Understanding Dog Dementia: How to Help Your Furry Friend Live a Happy Life

As our beloved canine companions age, some may develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), commonly known as dog dementia. This condition can manifest through various behavioral changes that significantly impact your dog's quality of life [1]. Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to support your pet can make a profound difference in their happiness and well-being.

I’ve had my own recent personal experiences with dog dementia. When my wife and I met, we collectively had five aging dogs. It was inevitable that one or two developed the symptoms of dementia. I know from firsthand experience that dogs can still have happy and fulfilling lives with this diagnosis, and understanding more about it can help you support your companion if or when they go through it.  

When our dog Barnaby started showing signs of dementia at 15 years old, I began to see how this condition impacts not just the dog, but the entire family. Living in an RV, constantly on the move, added a layer of complexity to our situation, but it also taught me invaluable lessons about the power of secure attachment, mental stimulation, and holistic care.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dog Dementia

Dog dementia can present itself in many ways. Some of these symptoms may be due to another health issue that senior dogs experience- arthritis, tooth and gum problems, urinary incontinence, hearing or vision loss, to name a few-  so it’s important to see a vet if your dog develops any of these problems to rule out a physical reason. 

1. Anxiety and Disorientation

Dogs can appear anxious, confused, or lost in familiar environments. This can lead to aimless wandering, excessive barking, or a general sense of disorientation in places that they used to know well. Sometimes a dog with dementia will appear to simply “space out” and stand for a while, like they can’t remember what they were just about to do. This is very common in the beginning stages of dementia. 

2. Clinginess or Wanting Less Attention

Some dogs may become overly attached to their owners, obsessively follow them from room to room, while others may withdraw, seek solitude and show a diminished interest in interaction. Please note that this is also a very common symptom in dogs with hearing and vision loss.

3. Changes in Eating Habits

A dog with dementia might forget how to eat or become picky about the food you give them, and will sometimes require hand-feeding. They may also bury or hide food. I currently have a 16 year old dog named Mischa who has recently been exhibiting food hiding, pickiness, and refusing to eat food out of a bowl. Patience is a virtue with this one, as it’s very time consuming to make sure she has enough nutrients. 

4. Altered Sleep Patterns

Changes in sleep behavior are common. Some dogs may sleep excessively, while others may have difficulty settling down, resulting in disrupted nighttime routines. Nightmares can be a part of disrupted sleep, or getting up and barking for no reason. 

5. Potty Training Regression

Incontinence or forgetting house rules can occur, leading to accidents in the house. This regression can be distressing for both the dog and their person, so if this happens, don’t punish. It’s  forgetfulness brought on by cognitive decline, so support them as best you can by making sure you take them out regularly for potty, even if they used to go out on their own. Your good boy or girl really doesn’t want to make a mess in the house, but it often happens with dementia, and aging in general. Dogs with dementia when they decline they can often rwvert to puppy like behavior, so have potty trianing tools available, like puppy pads or enrichment pens. 

6. Reduced Interest in Play

Your dog might lose interest in their favorite toys or games or exhibit less enthusiasm for activities they once loved. They may also become less interested in  physical exercise. Tune into how your dog is feeling on the walk or when engaging in play. If they seem less than enthused or even scared, you will want to switch up what you're doing. Perhaps they’d prefer to sniff around the yard or lay in the sun rather than chase a ball or have a long walk. Support them by honoring that their needs are changing. 

7. Sensitivity to Grooming

Dogs with dementia may become increasingly anxious during grooming sessions, making brushing or nail trims more challenging. This sensitivity can lead to a negative grooming experience for both dog and owner. Patience and a gentle approach is needed. I personally spend a lot of time trimming nails with my dementia dog Mischa. I give her lots of treats and only cut a nail or two at a time. I will even span out the trim over a day or two if she seems overly anxious about it. 

8. Reaction to Routine Changes

Dogs may show heightened anxiety when their daily routines are disrupted, reacting with stress or fear to changes that might have previously been inconsequential. An example would be that you come home a bit later than usual, so they don’t get fed or walked at their normal time. They may also not want to jump up on the bed or couch to snuggle anymore. A common issue with some types of dementia are balance disorders, so they may feel uncomfortable with high spaces. 

