Spotting early signs of dementia in dogs.
Diagnosing early could help your older dog live a more comfortable life.
Just like humans, our four legged friends can be diagnosed with dementia.
Referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), ‘doggy dementia’ presents similarly to Alzhiemer’s in people, leaving your dog confused, forgetful and subject to changing behaviour patterns.
Sadly, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction has no cure.
However, there are many ways we can help to slow down the progression of this disease, with early diagnosis having a huge impact.
Spotting signs of dementia in dogs
Dementia can impact all dogs, regardless of breed.
For most dogs, this is something they develop later in life, just like humans. The chance of developing the disease increases as they age.
Common signs to look out for include:
- Forgetting commands
- Staring into space
- Getting lost in familiar places (e.g. your home)
- Changes to sleeping patterns, such as being awake at night
- Peeing or pooing in the house
- Seeming confused
- Changes in behaviour, including how they react to you
- Increased aggression or snappiness
- Higher levels of stress and anxiety, such as unusual separation anxiety, or being anxious around people they know well.
If you are noticing any of these changes to your dog’s behaviour, book an appointment with your local vet
While a symptom may be caused by something else entirely, catching cognitive conditions early can increase the chance of successful management.
How do I find out about diagnosis and treatments for OA?
We have lots of information about how we diagnose, treat and manage older dogs with OA
Can arthritis in older dogs be treated?
Arthritis is a progressive condition that gets worse over time and cannot be cured, but can be very successfully treated. You can help make your dog’s life more comfortable with the right treatments, and changes to your home and habits.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet if it has arthritis?
Yes, your dog will need to see a vet if you suspect they have arthritis. An x-ray is required for a conclusive diagnosis, but your vet will often have a strong suspicion of arthritis based on examination and what you are observing at home. For some dogs, trialling treatment may be considered more appropriate than arranging x-rays.
A vet can also prescribe pain relief medication as well as advising you on how to best care for your dog at home. Some dogs have arthritis due to an underlying condition, and this may be treatable in its own right.
Is my dog in pain?
Dogs with arthritis will experience varying degrees of pain and stiffness, but the aim of treatment is to keep them pain-free. There are lots of things you can do to help them, like manage their weight, adapting your home and changing their exercise routine.
How long can dogs live with arthritis?
With the right therapies and treatments, arthritis should not affect your dog’s lifespan.
Is limping always a sign of arthritis in dogs?
No, it could be caused by injuries, ligament damage, muscle strains, infections, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions. Arthritis-related limping is often accompanied by stiffness, difficulty getting up, reluctance to exercise, and reduced mobility that develops gradually over time. If your dog develops a limp, see your vet as soon as possible.
Why is my dog stiff after sleeping?
Dogs with OA often appear stiff after resting because their joints become less flexible when they’re inactive for a while. Many arthritic dogs loosen up after a few minutes of gentle movement, but persistent or worsening stiffness should be assessed by a vet.
Do joint supplements help dogs with arthritis?
Joint supplements can help support joint health . Common ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). These ingredients may help support cartilage health and reduce inflammation.
Supplements are not a sole therapy and should always be given alongside treatment from your vet.
What foods are best for dogs with arthritis?
Diets formulated for joint support often contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly sourced from fish oil, may help reduce inflammation associated with joint disease.
For overweight dogs, calorie-controlled diets can be particularly beneficial because reducing excess weight significantly takes pressure off painful joints. Your vet can recommend the most appropriate diet based on your dog's age, size, and overall health.
Does weight affect dogs with arthritis?
Yes. Excess weight puts extra strain on a dog's joints, which can worsen pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Weight management is one of the most important aspects of arthritis care and can significantly improve a dog's comfort and quality of life.
Even the smallest weight loss can reduce stress on affected joints, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up easier.
Can cold weather make arthritis worse in dogs?
Cold or damp weather itself does not cause arthritis, but changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions may make existing joint pain and stiffness more noticeable.
To help keep a senior dog comfortable during colder months, have a warm sleeping area, maintain regular gentle exercise, and follow any treatment plan recommended by your vet.
Ways to help your dog with dementia
There are many ways you can help your dog if they are diagnosed with dementia.
Your vet will help you create a management plan, tailored to your dog’s specific needs and taking into account how far advanced their condition is.
Things the plan could include are:
Day to day care : Avoiding sudden changes, providing ‘safe’ spaces within your home that always stays the same and spending quality time with your dog can all have a big impact on how relaxed your dog can be.
