Dog Dementia

Why has my pet started pacing at night and not sleeping when they’re meant to?

Has my pet lost its hearing? It’s like it has forgotten its name!

Animals can get dementia too! In dogs, it is well documented and is called canine ‘cognitive dysfunction syndrome’ (CDS). In cats, it is not well described but it is believed to present later in life. In dogs, it can occur from as early as 6 years of age, however is often noticed years later when significant changes are observed.

It’s generally characterised by: progressive confusion, reversal of day-night wake-sleep patterns and poor adaptation to change. It is a progressive disease and the early signs may only be very mild, with time it develops into more obvious signs.

It can affect many facets of our pets’ lives:

• Spatial orientation – You may notice your animal staring at walls, standing in doorways for an extended period of times or barking for no apparent reason.
• Social interactions – They can struggle to remember things like; how they used to socialise, taught commands, social boundaries. You may notice a decrease in play activity or socially unacceptable behaviour towards other dogs.
• Sleep-wake cycle – They may not settle at night or sleep through the night like they used to, sometimes you may find them pacing.
• House soiling – As previously mentioned they can forget socially acceptable behaviours and taught commands, which can result in toileting in abnormal areas.

All of these changes can cause anxiety for your pet. At home, you can do a few things to help create a low-stress environment for your dog suffering from CDS.

1. Routine – Keep a regular routine around the day’s events. For example; feeding time, sleep time, walk time...  
2. Mental and physical stimulation – This has been linked to delaying the progression of the disease. Try and teach an old dog a new trick. Things as simple as a regular walk and some environmental enrichment can go a long way. There is an old saying, “if you don’t use it, you lose it” it is very true in cases such as a dog suffering from CDS.

Treatment for CDS, similar to dementia in humans, is a large area of research but there is currently no formal treatment for the disease. It is more based around maintaining mental health, while keeping your pet comfortable and happy to delay the progression of the disease.

• Prescription diets which contain ingredients to support brain health, have been linked in the delay of progression.
• Pheromone treatment can lead to a more restful night sleep.
• For dogs suffering from anxiety with CDS anti-anxiety medications may allow for your pet to express their normal self again.

There are many management options with only a few mentioned above and each case is individual and unique. If you think your pet could be suffering from CDS, book in for an appointment today to discuss it with one of our veterinarians. We can help you create a plan to manage and prolong quality of life for your dog.

Please note that any change in behaviour or activity level may indicate your pet is unwell and may not be related to the disease outlined above. If you notice your pet acting in a way that is not normal, please see your vet to get checked.