9. Behavioral Changes

Dogs with dementia often exhibit changes in their behavior that may be subtle at first but become more noticeable over time. One common symptom of cognitive dysfunction is something known as 'cognitive deficit barks.' These are the result of what is referred to as 'cognitive slippage,' a form of dementia commonly seen in senior dogs, as Linda Michaels notes in her book Do No Harm Dog Training (2022).

In Barnaby’s case, I noticed these types of barks more frequently as his dementia progressed. These weren’t his usual barks of excitement or alertness but seemed to stem from confusion, as if he had momentarily forgotten where he was or why he was barking. Understanding that these barks were a symptom of his cognitive decline helped me respond to them with patience and compassion.

Look for signs of new reactivity, depression, spacing out, or behavioral issues that were not previously present. 

10. Changes in Activity Levels

Some dogs may become lethargic, preferring to rest, while others may exhibit hyperactivity or restlessness and struggle to settle down. 

Supporting Your Dog Through Dementia

There are many strategies that can help your pup maintain a happy and fulfilling life when experiencing dementia. They can also slow it  down. Here are a few.

“It’s essential to begin treating CCD before its signs first manifest because CCD’s early symptoms are very subtle, almost unnoticeable,” stresses Leticia Fanucchi, PhD  a veterinary behaviorist and director of Veterinary Medicine Behavioral Services at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. - (“Dog Gone Day,” 2017)

Maintain Routine

Consistency is essential for dogs with dementia. Stick to a regular schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime. Predictability can help provide a sense of security and comfort. For dogs, especially those with CCD, a strong bond with their human provides stability. With my dog Barnaby, I focused on maintaining consistent routines—feeding times, walks, and rest periods—so that even as his surroundings changed, Barnaby had something familiar to hold on to. I also spent more time simply being with him, providing comfort through touch and presence.

Engage Their Minds

Exercising your dog’s brain can be incredibly beneficial. Use puzzle toys, interactive games, or training sessions to keep their mind sharp. Short, frequent training sessions can reinforce positive behaviors and enhance mental stimulation. If your dog becomes frustrated during brain games, invite them to play or snuggle. The most  important thing is that your dog is relaxed and happy, as stress is a factor in increased dementia symptoms. 

In the case of Barnaby, before jumping into mind games or nutritional adjustments, one thing became clear—Barnaby needed to feel secure. Dementia often leaves dogs feeling confused and disoriented, so reinforcing a secure attachment became my top priority. Living in an RV and frequently relocating made this even more important, as Barnaby didn’t have the stable environment that a home would provide.

Once he felt secure, using puzzle feeders and hiding treats encouraged Barnaby to use his nose and brain together. These games were simple but gave him the mental challenge he needed to stay engaged. They also helped strengthen our bond, as I guided him through each activity, providing positive reinforcement along the way.

Continue Training

As I worked with Barnaby, I found myself reflecting on an old Greek saying, παλιμπαιδισμός, which refers to a return to childlike behavior. This concept reminded me that dogs with dementia may revert to behaviors learned during their imprint period, much like humans often do when experiencing memory loss.

As Carrie Knowles so eloquently stated in her book, Alzheimer’s: The last childhood: “It is not always easy to understand what is happening. Alzheimer’s does not come on full blown, nor does it attack in a clean clear cut manner. It is often muddied by a family’s history. It is camouflaged by the quirks of aging and all those rough edges you don’t want, or just plain refuse, to see in someone you love.”

I noticed that Barnaby seemed to fall back on early-learned behaviors, particularly those from his formative years. Basic commands, like sitting for meals or following familiar routines, brought him comfort. I realized that reinforcing these behaviors wasn’t just about training—it was about helping Barnaby reconnect with a part of his memory that remained intact, despite his cognitive decline.

Physical Exercise

Regular physical activity has been linked to cognitive function in older dogs, suggesting that regular exercise may help maintain cognitive health 2. Tailor exercise to their abilities, ensuring it's manageable yet engaging. Simple walks or gentle play can be highly beneficial. Pay attention to how they’re responding to the activity, to make sure that they’re enjoying themselves. If they seem stressed or fearful, stop the activity and bring them to a space they feel safe in. 