Medical care: Medication can be prescribed to your dog, aiding their cognitive function. Treatment can help your dog sustain their normal routine through maintaining toilet training, activity levels, and supporting their sleep-wake cycle.
Supplements: There's evidence that food supplements designed to help with cognitive function, containing ingredients like antioxidants and fatty acids, can be really beneficial to dogs with dementia. Consult your vet about whether these would be appropriate for your dog.
As dementia is a condition that progresses over time, regular appointments with your vet are essential. Not only can they help answer any queries or worries, but it is also a great opportunity to see how your dog is doing and make any necessary changes to their care plan.
How do I find out about diagnosis and treatments for OA?
We have lots of information about how we diagnose, treat and manage older dogs with OA
Can arthritis in older dogs be treated?
Arthritis is a progressive condition that gets worse over time and cannot be cured, but can be very successfully treated. You can help make your dog’s life more comfortable with the right treatments, and changes to your home and habits.
Do I need to take my dog to the vet if it has arthritis?
Yes, your dog will need to see a vet if you suspect they have arthritis. An x-ray is required for a conclusive diagnosis, but your vet will often have a strong suspicion of arthritis based on examination and what you are observing at home. For some dogs, trialling treatment may be considered more appropriate than arranging x-rays.
A vet can also prescribe pain relief medication as well as advising you on how to best care for your dog at home. Some dogs have arthritis due to an underlying condition, and this may be treatable in its own right.
Is my dog in pain?
Dogs with arthritis will experience varying degrees of pain and stiffness, but the aim of treatment is to keep them pain-free. There are lots of things you can do to help them, like manage their weight, adapting your home and changing their exercise routine.
How long can dogs live with arthritis?
With the right therapies and treatments, arthritis should not affect your dog’s lifespan.
Is limping always a sign of arthritis in dogs?
No, it could be caused by injuries, ligament damage, muscle strains, infections, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions. Arthritis-related limping is often accompanied by stiffness, difficulty getting up, reluctance to exercise, and reduced mobility that develops gradually over time. If your dog develops a limp, see your vet as soon as possible.
Why is my dog stiff after sleeping?
Dogs with OA often appear stiff after resting because their joints become less flexible when they’re inactive for a while. Many arthritic dogs loosen up after a few minutes of gentle movement, but persistent or worsening stiffness should be assessed by a vet.
Do joint supplements help dogs with arthritis?
Joint supplements can help support joint health . Common ingredients include glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). These ingredients may help support cartilage health and reduce inflammation.
Supplements are not a sole therapy and should always be given alongside treatment from your vet.
What foods are best for dogs with arthritis?
Diets formulated for joint support often contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly sourced from fish oil, may help reduce inflammation associated with joint disease.
For overweight dogs, calorie-controlled diets can be particularly beneficial because reducing excess weight significantly takes pressure off painful joints. Your vet can recommend the most appropriate diet based on your dog's age, size, and overall health.
Does weight affect dogs with arthritis?
Yes. Excess weight puts extra strain on a dog's joints, which can worsen pain, inflammation, and mobility issues. Weight management is one of the most important aspects of arthritis care and can significantly improve a dog's comfort and quality of life.
Even the smallest weight loss can reduce stress on affected joints, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and standing up easier.
Can cold weather make arthritis worse in dogs?
Cold or damp weather itself does not cause arthritis, but changes in temperature and atmospheric conditions may make existing joint pain and stiffness more noticeable.
To help keep a senior dog comfortable during colder months, have a warm sleeping area, maintain regular gentle exercise, and follow any treatment plan recommended by your vet.
Food supplements will not fix the condition, but can help!
Choose supplements that focus on cognitive function; your vet will be able to give their expert recommendations for your pet.
There is no set age for how long a dog will live with dementia.
However, it is possible for a dog to live months or years after receiving their diagnosis. Provided their quality of life remains good, canine cognitive dysfunction does not affect life expectancy.
There are a number of reasons why senior dogs could be struggling to settle at night. Arthritis causing sore joints can make it difficult to get comfortable, while organ problems can increase urine production meaning your older dog needs to get up more often. If your dog seems disorientated, unusually vocal, or very awake, it may be a sign of cognitive dysfunction.
If your dog is struggling to settle, book an appointment with your vet to help find the cause and how you can help.
We know thinking about dog dementia can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to your own pet.
But the most important thing is to know the signs.
From confusion to changes in behaviour and struggling to sleep, being able to identify these tell-tale signs increases your chances of catching the illness early. This leads to more successful management of the condition and a higher quality of life for your four-legged friend.
If you have any concerns or worries, book an appointment with your vet for expert diagnosis and medical care.