Symptoms of Dementia in Dogs, as Outlined by Elizabeth Claire Alberts and Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM on July 25, 2025
Dogs with dementia, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) or Canine Cognitive Disorder, often face challenges with learning and memory, forgetting commands and routines they once knew well. However, with thoughtful adjustments at home, pet parents can take significant steps to better support their furry friends.
Creating a Comfortable Living Space
One of the most important strategies is to create a safe, comfortable living space with familiar objects to reduce anxiety and confusion. This can be achieved by keeping doors open or closing off certain areas to prevent confusion. 1
Maintaining Consistent Routines
Maintaining predictable schedules for meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime can help reduce anxiety and improve orientation. Consistency is key in providing a sense of security and familiarity for dogs with dementia. 2
Encouraging Mental and Physical Stimulation
Engaging dogs in gentle exercise, short training sessions, puzzle toys, and problem-solving games can support brain health and tire them healthily. These activities can help slow cognitive decline and keep them mentally active. 2, 3, 5
Reducing Stress and Providing Comfort
Using dim lighting in the evening, providing a comfortable sleep area, and considering a nightlight can ease disorientation, especially during sundowning periods. Calming pheromones can also help soothe dogs experiencing anxiety or confusion, and can be particularly beneficial at night. 2
Balanced Nutrition and Supplements
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E, beta-carotene) and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce oxidative stress and support cognitive function. Supplements like Senilife, which contain a blend of antioxidants, can help counteract cognitive decline in dogs with dementia. However, it's essential to note that these supplements may carry some risk of gastrointestinal upset. 1, 3
Pharmacological Treatments
Medications such as selegiline (a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor) have been shown to improve cognitive function in dogs with CDS. 1, 2
Veterinary Monitoring
Ongoing veterinary exams are crucial to track progression, exclude other causes, and adjust treatments as needed. 5
Tailoring Activities and Gradual Introduction of New Routines
It's important to tailor activities to the dog’s health status and gradually introduce new routines to avoid stress. 3
Specially Formulated Dog Foods
Specially formulated dog foods, such as Purina Pro Plan Neurocare, incorporate brain-supporting ingredients to help dogs with dementia.
While no cure exists for CDS, these combined approaches can help slow progression, reduce symptoms, and enhance both the dog’s and owner’s well-being. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Addressing Sensitivity and Reactivity
Dogs with dementia may become sensitive and reactive to sights and sounds, and can develop a heightened fear of unfamiliar environments. It's important to ensure dogs with dementia have easy, unobstructed access to their favorite resting spots.
Recognising and Addressing Increased Anxiety
Dogs with dementia may exhibit increased anxiety and become more clingy or needy. Creating a calm environment can help dogs with dementia rest more easily.
[1]: Source 1 [2]: Source 2 [3]: Source 3 [4]: Source 4 [5]: Source 5
- Incorporating elements of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise into their daily routines, such as gentle exercise and puzzle toys, can help slow cognitive decline and keep dogs with dementia mentally active.
- For dogs with dementia, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids can support cognitive function and help reduce oxidative stress.
- Creating a peaceful sleep environment that includes dim lighting, a comfortable sleep area, and perhaps calming pheromones can help ease disorientation and anxiety for dogs with dementia during night-time hours.
