Just like many humans develop dementia as they age, so do dogs. Referred to as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), it’s not painful to your dog, but speaking from experience, it’s tough to witness. The good news is, keeping their mind active can help slow down cognitive decline and improve quality of life.

Signs of Cognitive Decline in Senior Dogs

If you notice any of these signs, your dog may be experiencing age-related cognitive changes:

Sleep and awake patterns

• Changes in sleep pattern
• Sleeps more during the day, less at night
• Wanders or cries at night
• Keeps family up at night
• Disorientation
• Performing the same behaviours over and over
• Having trouble eating or drinking 
• Doesn’t respond to her name
• Doesn’t respond to cues/commands
• Wanders aimlessly/paces
• Seems lost or confused in familiar surroundings like the house or yard
• Gets stuck in corners or other tight spaces and just stands there
• Has trouble with stairs
• Stares into space or at walls
• Difficulty finding the door
• Stands on hinge side of the door
• Does not get out of the way when the door is opening
• Stands at wrong door to go out
• Does not recognize family or friends
• Gets stuck under or behind furniture
• Has difficulty learning new things
• Walks in circles, usually in one direction

Housetraining issues

• May not remember the signal to go outside
• Goes outside and just wanders, then pees and poops in the house
• Does not let you know she has to go out like she used to
• A perfectly housebroken dog seems to have forgotten her training

Interaction with family and others in your household

• Does not greet anyone, or if she does she’s less enthusiastic than usual
• Does not look for attention like she used to
• Walks away when petted
• Withdrawn from family

Anxiety

• Seems fearful and/or anxious
• Easily startled
• Barks for no apparent reason
• Aggressive but never was before
• Trembles for no apparent reason 
• Afraid of people she knows

Activity level

• Less enthusiastic about her toys 
• Plays less or not at all

If you’re noticing any of these signs, please make a vet appointment. There are lots of reasons for these symptoms not just dementia, so the sooner you have a diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin.

I have a downloadable checklist in this article, for you to fill out and take to your vet.  

5 Ways to Support Your Senior Dog’s Mental Health

🧩 1. Mental Stimulation & Enrichment

Puzzle and treat dispensing toys – These are a great way to challenge your dog and get him thinking. You can find them in a variety of difficulty levels, so always start off easy. If it’s too hard your dog may get frustrated and walk off.  

Scent games – Hide smelly treats or use a snuffle mat to encourage sniffing, foraging and problem-solving.

New walking routes – Make walks more interesting by changing up the routes, introducing your dog to new sights and sounds.

Note: See how he or she reacts to that change, because not every dog will appreciate a different routine. If he seems anxious, go back to what’s familiar.

❤️ 2. Socialization & Emotional Support

If your pup loves meeting other dogs, or has doggie friends he likes to visit, keep those fun activities going.

Be sure to continue playing with your dog to keep him engaged, but give him quiet time if he seems to want a break.

Stick to your dog’s routine as much as possible, as they find comfort knowing what happens when.

🌙 3. Improve Sleep & Reduce Night Time Restlessness

As with sundowners in humans, dogs often sleep all day and awake when the sun goes down. That means you may be up much of the night as well.

Nightlights are a great way to help your dog navigate in the dark, and relieve anxiety. Many members of my FB group have found it a big help.

Is your dog happy sleeping where he always did? If not you may need to try a different bed or even location.

If your dog is really struggling and can’t settle, speak to your vet about possible medications that can help.  

🧠 4. Training & Learning New Skills

A great way to keep your senior dog’s brain engaged is by teaching new tricks, or brushing up on old ones. They don’t have to be anything fancy (unless he’s up for it!), it could be simple things like sit and paw.

As with all training, sessions should be kept short or they get fed up and walk away.

Perhaps there’s a scent or other fun class in your area that might be suitable.

🩺 5. Consider Supplements & Medications

Calming chews, Senilife and the prescription medication selegeline (known as Anipryl in the US and Canada, and Selgian in the UK) are just a few options to help with the effects of dementia. Selgian helped my dog Red for about a year or so.  

For a more detailed list, please check the articles in the resource section below.

When to See a Vet About Cognitive Decline

When it comes to senior dogs, any changes in behavior no matter how slight, warrants a vet visit. Whether it’s dementia or another cause found, an issue caught early has a much better chance of being treated and managed.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your senior dog’s mental well-being is just as important as their physical health. By providing mental enrichment, maintaining a familiar routine, and working with your vet, you can help your furry friend stay sharp, happy, and engaged in their golden years.

💬 What mental games or activities does your senior dog love? Share in the comments!

Resources

A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Dementia

Does Your Senior Dog Have Dementia

How to Treat Dog Dementia

My Life as a Dog with Dementia

 

I am a Senior Dog Care Consultant, helping senior dog parents struggling with anticipatory grief, quality of life and health & wellness issues. I offer practical tips, advice and one on one support. I am also a Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist, helping you navigate through your pet loss journey.

Click this link to book a FREE 20 minute discovery call, visit my services page to find out more or email hindy@greypawsandall.com if you have any questions.