Restlessness, pacing or circling at sunset (sundowning).Sleeps more hours per day, especially during the daytime.No longer greets family upon arriving home.Seeks less attention (petting, belly rubs, play).
Reduced responsiveness to name or verbal commands. Fails to recognize familiar people or dogs. Seems lost in the yard or forgets the purpose of going outside. Becomes stuck on the wrong side of the door or behind furniture. To look out for canine cognitive dysfunction, remember to check your dog's "DISH": It is important for pet parents to become familiar with the various pet aging signs. The changes associated with dog dementia are subtle, and the gradual variations in a dog's behavior can be challenging to notice for even the most attentive owner.Ī familiarity with the signs of dog dementia will help you recognize any problems in the early stages, initiate a conversation with your vet, and be proactive in your dog's care. Unfortunately, many people attribute their dog's behavior changes to the normal aging process and fail to mention newly developing problems to their veterinarian. Although Alzheimer's is a widely recognized disease, CCD receives little media attention and can often be overlooked during senior veterinary visits. 
A Dog's Aging BrainĪccording to the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, the same pathological changes are found in the brains of dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction as are found in human Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Dog dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), has become a common problem as advances in pet healthcare have resulted in improved longevity. But finding out that your dog can also have mental "senior moments" comes as a surprise for many people. As a dog ages, a pet parent expects that their companion will have decreased energy and diminished ability to run and jump.
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