11 Signs of Dementia In Dogs – Symptoms And Treatment

A dog living with dementia sleeping on a couch

Dementia in dogs is a condition caused by a dog’s brain aging, which causes behavioral changes and mostly impairs recollection, training, and understanding. All breeds of dogs are affected by canine dementia. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), often known as dog dementia, is a cognitive condition that affects dogs. Dementia causes older dogs to behave differently over time, such as forgetting commands, resting more during the day, and being restless and boisterous at night.Dementia In Dogs

Nearly a third of dogs aged 11 to 12 years and more than two-thirds of dogs aged 15 to 16 years are thought to be affected. 50 percent of dogs over the age of 11 show clinical indications of dementia. By the age of 15, it is estimated that 68 percent of dogs would have dementia.

A dog lying down with dementia

Early indicators of canine dementia are sometimes difficult to spot. They’re frequently misunderstood as simply becoming old. The actual etiology of dog dementia is unknown at this time. However, the disease is frequently caused by the physical and chemical changes that occur as part of the aging process, which disrupt brain function. However, dementia in dogs is caused by more than just age-related cognitive impairment. Dementia can be caused by genetic causes as well as other disorders such as brain tumors and brain damage.

Signs and Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs

Dog dementia has a wide range of symptoms, which can range from mild to severe as the condition worsens. The following are the most common signs and symptoms of canine dementia:

  • Anxiety
  • Failure to remember routines and previously learned training or house rules
  • No longer responding to their name or familiar commands
  • Extreme irritability
  • Decreased desire to play
  • Aimless wandering
  • Staring blankly at walls or at nothing
  • Slow to learn new tasks
  • Lack of self-grooming
  • Loss of appetite
  • Changes in sleep cycle such as night waking and/or sleeping through the night

Diagnosis of Dementia in Dogs

Dementia in dogs must be diagnosed by a veterinarian, and the present method is to rule out any other possible disorders. You’ll need to provide your veterinarian a detailed history of your dog’s health, including the start and type of the symptoms, as well as any situations that may have triggered the strange behaviors or difficulties. They will then conduct a thorough physical examination to assess your dog’s overall health and cognitive abilities.

A dog with dementia on the bed

Blood tests, ultrasounds, and X-rays are also used to rule out other disorders that could cause the behavioral changes seen in dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome. To rule out any other conditions, your veterinarian can do the necessary tests, or an MRI can be used to reach the best assessment.

Dementia In Dogs Treatment

Canine cognitive dysfunction condition necessitates lifetime treatment and assistance for dogs. It has no recognized remedy. Because the illness causes destruction of the brain, there is no easy treatment that can repair these structures. This ailment in dogs can be treated in a variety of ways. Prescription medicines, dietary adjustments, life enrichment, supplements, and surgery are among the options for treatment.

Tips for Caring for a Dementia Dog

A dog with dementia Looking dull

  1. Provide activities and opportunities for play during the day.
  2. Provide scheduled social contact opportunities.
  3. Allow your dog to be exposed to sunshine to aid in the regulation of his sleep-wake cycle.
  4. Continue walking the dog – don’t cut back on your physical exercise.
  5. Prepare your home for a new puppy or toddler by pet-proofing it.
  6. For your dog’s comfort, establish feeding, watering, and walking routines and patterns.
  7. Consider switching to a conventional older dog diet or a natural whole-foods diet.
  8. Supplement the dog’s diet, but only under the supervision of a veterinarian.
  9. When introducing new toys, food, people, or other animals to your dog, be aware of his or her limits.
  10. Keep instructions brief, straightforward, and humane.

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Your veterinarian may also recommend a particular, well-balanced food to help your dog’s memory, learning ability, and other cognitive functions. Antioxidants, vitamins E and C, selenium, flavonoids, beta carotene, carotenoids, omega-3, and carnitine are commonly added to this diet, all of which are beneficial to a dog’s cognitive functioning.

Kehinde Ezekiel is a freelance writer who has covered many topics, including home improvement, gardening, pets, tech, and parenting.