Just like humans, dogs can develop illnesses, including dementia, as they age. This condition is scientifically termed ‘canine cognitive dysfunction’ (CCD). While the specific signs of this condition will vary from dog to dog, it will commonly cause changes in behaviour and mood. Knowing and recognizing these signs as an owner will help you identify the condition in your dog early on and seek advice from a vet.
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When will signs of dog dementia start to appear?
As dog dementia is a condition related to old age, signs will most commonly develop in senior dogs; usually at the age of 9 and onwards. This may come earlier in larger dog breeds, and later in smaller ones. In most animals, signs of dementia may appear gradually, with a progressive development; however, in some dogs these signs may show quite rapidly. As an owner, it may be useful to remember the acronym ‘DISHA’. Which stands for the main signs of dog dementia; Disorientation, Interaction changes, Sleep changes, House soiling, and Activity level change.
Confusion and disorientation
Your pet may become lost in what should be a familiar place, such as your house. Owners often find their dog ‘trapped’ inside a room because they’ve forgotten how to get out. Or ‘stuck’ behind a piece of furniture because they don’t know where they are. Sometimes dogs might also be seen staring at a wall or into space or have a tendency to pace continuously.
Change in behaviour towards other people and animals
CCD may cause a dog to interact differently with familiar people or animals. For example, they might lose their excitement when you come home, or when meeting their doggy friends. It is not uncommon that a dog may start to forget who you or other people are. Owners will often also describe their dog as being ‘moody’ or more irritable; in severe cases, this may in turn lead to aggression, such as barking or growling behaviour. Some dogs might even experience fear and anxiety due to the condition.
Changes in sleeping pattern
Another common sign of CCD is a change in sleeping patterns. Dogs may start to stay awake at night and sleep through the day. This is due to their circadian rhythm (which regulates the sleep cycle) becoming altered. Owners often report that their pets will also vocalise more at night when they are up, with no apparent reason for howling or barking.
Loss of memory
A common observation from owners of dogs with CCD is that their pets have lost their training. This can be challenging, especially if toilet training has been affected and your dog starts to toilet inappropriately around the house. Other training commands may be forgotten too, even the simple ones such as ‘sit’ or ‘stay’.
Lower activity levels
Many dogs experiencing CCD will not be as active as they used to be. They might be less keen to explore when going out on a walk or be less excited about toys and games. Loss of appetite is also a common sign. It is hard to say definitively what a dog with dementia will or will not look like. But they can usually be described as not acting like their ‘normal’ self.
How do I confirm my dog has dementia?
If your dog is starting to show some of the signs listed above, it may be time to make a visit to the vet. Even if it turns out they don’t have dementia, your vet has to rule out other medical causes of behavioural changes, such as hypothyroidism or brain problems that aren’t CCD. Only when these tests come back negative can the vet make a diagnosis of CCD, or dog dementia, and discuss treatment options and next steps with you. While there are no definitive cures or treatments for dog dementia, there can be some medications that your vet might advise you to use to slow its onset and progression and improve your dog’s quality of life.
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