If you have an older dog and they seem lost and confused lately, they could have canine cognitive dysfunction (aka, dog dementia). Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatments.
What is Dog Dementia?
Canine dementia is a condition characterized by progressive or persistent loss of intellectual functioning, especially with impairment of memory and abstract thinking, and often with personality change, resulting from organic disease of the brain. It can typically be seen more in senior dogs.
Can Dogs Have Dementia?
Turns out, they certainly can. Though many veterinarians and dog owners are unaware of it, canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD (also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome or dog dementia), affects a significant portion of the senior dog population.
The advances in veterinary medicine and improved owner care that have helped dogs live longer have also increased the incidence of CCD — but as many as 85 percent of cases may go undiagnosed.
This condition is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans and can cause significant changes in the behavior and personality of dogs and other pets as they age and as the disease progresses.
Symptoms of Dog Dementia
The symptoms and signs of dog dementia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms of CCD include:
- Disorientation and Confusion: Dogs with CCD may become disoriented and confused, especially when they are in new environments or when their daily routine is disrupted.
- Memory Loss: Dogs with CCD may forget things they have learned, such as where their food and water bowls are or how to perform simple tasks they once knew.
- Changes in Sleep Patterns: Dogs with CCD may become restless at night and may sleep more during the day.
- Anxiety and Agitation: Dogs with CCD may become anxious or agitated for no apparent reason. They may pace, bark, or become clingy.
- Loss of Interest: Dogs with CCD may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, such as playing with toys or going for walks.
- House-Soiling: Dogs with CCD may forget their house-training and may start soiling in the house.
- Changes in Social Interaction: Dogs with CCD may become more withdrawn and may avoid social interaction with their owners or other animals.
- Sundowning: If your senior dog seems confused, restless, or irritable after dark, they may have sundowners syndrome. Other dogs may even show aggressive behavior during this time, or changes in their sleep cycle.
Causes of Dog Dementia
The exact cause of CCD in dogs is not known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of CCD include:
- Age: CCD is more common in an elderly dog, especially those over the age of 10.
- Genetics: Some dog breeds may be more prone to CCD than others, although there is currently no genetic test available to determine a dog's risk for developing the condition.
- Brain Changes: As dogs age, their brains undergo changes that can affect their cognitive abilities. For example, the brain may shrink or the blood flow to the brain may decrease, which can lead to cognitive impairment.
- Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise, may also contribute to the development of CCD in dogs.
Diagnosing Dog Dementia
Diagnosing CCD in dogs can be difficult for dog parents because the signs of dementia can mimic other health problems. However, there are some tests that can help veterinarians determine if a dog has CCD. These tests include:
- Physical Exam: A veterinarian will perform a physical exam on the dog to check for any underlying health problems that may be contributing to the symptoms.
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Blood Tests: Blood tests can help rule out other health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, that may be causing the symptoms.
- Neurological Exam: A neurological exam can help detect any changes in your dog's brain function that may be indicative of CCD.
- Cognitive Assessment: A cognitive assessment involves testing the dog's memory, learning, and problem-solving abilities to determine if there is cognitive impairment.
Treating Dog Dementia
There is currently no cure for CCD in dogs, and no way to prevent dementia, but there are some treatments that can help manage the symptoms of the condition. These treatments include:
- Medications: There are some medications that can help improve a dog's behavior and cognitive function in dogs with CCD. These medications work by increasing blood flow to the brain or by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain.
- Diet and Exercise: A healthy food diet and regular exercise can help improve the overall health and cognitive function of dogs with CCD. There are certain prescription senior dog food diets that can help a dog's diet and their cognitive disorder.
- Environmental Enrichment: Providing a stimulating environment for dogs with CCD can help improve their cognitive function. This can include providing toys, puzzles, and interactive games.
- Routine: Establishing a routine for dogs with CCD can help reduce their anxiety and confusion. Keeping their daily routine consistent can help them feel more secure and comfortable.
- Supplements: There are some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, that may help improve cognitive function in dogs with CCD.
- Alternative Therapies: Some alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, may help improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety in dogs with CCD.
Caring for a Dog with Dementia
It’s an unfortunate reality many dog owners might have to face, especially if their beloved dog breed lives 10 years or more. A new study found the risk of developing cognitive issues within a dog's life rises by 52% each year after age 10 in many dogs. Caring for a dog with CCD can be challenging, but there are some things that pet owners can do to help their furry friends. These include:
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Patience: Dogs with CCD may become confused, anxious, or agitated, and it is important for pet owners to be patient with them. Remaining calm and reassuring can help reduce their anxiety. Dogs with canine dementia often show strange behaviors. They may become less responsive to commands, lose their house-training, or find it difficult to eat and drink. Dogs suffering from CCD also often bark more when they feel anxious.
It’s vital that you’re patient with your dog through these changes. While it can be frustrating if your dog has an indoor accident, for example, they didn’t do it on purpose – and scolding them will just cause additional stress and anxiety. - Safety Precautions: Dogs with CCD may become disoriented and may wander off or become lost. It is important to make sure that they are in a safe and secure environment at all times. A dog suffering from canine dementia is more likely to become confused, especially if they are also struggling with vision loss. To make things easier for your pet, always keep water, food and bed in the same place. Try to avoid placing new items or furniture near their bed or water, as this can cause anxiety.
- Consistency: As mentioned earlier, establishing a routine for dogs with CCD can help reduce their anxiety and confusion. Keeping their daily routine consistent can help them feel more secure and comfortable.
- Activity: Food puzzles and specific toys in which owners hide treats are great for dogs who develop dementia. It’s up to the dog to push, jiggle or jog the treats out of them. Such activities help keep dogs’ brains engaged.
- Quality of Life: Providing a high quality of life for dogs with CCD is important. This can include providing a comfortable bed, nutritious food, and plenty of love and attention.
Conclusion
Dementia in dogs is a degenerative neurological condition that primarily affects memory and the cognitive abilities of older dogs. Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, beyond what can be expected with normal aging.
These pets experience “cognitive decline” which is the slow decrease in the brain's ability to perform normal tasks. In fact, clinical signs of cognitive dysfunction syndrome are found in nearly one in three dogs over the age of 11, and by the age of 16, nearly all dogs display at least one sign. It's important to pay attention to the early signs of doggy dementia.
While there is no cure for CCD, and we cannot prevent dog dementia, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms of the condition for your furry friend. Providing a stimulating environment, a healthy diet and regular exercise, and a consistent routine can all help improve the quality of life for dogs with CCD. With patience, love, and care, pet owners can help their furry friends live a comfortable and happy life.
