Do you have an aging dog? Have you noticed changes in your dog’s demeanor or behavior and aren’t sure what’s causing it? Your pup may be experiencing signs of dementia, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). I currently own an 18 year old Rat Terrier with CCD, and it has definitely been a challenging time managing its symptoms and effects with my sweet old guy.
Senior dementia is a common problem seen in older dogs just like it is in older humans. Similar to Alzheimer’s in people, dementia in dogs often results in altered behaviors and memory loss. These changes may affect the quality of life of both the dogs as well as the dog owners, but by better understanding what is really occurring, owners may be able to lessen the negative effects of this issue.
What is Senior Dementia in Dogs?
Senior dementia is formally known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) but is often also referred to as doggy dementia or doggy Alzheimer’s. Dementia isn’t specifically a disease but rather a decline in cognitive function with a collection of symptoms that result in major changes in mood, behavior, and memory. It usually negatively affects the everyday life of a senior dog and is very common as they age. The Behavior Clinic at the University of California states that 28% of dogs aged 11 to 12 years display signs of dementia and that likelihood increases to 68% of dogs when they reach ages 15 or 16.
Leticia Fanucchi, DVM, PhD, director of Veterinary Medicine Behavioral Services at Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital categorizes CCD into four main types:
- Involutive depression – This form is similar to chronic depression in people and results in anxiety.
- Dsythymia – This form results in confusion, disorientation, and sometimes a loss of conscious
awareness of the body.
- Hyper-aggressiveness – This form involves the serotonin, or “happy hormone,” levels in the brain
and usually results in an aggressive dog.
- Confusional syndrome – This form is similar to Alzheimer’s in people where a major decline in
cognitive function occurs.
Signs of Senior Dementia in Dogs
The signs of senior dementia in dogs revolve around the brain changes that occur as a dog ages. These changes may be gradual and worsen as the dog continues to age or they may seem more drastic in nature. Some symptoms also easily go unnoticed until the dog owner is affected by them.
Signs of Dementia
- Soiling in the house
- Getting lost in the house/disorientation
- Barking without reason
- Going to the wrong side of the door
- Lack of interaction with people or other pets
- Decrease or lack of appetite
- Lower threshold for aggressive behavior
- Anxiety
- Irregular sleeping patterns
- Staring at the walls
- Pacing/repetitive behaviors
One of the biggest concerns that dog owners who have dogs with dementia note is the loss of house training. As some dogs develop senior dementia they get confused and may start urinating or defecating in the house. This can cause frustration for the owner who may in return get upset with their pet. This affects the human-animal bond and ultimately the quality of life of both the pet and the owner.
Other signs of confusion due to senior dementia include disorientation in the home, staring at walls, and going to the hinged side of a door when the dog has known for years which side of the door opens to go through it. Senior dementia can cause a dog who has known its home environment for years to suddenly get lost in rooms or corners of its house.
Vocalizations, including barking, whining, and crying for no apparent reason, are also often seen in dogs with senior dementia. This may be an indication of stress, fear, or anxiety due to the confusion and they may also show aggression. Aggressive behaviors may be more common in dogs with dementia due to their lowered threshold of tolerance and patience. Normally patient and willing dogs may suddenly exhibit signs of aggression such as growling and even biting at people and other pets. Irregular sleeping patterns, repetitive behaviors such as licking and pacing, a decrease in appetite, and even not wanting to interact with other pets or their owners can be additional signs of senior dementia in dogs. These, along with other behaviors, can all put a strain on the relationships owners have with their dogs.
Illustration: Elnora Turner. © The Spruce, 2019
Causes of Senior Dementia in Dogs
The symptoms are a result of changes or damage in the brain but different symptoms and types of dementia may arise from different brain issues. No one completely understands the complete causes of dementia but there are some things that are known due to the similarities dogs have with humans with dementia. Certain proteins that accumulate in the brain around neurons and the breakdown of neurons are two things that disrupt the normal transmission of information in the brain and therefore contribute to senior dementia in dogs.
Diagnosing Senior Dementia in Dogs
Monitoring signs and symptoms of senior dementia in dogs is vital in achieving a diagnosis. The Quality of Life Scale, or HHHHHMM Scale, is often used to aid owners in determining whether or not their dog has changed as it ages. This scale goes through the signs of dementia and includes a review of the dog’s behaviors. Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad are assessed in the HHHHHMM Scale. This scale also helps an owner decide whether or not a pet’s quality of life is still good as dementia progresses and may also help an owner decide when euthanasia should be considered.
Treatment and Prevention of Senior Dementia in Dogs
There is unfortunately no way to reverse the signs of dementia in dogs but there are some medications and nutritional aids that can be administered to help potentially prevent the brain changes as a dog ages and possibly slow the progression of the dementia. Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT’s) are the main dietary components that are often discussed for brain health. Some experts recommend supplementing dogs before they begin to show signs of senior dementia but there is no specific treatment or preventative regimen.
Dealing with dementia can be difficult for pet owners and caregivers, but it’s important to remember that your dog is not acting this way deliberately. The disease progression and resulting behavior is out of their control. And like humans with Alzheimers, your dog may have fluctuating good days and bad. Give your dog extra love and attention, especially during times when their symptoms are worse or they seem most confused, this is when they need the most familiarity. And see your vet regularly to discuss any changes or worsening symptoms. Your veterinarian can guide you through the process and help keep your pup as comfortable as possible.