Dementia isn’t just a cruel disorder associated with memory issues in elderly people. It can also affect dogs, a condition known as Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). If your pet is over seven years old and has experienced a sudden change in behavior, it could be a sign of CCD.
Lorna Winter, a dog whisperer and co-founder of the dog-training app Zigzag, explains: “Dementia in dogs is different from dementia in humans. There are various dietary changes, medications, and behavior therapies that can help. However, it’s essential to seek help from a professional first.”
Winter adds, “Being a dog parent isn’t always about friendly cuddles and long walks. Like humans, dogs go through different stages of life, which come with specific challenges, new behaviors, and changing moods.”
These are the warning signs to look out for:
Lorna Winter is a Winter, co-founder of dog training app Zigzag and a director of Britain’s Dog Behaviour Training Charter (Zigzag)
Staring into space
Dogs often stare into space, leaving their owners curious about what has caught their attention. Lorna Winter explains, “Dogs have different vision capabilities and are highly receptive to scents. So, when they seemingly stare at nothing, they might be focusing on a particular smell, which can appear as if they’re staring.”
However, excessive staring into space can be a sign of CCD in older dogs. Winter says, “If you have an older dog, prolonged staring at nothing or at the floor could indicate CCD. It’s important to understand that as dogs age, they tend to slow down, and cognitive and sensory decline can occur. They’re not intentionally ignoring you; it’s simply a part of old age.”
Struggling with basic tasks they used to do with ease
If your senior dog is having difficulty performing tasks that used to be effortless, it could be a sign of dementia. Winter gives an example, “Think about a slightly ajar door. Normally, a dog would nudge it open with their nose or paw to get inside. However, a dog experiencing cognitive decline may find themselves just staring at the door because they can’t remember the next step to open it.”
Winter continues, “They may have been proficient at opening doors for years, but cognitive decline means their brain isn’t receiving enough fuel, causing them to forget how to complete simple tasks. Another common behavior is ‘forgetting’ how to back out of corners.”
Suddenly disinterested in food – or forgetting to eat
Dogs with dementia can experience feelings of anxiety and stress due to uncertainty about their surroundings and the people around them, says Winter. This can lead to a loss of interest in food. Winter adds, “A dog with CCD may also forget to eat. However, there are instances where dogs with CCD eat more than usual because they’ve forgotten that they’ve already eaten. So, it’s important to keep a close eye on your senior dog’s eating habits to detect any signs of trouble.”
Restlessness and barking at night
While barking at night in young dogs can indicate anxiety, restlessness and nighttime barking in older dogs (generally seven years old or more, depending on the breed), can be a warning sign of dementia, warns Winter. She explains, “In a senior dog, becoming restless and barking at night could be a sign of age-related dementia.”
Going to the toilet indoors
If your older dog is having accidents indoors, it may be a result of canine dementia, according to Winter.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
