this,” dog mom Leslie Gauthier recalls one of her dogs having symptoms of CCD. “She was deaf and blind. I would pick her up and snuggle with her. She always calmed down after I did this. And then it got to the point where she was not responding to me.”
What is Sundowning in Dogs?
Sometimes called sundowners syndrome, sundowning is one component of doggy dementia. Dogs may sleep more during the day, wake up, and be disoriented or agitated throughout the night.
When David Berler’s 17-year-old Cocker Spaniel started pacing for hours at night, he asked for advice other members in my Club Cocker Facebook group. Because the condition occurred at night, the dog was most likely experiencing sundowning.
Other members joined in to offer advice, as sundowning affects everyone in the household. First and foremost, always seek veterinary intervention. If you are able to film your dog during episodes, this can be very helpful.
Signs of canine sundowning include:
- Sleeping less or waking frequently at night
- Anxiety
- Disorientation
- Compulsive behaviors
- Changes in interactions with you, family members, etc.
- Soiling indoors or forgetting to ask to potty outside
Some dogs howl, bark, cry, chase their tail, pace, or begin licking objects, themselves, or the ‘air.’
Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs
According to Dr. Khan, some of the more noticeable signs are:
- Waking up in the middle of the night
- Wandering aimlessly around the house
- Bark to go out, don’t pee or poop
- Circling in the house
- Get stuck in odd places in the house
- Housesoiling patterns
Dogs may also not respond to their name or familiar words, may be irritable or have a decreased desire to play, and may stare blankly at walls or nothing.
It is not known if any diseases may predispose a dog to developing canine dementia. However, there are some current risk factors being studied, including dental disease.
A lot of dogs with severe dental disease or inflammation in their gums are harboring a type of bacteria associated with cognitive decline. Dr. Khan indicates the more these canine patients have chronic or systemic inflammation, the worse their brain performs overall.
Experts wonder if cognitive decline contributes to other health problems or if these other health problems lead to cognitive decline.
It takes time to get a proper diagnosis, and what may seem like CCD can be a completely different condition (i.e., tumors, brain infection, inflammation.)
How Canine Dementia is Diagnosed
Your first line of defense is getting a proper diagnosis. Dr. Khan wishes there was a blood test or some other method to 100 percent confirm a canine dementia diagnosis.
“We rely on owner histories,” he shares. “But we do have a few tools that can help [with diagnosis.]”
Surveys include the Canine Dementia (or KD) Scale, and the older one is called the CCDR, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating. Both surveys ask questions of the pet parent asking how often they are seeing changes in their dog’s behavior.
The numbers are totaled at the end of the survey. Dogs are placed into one of several categories: normal, mild cognitive impairment, or severe cognitive impairment. Coupled with clinical signs and physical observations, the veterinarian will determine if CCD criteria are met and if it needs to be treated.
An MRI helps confirm the diagnosis of degenerative brain diseases like canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) in dogs.
“Most degenerative diseases are progressive, which means the brain atrophies or shrinks,” according to Dr. Lisa Bartner, a veterinary neurologist at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.
She says because brain atrophy is easily identifiable on MRI when the cognition decline is advanced, it tends to be later than ideal for intervention.
Canadian dog Mom Sherri Telenko says her first dog had canine cognitive dysfunction, with an MRI confirming the diagnosis. Medications helped her dog for a while.
The Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome Assessment Tool, which details the acronym “DISHAA” to may help identify behavior changes a senior dog experiencing cognitive dysfunction syndrome might exhibit.
Treatment for Dogs with Dementia
Prescription Medication
In 2001, Selegiline, the first and only FDA-approved medication for CCD hit the market. Selegiline is available under multiple different brand names including: Anipryl®, Eldepryl®, l-deprenyl, Selgian®, Carbex®, and Zelapar®. It also is available in a generic form.
There are side effects to Selegiline, like any drug, so be sure to discuss them with your dog’s veterinarian and/or veterinary neurologist.
Melatonin
To help improve your dog’s sleep cycle and quality of life, your veterinarian may recommend melatonin, which is a hormone.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Your veterinarian may prescribe or recommend anti-anxiety medication. Follow the dosage and instructions carefully.
Supplements
Studies show supplements containing medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and things like antioxidants, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids may have positive effects on dogs’ dementia-related symptoms.
CBD for Dogs
One of the first CBD for dogs studies was performed at Cornell University. Results confirmed CBD helped more than 80% of dogs with osteoarthritis have a decrease in pain, which allowed them be more active and comfortable.
The results of Colorado State University’s study on CBD for epilepsy control in dogs. Based on her research, neurologist Dr. Stephanie McGrath found that 89 percent of dogs who received CBD in the clinical trial had a reduction in the frequency of seizures.
Hot Tip: Consider the DogMinder Canine Health and Wellness Journal we created for pet parents.
Cocker Spaniel mom, Liba Ronge, says her dog, Rocky, stopped recognizing her after his second stroke. Her veterinarian prescribed, which Rocky took for the rest of his lif.
