Dementia can often go untreated for quite some time or forever, because there is no test to diagnose it.
Many of the signs of dementia can be explained by other health issues. For example, a dementia dog can forget his housetraining and pee inside, but that could also happen if a dog has a urinary tract infection, kidney disease or diabetes and can’t get outside fast enough or often enough.
That’s why I created this checklist!
This alone does not prove your dog has dementia, but it will go a long way to helping your vet make a diagnosis. In addition to bringing this with you to your appointment, it’s also helpful to make a list of all the changes in behavior you’ve been noticing. Even something you don’t think is worth mentioning, is worth mentioning. Try and note when it started, what time of day it happens, how long it goes on etc… Videos are also helpful!
If you find out your dog does have dementia, read this ⇒ “A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Dementia“
Read this ⇒ “My Life as a Dog with Dementia“
Checklist
Note: There is a downloadable version at the end of this post.
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
Other dementia articles you’ll find helpful:
A Comprehensive Guide to Dog Dementia
My Life as a Dog with Dementia
I’ve been rescuing and caring for senior dogs since 2009. From vision and hearing loss to obesity, dementia, kidney disease, liver issues, cardiac problems, Cushing’s, mobility challenges and more, you could say I’ve dealt with and learned a lot! In addition to my hands on experience, I’ve taken many courses to keep learning how to help my old dogs and they include: senior dog enrichment, diploma in understanding canine anxiety, certificate in care of the senior pet and I’m a Certified Pet Loss Grief Support Coach.