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Changes in appetite and trouble opening doors can be warning signs that your dog is developing dementia. Dementia is usually associated with memory loss in older people. But dogs can get it too.
Dementia Can Affect Dogs Too
If your dog is over seven years old and has experienced sudden behavioral changes, it could be a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). Dog trainer Lorna Winter explains that dementia in dogs is not the same as in humans. There are various dietary changes, medications, and behavioral therapies that can help. That’s why Ms. Winter recommends consulting a professional first.
She emphasizes that having a dog as a pet is not just about friendly cuddles and long walks. These animals, like humans, go through different life stages that come with certain challenges, new behaviors, and mood changes. Ms. Winter advises paying attention to the following warning signs that may indicate the onset of dementia in your dog.
Staring Into Space
Ms. Winter tells the Daily Mail that all dogs stare into space at one point or another, and it’s anyone’s guess what they’re looking at. She says dogs see differently than humans and are highly sensitive to smells. So when they seem to be staring into nothingness, they might be trying to focus on a particular scent. From the outside, it may look like they are gazing into the void.
However, in older dogs, this vacant stare can be one of the signs of dementia. Ms. Winter notes that prolonged gazing into space or at the floor in an elderly dog can be a warning sign of this condition.
As dogs age, they typically slow down, and there may be a decline in cognitive and sensory functions. These animals are not trying to be disobedient or ignore their owners; it’s simply a part of aging.
Difficulty Performing Simple Tasks
If your senior dog struggles with basic tasks they used to perform easily, this could be another sign of dementia. For instance, you might notice them having trouble opening slightly ajar doors.
Usually, a dog knows to nudge the door with their nose or paw to open it and get inside. However, a pet suffering from cognitive decline is likely to just stare at the door. This happens because they can’t figure out the next step to open it.
As Ms. Winter points out, a dog may have been opening doors for years, but cognitive decline can make it hard for them to access the memory of how to perform such simple tasks. Another classic example is "forgetting" how to turn around corners.
Sudden Loss of Interest in Food or Forgetting to Eat
When dogs suffer from dementia, they can become anxious and stressed because they feel less secure in their environment and with the people around them. According to Ms. Winter, this can lead to a loss of interest in food, or the dog may simply forget to eat.
Sometimes, there are cases where dogs with dementia eat more than usual because they forget they’ve already eaten. The trainer says that in any case, closely monitoring the eating habits of your senior dog is a good way to spot signs that something might be wrong.
Restlessness and Barking at Night
In young dogs, nighttime barking can be a sign of anxiety. However, in older animals (aged seven and up, depending on the breed), restlessness and barking at night can indicate age-related dementia.
Indoor Accidents
Senior dogs often have accidents indoors if they are suffering from canine dementia. This is another factor to consider and watch for as a sign of this age-related condition.