“We also found another solution, which was absolutely tremendous help to him and to us,” Ronge says. “ We got Rocky CBD oil. It not only helped, it also reversed his deteriorating condition. Please note, the effect is not instant; give it at least one week to start noticing changes. It will calm him down.”
Both of her senior dogs, ages 16 and 17, were on CBD oil for several years and various ailments.
Always check with your veterinarian before starting a new supplement. The CBD oil and products we have had success with are from Pet Releaf.
Fellow Cocker mom, Deb Jennings Mahoney started her senior Cocker on Pet Releaf and says, “I too use Pet Relief. It has helped with anxiety(fireworks) and low-level joint pain (old age related). I really believe in CBD.”
Here is an article about choosing the right CBD for dogs, including dosage and more.
Keeping a Dog With CCD Active
If your veterinarian suspects your dog to have CCD, there are ways to keep him physically active, which can greatly help. If your vet agrees, here are a few ways to keep your senior dog with CCD active physically and mentally:
Walking: Keep his muscles moving and keep a close on him as you walk. He will need guidance, love, and support from you. Try driving to an area your dog enjoys or has not visited in a while. Avoid areas that may further agitate him. If meeting up with doggy friends makes him happy, do it.
Light swimming: Hydrotherapy tanks and indoor pools can be great therapy for geriatric dogs. Look into local options. Don’t take your dog into public bodies of water, as you put him at risk for drowning, diseases, and algae.
Stretching: Famed author and renowned veterinarian Dr. Karen Beckers, offers stretches for senior dogs.
Massage: Whether you do the massage yourself or enlist the services of a professional canine massage therapist, your senior dog will benefit. You can take a workshop to learn basic massage techniques. Be sure your dog enjoys the process and isn’t stressed out.
Food puzzles: Dr. Khan and Dr. Kelly love food puzzles for dogs of all ages to make mealtime last longer, keep them engaged, make them less prone to bloat, and for elderly dogs. Just be sure it’s a puzzle they can do. Some of them may have a lower frustration tolerance or if it is too hard, they will give up and feel defeated.
Control stress: Try to control your dog’s stress level. Stress changes the hormone levels in a dog’s body, which can cause nerve damage and weaken the immune system.
Risk Factors for Dog Dementia
Genetic Component
Dr. Khan explains there is a genetic model in rats, but that does not translate to dogs and cats. However, he feels this provides evidence of some genetic factors.
Age
Having been objectively demonstrated in many studies, the Morris Animal Foundation lists aging as a risk factor. Dogs are living longer, so we may see more dogs being diagnosed with canine dementia.
Epilepsy
“Dogs with this disease have a higher likelihood of developing CCD at an early age, and dogs with a history of cluster seizures or high seizure frequency are at the highest risk”, says the Morris Animal Institute.
Activity Level
In a recent article in The New York Times, it is noted that exercise may plays a significant preventive role in the development of canine dementia.
Specifically, “A large new study of 15,019 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project, an ongoing investigation into canine illness and aging, published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports, identifies the top factors associated with a dog’s risk of getting the disease.”
Further, the odds of a dog getting dementia increase if they have neurological disorder, impaired hearing, or sight.
Annette Fitzpatrick, a co-author of the study and a University of Washington research professor with expertise in dementia in people as well as canines, commented, “When you don’t get stimulation from the outside world, it seems to increase the risk of our not even being able to use our brains as well.”
A study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between dementia in senior dogs and hearing loss.
“We also know that the rate of cognitive decline is approximately 30-40% faster in people with age-related hearing loss and that hearing loss is a greater contributor to dementia risk than other factors such as hypertension or obesity,” according to says Natasha Olby, the Dr. Kady M. Gjessing and Rahna M. Davidson Distinguished Chair in Gerontology at North Carolina State University and corresponding author of the study. “But we don’t understand whether the same holds true for dogs.”
Book Resource To Help Pet Parents
If you have a dog with dementia, consider reading Shamrock’s Story: From Hurricane Katrian to Doggy Dementia and Alzheimer’s by F. Barish Stern.
According to the author, “Recently published by Golden Quill Press, “Shamrock’s Story,” is about a Springer Spaniel rescued with her litter mate, Clover, from Hurricane Katrina. Shamrock developed dog dementia, and after nine dogs I knew nothing about dogs getting this disease…and so many other pet parents tell me the same thing. I, therefore, interviewed over 50 experts to get advice about this disease. “Shamrock’s Story,” is the culmination of 2 years to help pet parents.”
Stern writes, “Dr. Rachel Mar, an Integrative veterinarian, told me signs which she wants pet parents to be aware of that can indicate cognitive dysfunction in dogs include behavioral changes, quality of life and changes to a pet’s normal habits; all of which should, at the very least, signal a call to the veterinarian.
