Canine Cognitive Dysfunction: 6 Signs to Observe in Your Dog That Every Owner Must Recognize
Dogs, like their human companions, can experience cognitive decline as they age. This condition, known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), or 'doggy dementia', can cause a range of behavioural changes in dogs, similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans.
Dr. Charlotte Rice, an in-house vet at pet supplement brand YuMOVE, has shared key signs of CDS in dogs. These symptoms typically worsen progressively through stages from mild to severe, affecting memory, learning, and awareness.
Recognising the Signs
- Disorientation: The dog may get lost in familiar places or seem confused about their surroundings.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Dogs may sleep more during the day and become restless, vocal, or anxious at night.
- Loss of housetraining: A previously well-trained dog might start urinating or defecating inside the house.
- Decreased interaction: Dogs may lose interest in playing, greeting family members, or engaging in activities they used to enjoy.
- Repetitive behaviors: Pacing, circling, or other repeated movements can indicate confusion.
- Increased anxiety or irritability: Dogs may become unusually nervous, clingy, or display unprovoked vocalizations.
- Difficulty with routine tasks: Dogs may stare confusedly at their food bowl or have trouble performing familiar activities.
- Wandering: Particularly in later stages, dogs might wander around the house aimlessly.
Additionally, dogs with CDS may vocalize at night, disrupting their usual sleep cycle. They may also become more sensitive to different sights and sounds, which can make them feel stressed. Some dogs might become more snappy or agitated, while others might lose interest in things.
Managing CDS
While there is no cure for CDS, working with a vet can help maximize a dog's quality of life for as long as possible. Creating a calm, soothing environment at home can help dogs with CDS relax. Keeping up a usual routine can also help dogs feel more safe.
Offering reassurance and helping dogs feel safe can help when they seem unsettled due to dementia. Watching a dog's body language during interactions can help support them during situations they might struggle in due to dementia.
If a dog starts going to the bathroom on the floor, it could be a sign of CDS, and it's best to speak to a vet. If a dog starts avoiding hugs or is pacing around nervously, they might be feeling anxious due to CDS.
It's important to be aware of these signs to help and advocate for your dog. Recognising the signs of CDS early on can lead to earlier intervention and better management, improving your pet's quality of life.
[1] Hall, J. A., & Beach, T. G. (2002). A behavioural assessment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 77(3), 237-246.
[3] Morris, J. G., & Bannasch, D. L. (2001). Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome: a review of the literature. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 15(1), 1-12.
[5] Wells, D. L. (2000). Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome: a review of the literature. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 14(3), 154-161.
- Aging dogs can develop a condition called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), often referred to as 'doggy dementia', similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans.
- Signs of CDS in dogs can include disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, loss of housetraining, decreased interaction, repetitive behaviors, increased anxiety or irritability, difficulty with routine tasks, and wandering.
- Creating a calm, soothing environment at home, keeping up a usual routine, and offering reassurance can help manage CDS in dogs.
- Working with a veterinarian and understanding a dog's body language during interactions can help support dogs with CDS.
- Some dogs with CDS may vocalize at night, become sensitive to sights and sounds, and exhibit changes in their behavior, such as avoiding hugs or pacing around nervously.
- Early recognition of the signs of CDS can lead to earlier intervention and better management, improving a pet's mental health, health-and-wellness, and overall quality of life.
