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Dr Charlotte Rice, in-house vet at pet supplement brand YuMOVE, highlights that Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) in dogs, akin to dementia in humans, is more common than many people realise. One of the earliest warning signs of “doggy dementia” is a confused pooch.
Vet Dr Rice explains: “If your dog seems disoriented, it could be a warning sign.” This could manifest as the dog appearing “lost or confused in familiar settings”. If you notice this in your dog’s behaviour, it should not be overlooked.
Another significant behavioural change to watch for is increased irritability or a shift in how your dog interacts with people and other pets.
“If your dog starts to interact in different ways than usual, such as being more snappy or nervous, this could be a sign of [doggy dementia],” says Dr Rice.
A once affectionate and relaxed dog may become withdrawn, overly reactive, or even fearful in previously comfortable situations.
Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) can alter how dogs perceive their environment, leading to unexpected changes in behaviour that can confuse or upset their owners.
Close monitoring of your pet’s body language is key to spotting these subtle but important shifts.
Anxiety is another tell-tale sign, particularly if your dog begins acting unsettled in situations that were once routine.
Pacing, whining, or avoiding physical contact can suggest they’re feeling more vulnerable and sensitive to stimuli.
“Dogs with ‘dementia’ can be more sensitive to different sights and sounds, which can make them feel stressed,” says Dr Rice.
If your dog is showing signs of anxiety without any obvious triggers, it’s worth speaking to a vet.
Other red flags include memory loss, disrupted sleep patterns, and unexplained changes in daily activity levels.
Dogs may forget training they previously mastered, such as toilet habits or how to follow simple commands. “If your well-house-trained dog is starting to ‘go’ in the house, please speak to your vet,” advises Dr Rice.
Restless nights, aimless wandering, and staring into space are all commonly observed in dogs with the condition.
While there is no cure, Dr Rice advises pet owners to stay patient and kind, adding: “Be loving and understanding with your furry friend – and kind to yourself too.”
Six signs of doggy dementia
- Appears lost or confused in familiar settings
- Becomes snappy or interacts differently
- Seems anxious
- Memory loss
- Sleeping more (or changes to their sleep pattern)
- Your dog’s activity patterns are changing