She expressed to me how important it is not to just throw off symptoms with the thinking that this is “normal geriatric behavior. Getting old is a condition, not necessarily a disease. For many veterinarians, any dog that lives past 10 years of age is considered old!” Dr. Mar wants pet parents to remember that when they look at a dog’s life, that dog can live as long as they can.”
Her helpful advice is to not ignore the little signs. Many times, we have a tendency to dismiss things we see as being insignificant changes. ”
You can purchase Shamrock’s Story through Golden Quill Press or on Amazon. Per the author, all information is covered by copyright 2022.
How to Keep Dogs with Dementia Safe
It is imperative pet parents do everything they can to keep dogs with CCD safe from harm. This includes not walking into things, roaming from the yard or into the street, and preventing harmful situations. Here are ways to keep your dog safe if he has dementia:
- Keep all food and water bowls in the same place and don’t move them around.
- Avoid rearranging your furniture, as this may cause upset or anxiety.
- Exercise your dog according to his physical abilities and under a vet’s direction.
- Keep their brains active with brain games and spending time together, going for walks as able, and engaging in activities your dog enjoys.
- Keep a log of your dog’s changes. What he likes one day, he may be disinterested in another day. Use your DogMinder to log these changes.
- Make sure he always has access to his bed or favorite resting spots.
- Keep routines consistent.
- Keep microchip information up to date.
- Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are current.
- Consider a medical alert tag with “I have dementia” or something similar on it.
- Keep your yard secured so he cannot roam.
- Please watch your dog closely and never leave him alone or unleashed outside.
- Consider using a dog stroller if your dog becomes immobile or cannot walk far.
- Keep play sessions short and sweet.
- Keep talking to your dog and tell them you love them. If your dog is deaf, remember dogs hear with their heart.
- Never startle your dog. Allow your dog to sniff your hand first if he cannot see and/or hear.
- Don’t get angry at your dog for potty accidents. He cannot help it.
- Explain your dog’s diagnosis to visitors so everyone is on the same page.
- Not everyone can do this, but try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Have someone check in. Consider an in-home pet cam to watch your dog in your absence.
- You may need to remind your dog to eat and drink.
Dogs Living with Canine Dementia
Dog mom Naomi Lukaszewski has fostered 125 dogs and owns two Cocker Spaniels along with her husband, Dan.
She says, “If you have blood work done, ask them about her magnesium levels. Opie takes magnesium and it helped his anxiety. You may also want to try consulting with a holistic vet regarding diet or supplements you can give your pup. If she is sundowning due to dementia, diet changes may help alleviate some of her symptoms.”
Linda Meyer shares life with a 14-year-old female Cocker Spaniel. She says, “I started giving her a bedtime snack at 11 pm (1/4 cup) or so of her dog food. It seems to be her sleep schedule. She ceased waking up too early. I know she is losing her vision. It’s freaking her out at night. I talk softly and tuck her back into bed. So far, it’s working for both of us.”
Lynn Wobeck had excellent results with Selegiline.
“My Quinnie, bout 10 years ago was blind, and developed CCD (canine cognitive disorder). At night he was in distress. He was not comfortable in his own skin. Panting, getting lost. It didn’t have anything to do with the lights, as he was blind. It was “sun downers”. I brought this up with my vet,” Wobeck explains.
“He was very excited to try Anipryl. Takes a little bit to kick in. I have had many on it over the years and only had one where it did NOT make a difference. I also use CBD oil with some of them with success.”
Hazel Tan says using Melatonin plus having a fan on her dog, Oreo, helped him get comfortable.
“He was also blind and deaf with congestive heart failure, so having a bowl of water close by and taking him out to pee pretty regularly helped. It’s one of the challenges, but I am happy to sacrifice to have more time with our babies.”
Dementia in Dogs and End-of-Life Decisions
Dr. Julie Buzby is an integrative veterinarian. She invited Dr. Dawnetta Woodruff to write a piece on end-of-life care and when it is time.
From personal experience, every dog’s journey is unique. No two dogs, even with the same diagnosis, will progress in the exact same way.
Each pet parent is different, but we all can agree that the love for our dogs is larger than life. We owe it to them to be there to the very end.
FAQs
There are many things pet parents can do to care for their dogs to help keep them comfortable. New treatments and studies are underway in people and animals. The lifespan of a dog with dementia varies, depending on when the dog is diagnosed and other pre-existing conditions.
Yes, dementia affects dogs, whether purebred or All-American mutts.
According to recent studies, exercise may help play a significant preventative role. This does not mean your dog is immune to dementia if exercised, but it can help.
In the New York Times article on dementia it is noted, “Unlike laboratory animal subjects such as fruit flies and mice, companion dogs are affected by their owners’ environmental and social factors, such as secondhand cigarette smoke, lawn pesticides and access to health care.”
Dr. Khan recommends routine dental care, address any chronic pain issues, keep your dog mentally engaged, incorporate supplements, feed a “brain” diet such as Hills BD (brain diet) or the Neuro Care Diet and consider medication like Selegiline.
