Four key signs of ‘dementia’ in dogs affecting one in three pets

WHILE THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS PROGRESSIVE CONDITION, THERE ARE THERAPIES AVAILABLE TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR PET'S QUALITY OF LIFE. FIONA CALLINGHAM Lifestyle writer 04:30, 31 May 2025

Experts have shared four key signs of “dementia” in dogs that is thought to affects around a third of pooches by the age of 11. These symptoms could mean your pet has canine cognitive

dysfunction syndrome, a condition related to the ageing of a dog's brain. Also known as CCD or CDS, this condition is often compared to dementia or Alzheimer’s in humans. It leads to

changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. According to experts at Pet MD, the symptoms of CCD often start mild and get progressively

worse, similar to the effects of dementia. They said: “Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, beyond what can be expected with normal

ageing. “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.” While there is no cure for CCD, there are therapies available to

ensure your pet has the best quality of life possible. Therefore, getting diagnosed sooner rather than later is important. Pet MD listed four of the “most common” symptoms of dementia in

dogs. These are: Article continues below * Disorientation/confusion * Changes in behaviour * Anxiety/restlessness/impaired memory * Changes in sleep cycle Disorientation or confusion caused

by CCD might translate as getting stuck going around objects, not recognising familiar people or pets, staring blankly at walls, and pacing. Whereas changes in behaviour can be spotted in

extreme irritability, decreased desire to play, excessive licking, lack of self-grooming, or loss of appetite. Anxiety, restlessness and an impaired memory could lead to seeming disregard

for previously learned training or house rules, your pet being slow to learn new tasks, an inability to follow familiar routes, and faecal and urinary soiling in the home. Signs of changes

in sleep cycle can include night waking, night vocalisation, and night pacing. If you think your dog is displaying signs of CCD you should speak to your vet. Charity PDSA says: “Contact your

vet if you’ve noticed changes in your dog’s behaviour because symptoms of cognitive dysfunction usually get worse with time.” The exact causes of CCD are not known, but it is thought many

of the same changes that cause problems as people age are likely to also cause problems as our pets age. HOW TO CARE FOR A DOG WITH CCD “Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome

require lifelong therapy and support,” Pet MD says. “While there is no cure, there are several things that you can do at home to help your dog's cognitive functions.” Article continues

below These include: * Maintaining a healthy and stimulating environment including daily routine of exercise, play and mental stimulation * Maintaining a strict routine * Making your home

more accessible and safer * Night lights can help your senior dog navigate in the dark * Potty pads near doors give your pup a place to go if they can’t make it until you come home or wake

up * Orthopaedic foam beds (with washable covers) can make sleep more comfortable Your vet may also recommend medication and behavioural therapy, a special, balanced diet, supplements and

anti-anxiety tablets.