Nutritional Support

Years before Barnaby developed dementia, I worked with a client Christopher J. Johnson, PhD, Clinical Professor of Sociology, M.S. in Dementia & Aging Studies and his dog who had some behavior problems. Although our work together focused on dog aggression, I asked him countless questions about dementia, and he explained the connection between the gut and the brain. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in cognitive health, with research indicating that an unhealthy gut can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to cognitive decline [3]

This understanding of the gut-brain axis played a significant role in how I approached Barnaby’s care.

The gut-brain axis is critical for cognitive health. In both humans and dogs, an unhealthy gut can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to cognitive decline. I adjusted Barnaby’s diet, and by addressing his gut health, I hoped to slow down the progression of his dementia and support his brain function.

Study shows, that this connection between gut health and brain function emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and gut microbiota management in dogs with dementia.

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) has shown promise in cognitive function studies. Research has found that microbial abundance in the SAMe metabolic pathway is associated with higher cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease patients [4]. This suggests that SAMe supplementation might be beneficial for dogs with cognitive decline.

Certain supplements may support cognitive function in aging dogs:

• SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine): This supplement is thought to enhance cognitive function and may reduce behavioral problems.

• Ginkgo Biloba: Known for its potential to improve blood circulation, it may support brain health. Study demonstrated beneficial effects in treating memory impairments, cognitive speed, and activities of daily living associated with various cognitive disorders [5]. 

• Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for brain health, promoting cognitive function and reducing inflammation.

• Antioxidants: Supplements rich in antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress, which is linked to cognitive decline.

• Probiotics: Probiotics are known to be one of the best preventative measures against cognitive decline in humans, and dogs are no different. 

Create a Safe Environment

Make your home more dementia-friendly. Remove hazards that could lead to accidents and provide a comfortable, quiet space where your dog can retreat when feeling anxious. Consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas. Balance can be an issue, so if you have stairs, make sure they are as safe as possible, or restrict access. 

Patience and Love

Above all, offer your dog patience, love, and understanding. Recognize that they are experiencing confusion and distress. Gentle reassurance, calm voices, and physical affection can go a long way in easing their anxiety. Focus on the moments of joy, however small. Whether it’s a wagging tail during a favorite activity or a successful potty break outside, celebrating these moments can enhance your bond and create positive experiences.

Monitor Health Changes

Keep a close eye on any changes in your dog’s health, including weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, or signs of discomfort. Regular check-ups with the vet are vital to address any emerging health issues.

Cognitive testing, questionnaires, and plasma biomarkers can be used to quantify cognitive impairment in aging dogs. Studies have shown correlations between cognitive test scores, owner-reported questionnaires, and plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) concentrations [6] . 

If you’re struggling with your dog’s cognitive decline or any behavioral issues, I’m here to help. As a holistic behavior consultant, I can work with you to create a personalized care plan that takes into account your dog’s specific needs. Together, we can focus on your dog’s well-being and support you through this challenging journey. 

Let’s schedule a call, and we’ll work together to create a plan that not only addresses your dog’s behavior but strengthens the bond between you two. Here’s the link to get started: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web

References:

1 Michaels, L. (2022). Do No Harm Dog Training.

2 Bray, E. E., Otto, C. M., Udell, M. A. R., Hall, N. J., Johnston, A. M., & MacLean, E. L. (2022). Associations between physical activity and cognitive dysfunction in older companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 13497.

3 Kaczmarek, J. L., Musaad, S. M., & Holscher, H. D. (2023). The importance of the intestinal microbiota in humans and dogs in the neonatal period. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1249718.

4 Chiu, W. T., Hsu, Y. C., Yen, C. T., Tsai, S. J., & Chen, T. F. (2022). Cognitive Function Associated with Gut Microbial Abundance in Sucrose and S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) Metabolic Pathways. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 12(4), 638.

5 Mahadevan, S., & Park, Y. (2008). Multifaceted therapeutic benefits of Ginkgo biloba L.: chemistry, efficacy, safety, and uses. Journal of Food Science, 73(1), R14-R19.

6 Dewey, C. W., Davies, E. S., Xie, H., & Wakshlag, J. J. (2022). Use of Cognitive Testing, Questionnaires, and Plasma Biomarkers to Quantify Cognitive Impairment in an Aging Pet Dog Population. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 86(4), 1731-1743.

Citations: 

Dog gone day. (2017). WASHINGTON STATE MAGAZINE, \vol17(1), https://magazine.wsu.edu/documents/2017/11/winter-2017-tablet.pdf/