How to detect, prevent, and manage dementia in dogs

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or dementia, is a common condition in senior dogs that affects memory and learning. As cognitive function declines, affected dogs show behavioral changes, such as disorientation, anxiety, house-soiling, and restlessness. If you’re a dog owner, read on to learn:

• What causes dementia in senior dogs
• Symptoms of CDS in dogs
• How CDS is diagnosed and managed
• What to do if your dog shows signs of cognitive decline

Currently, there is no proven way to prevent or cure dementia in dogs. However, various management techniques, such as exercise, mental stimulation, a predictable daily routine, special diets, and supplements with ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids, may help slow progression. While CDS in dogs is not painful or life-threatening in itself, the condition often leads to humane euthanasia due to decreased quality of life in affected dogs and their owners.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), also known as dementia, is an age-related degenerative disease that affects memory and learning in dogs. CDS is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. As affected dogs age, brain cells (neurons) start to deteriorate, leading to cognitive decline. This deterioration is gradual, causing the brain to slowly lose the ability to process new information and recall old information. As a result, CDS is a gradual, progressive disease.

A protein called beta-amyloid begins to build up in the brain of dogs with CDS. This protein creates a toxic environment for neurons. As more beta-amyloid accumulates, more neurons are damaged, causing symptoms of dementia to worsen. CDS is not a painful or life-threatening disease. However, it often leads to humane euthanasia, as it negatively affects quality of life for both a dog and their owner. Senior dogs with CDS often have other age-related medical conditions that also affect their quality of life, such as osteoarthritis. Canine dementia is a common condition in senior dogs.

“The way CDS causes symptoms in dogs is not fully understood. However, oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, along with the loss of brain cells, may play a role,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform.

Symptoms of CDS vary between individuals and can change over time, typically involving changes in behavior and cognitive function. Common signs of CDS in dogs include:

• Disorientation or getting lost easily
• Anxiety
• Irritability or aggression
• House-soiling
• Inability to recognize previously familiar people or places
• Decreased interest in favorite activities
• Restlessness, especially at night
• Change in sleep pattern
• No longer responding to previously known commands

Dogs with CDS seem to regress in their learning and forget things such as:

• Potty training
• Regular schedules
• Familiar people, places, and other pets
• Commands

Dogs with dementia may get stuck in corners or lost in their homes. They may become irritable or aggressive toward once-familiar people and animals because they no longer recognize them. Affected dogs may also begin house-soiling. House-soiling in dogs with CDS is different from bowel or urinary incontinence because they are actively choosing to go where they shouldn’t as a result of regressed learning.

There is no definitive diagnostic test for canine dementia. A diagnosis of dementia in dogs is made based on clinical signs and by ruling out other health conditions with similar symptoms. Diagnostic testing may be recommended to rule out other causes of symptoms. Once CDS is diagnosed, an individualized management plan can be made based on the dog’s needs. There is no proven treatment for age-related cognitive decline in dogs. It cannot be cured or reversed at this time, but the condition is being studied.

The progression of CDS may be able to be slowed with various management strategies, such as:

• Maintaining a predictable schedule and environment
• Special diet and dietary supplements that support brain function
• Regular play, exercise, and training to stimulate the brain
• Medication for anxiety and other symptoms

Management methods may change as the disease progresses and symptoms change. Affected dogs may also require additional medical treatment for other underlying health issues.

Can cognitive dysfunction syndrome in dogs be prevented or cured?

Currently, age-related cognitive impairment is not fully understood and there is no known way to prevent it. More research is necessary for both the treatment and prevention of CDS in dogs. Maintaining physical activity and mental stimulation throughout a dog’s senior years may be associated with improving cognitive outcomes, but more studies are needed. At this time, there is no way to cure or reverse CDS in dogs. However, if detected early, it may be possible to slow the progression of the disease.

Talk to a veterinarian if your dog shows signs of dementia. It’s important not to assume their symptoms are simply due to old age, even though the condition is age-related. Earlier detection can help manage the condition and slow progression. In addition, there are many other health issues that have similar symptoms.

Checking in with an online veterinary professional can help you adjust management tactics based on your dog’s changing needs. Online virtual care appointments can help dog owners with symptom management without needing to visit an in-person veterinary clinic, which can potentially cause stress for a dog with dementia.

What are the common symptoms of dementia in dogs?

Clinical signs of dementia in dogs include disorientation, anxiety, a change in sleep cycles, house-soiling, and seemingly being unable to recognize once-familiar people, places, and animals. Symptoms vary between patients and can change over time as the condition progresses.

How can I help my dog with dementia?

Providing mental stimulation, regular exercise, and a consistent daily routine may help slow the progression of dementia in dogs as well as help with symptoms. If your dog is suffering from anxiety or becomes overly restless at night, a veterinarian may be able to provide medication to help. Prescription diets and supplements, such as those containing omega-3 fatty acids, may also help some dogs.

Can canine cognitive dysfunction be reversed?

Currently, there is no proven treatment for canine cognitive dysfunction that will stop, reverse, or cure the condition. There are some management strategies, such as special diets and nutritional supplements, a consistent routine, physical exercise, and environmental stimulation, that may help slow progression.