Dog Dementia (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction)

Signs of Dementia in Dogs (DISHAA)

Sources: VCA, AAHA and IVIS.^3,4,2 Early signs vary a lot from dog to dog.² Owners often put them down to "just old age," so dementia is underdiagnosed.^2,12 VCA suggests yearly screening from age 7.³

Sundowning

Many dogs with dementia get worse in the late afternoon or evening. They may pace, pant, bark or seem anxious. This is called sundowning.^13,7 A steady routine, good lighting in the evening, a calm resting place and daytime activity can help.^13,3

Stages of Dog Dementia

Researchers often describe dementia as mild, moderate and severe, using owner questionnaires such as the CADES scale. Another scale, the CCDR, sorts dogs as normal, at risk or likely affected.^11,12

• Mild: occasional confusion, some sleep changes, subtle social changes
• Moderate: regular night waking, house soiling, getting lost at home, needing more help
• Severe: frequent disorientation, little interest in people, constant restlessness or anxiety, and losing basic habits

In the CADES study, 24% of dogs with mild signs worsened to moderate within 6 months, and 50% within 12 months.¹¹ Questionnaires can flag possible dementia, but only a vet can diagnose it after ruling out other causes.^12,4

How Vets Diagnose Dementia

There's no single test for dementia. Vets diagnose it by ruling out other causes.^4,7 Your vet will take a detailed history, often using a questionnaire, and do a physical and neurological exam with blood and urine tests.^4,1 Conditions that can look like dementia include:^7,1,4

• Arthritis and other pain
• Loss of sight or hearing
• Kidney or liver disease, diabetes and urinary infections
• High blood pressure and hormone diseases
• Brain tumors, which may need MRI to rule out
• Side effects of medicines

Treating pain or another disease can improve behavior a lot.^4,2

Treatment: What Helps

Combining several approaches works best.^2,4

• Mental exercise: short training sessions with old and new tricks, puzzle feeders, sniffing games and new toys ("use it or lose it")^3,4
• Physical exercise: gentle daily walks suited to your dog's body^10,3
• Diet: therapeutic diets enriched with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids or medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). In a 2018 trial of 87 dogs, an MCT-enriched diet improved all 6 groups of signs within 90 days, though the comparison diet also improved 4 of the 6. Both MCT studies were industry-funded.^14,15,4
• Supplements: ingredients such as SAMe, phosphatidylserine, ginkgo biloba and antioxidants are used, but the research is limited. Ask your vet before starting any.^3,4
• Medicine: one prescription drug is licensed for dementia in dogs (a MAO-B inhibitor). It can interact dangerously with some other medicines. Your vet may also suggest anti-anxiety medicine.^4,3

Home changes help too:^3,13

• Keep a predictable daily routine
• Avoid moving furniture
• Use rugs for grip and ramps for steps
• Use night lights
• Take more frequent toilet trips

Life Expectancy and Quality of Life

Dementia itself doesn't usually shorten life. In two Danish studies, dogs with dementia lived about as long as dogs without it.^5,6 Severe cases and dogs with other serious illnesses do worse. In one small Danish study, 8 of 13 dogs with dementia died or were put to sleep within 4 months of joining.^1,6 Usually it's quality of life, not the diagnosis, that guides when to say goodbye. Signs to watch for include constant distress, no sleep at night, no interest in family, or being unable to eat or toilet normally. A quality-of-life scale can help. It scores Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad.^16,17

Dogs with dementia may become anxious when left alone. Keep absences short where possible and ask your vet for help if your dog is distressed.^3,7

See also neurological problems in dogs, seizures in dogs and lethargic dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dogs live with dementia?

Many live a normal lifespan. Quality of life usually matters more than the diagnosis.

Is dementia painful for dogs?

Dementia itself isn't thought to be painful, but pain from other conditions can make signs worse.

Why is my old dog pacing at night?

Night pacing is a common dementia sign, but pain, needing to urinate and anxiety can also cause it.

Can dog dementia be reversed?

No, but early treatment can ease the signs and improve daily life.

What breeds get dementia?

Any breed can. We found no strong breed data, though smaller dogs may be at higher risk.