Don't ignore six signs of 'doggy dementia' says vet

Daily Record

16-06-2025

If you are worried your canine companion is slowing down in old age, it could be a sign of something serious, according to a vet
Dogs are a cherished part of the family and it's difficult to contemplate them growing old. However, many pet owners express concern as their senior dogs begin to slow down.
Dr Charlotte Rice, an in-house vet at pet supplement brand YuMOVE, has highlighted some key signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, also known as "doggy dementia". The condition affects the brain and is generally seen in older pets with clinical signs similar to dementia or Alzheimer's in humans.
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Unfortunately, the condition has no cure, but Dr Rice explained there are ways to keep your furry companion happy and healthy while dealing with it. She said: "CDS can be a challenging condition to manage, and it's hard to see your once active and attentive dog go through it.
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"But there are plenty of ways to make things easier for both you and your dog. Your vet can guide you on the best steps to take which may be medication or at home support, but most importantly, be patient, loving and understanding with your furry friend.
"Be kind to yourself too, CDS can affect your bond with your pet, which can be very sad, and can take time to come to terms with."
Among the ways owners can support their pets, according to Dr Rice, include changing their environment to help them feel as safe and secure as possible. She added: "Cover slippery floors with non-slip surfaces where possible and consider removing any obstacles that may block your pet's pathway about the house. Try to minimise changes to their home, as they may find this confusing.
"Regular exercise and enrichment can also help, but remember a dog with CDS may find these over-stimulating and overwhelming more quickly, so introduce new things gently and always monitor your dog."
There are six key signs to look out for if you're worried your dog may have dementia:
Appears lost or confused in familiar settings
The first warning sign is if your dog seems disoriented. These behaviours can happen due to memory and perception changes caused by CDS, reports Plymouth Live. Dr Rice said: "Confusion can be stressful for these pets, so it's important to offer reassurance and help them feel safe when they seem unsettled."
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Becomes snappy or interacts differently
Another sign of CDS to look out for is if your dog starts to interact is different ways than usual (such as being more snappy or nervous). According to the vet: "Cognitive dysfunction could make them feel scared or anxious in previously normal scenarios and can alter how they interact, with some dogs being more irritable or less interested.
"You can help by watching your dog's body language during interactions, so you can support them during situations they might struggle in."
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Seems anxious
"If your normally cuddly dog starts avoiding hugs or is pacing around nervously, they might be feeling anxious," said Dr Rice. "Dogs with CDS can be more sensitive to different sights and sounds, which can make them feel stressed."
Her suggestion is to create a calm, soothing environment at home to help them relax. For some dogs, keeping up a usual routine can help them feel more safe.
Memory loss
Memory problems are commonly seen during CDS. According to Dr Rice: "If you notice your dog struggling to remember learned behaviours; such as tricks and routines they used to know, you might want to consider a trip to the vet.
"One hard to miss behaviour dogs with CDS sometimes forget is that they shouldn't toilet in the house, if your well house trained dogs is starting to 'go' in the house – please speak to your vet."
Sleeping more (or changes to their sleep pattern)
It's also worth keeping an eye on your dog's sleeping patterns to spot the signs of CDS. Dr Rice said: "They may sleep during the day but pace restlessly or sometimes even vocalise at night, disrupting their usual cycle. If this is something you're noticing is increasingly happening with your dog, it's time to visit the vet."
Your dog's activity patterns are changing
"Dogs with CDS will often behave differently in general," said the vet. "They may be more prone to pacing or wandering, rather than resting. Some dogs may stand and stare, seemingly aimlessly. They sometimes will be less interested in activities they used to enjoy, such as playing with toys or the general environment."