Signs of dementia in dogs can be distressing to notice. After all, we want our grey-muzzled companions to be mentally sharp and happy for as long as possible in their golden years. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby takes an in-depth look at the five common signs of doggie dementia and explains how to help your dog with dementia keep living the good life.
Recently, a longtime friend and client brought in his 10-year-old black Labrador Retriever, Dixie. I had known her since she was about three months old. Dixie pranced into the vet clinic with the same happy attitude that she is known for.
However, Dixie’s dad looked very concerned. As I asked what was going on, my client started describing some changes he had noticed at home recently. His dear Labrador Retriever was no longer sleeping through the night. She was also barking more than normal and had started to show some aggression towards her “brother,” a small Terrier mix. It was very obvious that something was changing with his beloved dog.
Finally, he looked up at me and said, “My dog is doing things I never would have expected from her. Can dogs become senile?” I looked back at him and told him, “Yes, unfortunately, dogs can develop dementia.”
I went on to explain to my client that our canine companions are living longer than they used to because of the wonderful care they receive at home and from their veterinarian. This is great news because it means we get more time with our dogs. However, it also means that an increasing number of dogs are living long enough to develop dog dementia—also called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs (CCD) or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).
What is dementia in dogs?
Dementia occurs in senior dogs as they age. Their brain undergoes changes that are very similar to what doctors see in human Alzheimer’s disease or dementia patients. In fact, a 2019 article published in Frontiers in Neuroscience compared canine cognitive dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease in detail. These brain changes can affect a dog’s memory, behavior, sleep patterns, activity, and appetite.
In recent studies, it has been estimated that approximately 28% of senior dogs develop CCD by 11 to 12 years old. When dogs reach the ages of 15 to 16 years, it is estimated that approximately 68% have doggie dementia.
What are the signs of dementia in dogs?
The first signs of canine dementia may be difficult for you to recognize. Early signs of cognitive decline are sometimes very subtle. That’s why it is important that dog parents know what to look for.
Dog dementia symptoms are grouped into three stages—mild, moderate, and severe. There are typical patterns that appear within each stage. However, it’s important to note that not every dog follows these exact patterns or stages.
So any of the signs described below could be seen at any time once dementia sets in.
3 stages of dog dementia
Stage one: Mild
In the early stage of dementia in dogs, signs tend to be more mild and easier to miss. You may notice changes in your dog’s sleep patterns and maybe mild changes in how your senior dog socializes with you or other pets.
Stage two: Moderate
The moderate stage is when signs may become more apparent to you. The most frequent sign of dog dementia at this stage is house soiling—even though your dog was previously house-trained.
Stage three: Severe
The last stage is severe symptoms. In this stage, the signs mentioned above tend to increase. Also, you may notice your dog starting to wander around the house throughout the night instead of sleeping. Your dog may begin to bark more at things that aren’t really there.
5 signs of dementia in dogs
Let’s explore the five signs of dog dementia in depth.
1. Disorientation
Some dogs with dementia seem to lose their sense of direction or may walk around appearing confused. Disorientation can be seen in a variety of ways in our senior dogs. Some dogs may walk up to furniture and appear unsure of how to go around it.
If you have ever seen the movie A Bug’s Life, the scene at the very beginning of the movie when the leaf falls and blocks the line of ants carrying food is similar to disorientation. That leaf falling blocks the path that the ants always take, and they become disoriented and need the other ants to lead them around the leaf back to the correct path.
Sometimes, as our senior dogs become disoriented, they might need help just like this to re-learn how to go around the couch or table to get where they want to go.
As our beloved companions age, they may also experience vision changes or cloudy eyes in dogs. Impaired vision can combine with mild dog senility to create more significant confusion and disorientation.
Other signs of disorientation include:
- Forgetting where the water bowl or doggy door are located even though they have always been in the same spot.
- Walking in circles as if stuck in that motion and don’t know how to stop.
- Getting stuck in a corner or standing with the head leaning on the wall like he or she doesn’t know what to do (head pressing).
- Standing at the wrong side of the door when it is opened.
If you begin to see your dog exhibiting any of these signs, but you are not sure if your dog is truly disoriented, take a video to show your vet. This will help you explain what you are seeing so your vet can figure out the best way to help your pup.
2. Changes in social behavior
One of the most common reasons dog parents bring their dog to the vet is social behavior changes at home. These changes may occur with the people living in the house or with other pets. As mentioned, doggie dementia affects our dogs’ memories. This means they may forget those that they live with or forget how they normally play with other dogs or cats.
Some dogs become less interested in playing with or receiving attention from their people. This may mean they no longer care when company comes over. They used to get excited or bark to greet guests, but now they don’t. Other dogs may become more needy and want extra attention.
Finally, the change that is usually the most concerning to owners, is sudden aggression toward people or animals. This was one of the big problems my client was seeing because Dixie was attacking her terrier “brother.”
If you begin to see changes in behavior at home, especially more aggressive behavior, please discuss it with your veterinarian immediately. While these changes may be related to dementia in dogs, it is important to make sure that there are no other health problems going on.
Arthritis in dogs or other causes of pain in dogs could also cause your senior dog to act differently. A painful dog is often more likely to growl or snap when painful parts (such as hips or back) are touched.
3. Changes in sleep patterns
In some cases, altered sleep patterns may be the first sign that you recognize in your furry friend because this interrupts your own sleep. Dogs with dementia often start waking up more in the middle of the night than they previously did. Dementia can be one of many causes of senior dog anxiety at night.
Your dog may do different things when he or she wakes up. Some may pace back and forth all night as if they are anxious about something. Other dogs may wake up barking as if someone knocked on the door or they saw a ghost. And others may wake up and decide they are starving and need to eat right then!
Some dog parents describe this stage as being similar to having a newborn baby at home. Or others may compare it to sundowning in humans with Alzheimer’s (which is why CCD is sometimes called sundowners in dogs). It is okay to be frustrated when this happens because it is exhausting for both you and your dog!
4. Accidents in the house
As canine cognitive dysfunction progresses, some senior dogs may forget the commands and tricks you previously taught them. When you say “sit,” “come,” or “stay” they may just look puzzled. Senile dogs may also forget all that hard work you put into house training. Inappropriate urination or defecation in the house may occur due to:
- Increased anxiety that occurs with dementia.
- Going outside and forgetting what they were supposed to be doing.
- Forgetting where the doggy door is or how to use it.
- Forgetting their body cues and not realizing they have to go until it’s an emergency or too late.
- Forgetting how to signal to you that they need to go out.
However, accidents in the house can happen for other reasons in senior dogs. Urinary incontinence in older dogs, Cushing’s disease in dogs, diabetes in dogs, administration of medications like prednisone for dogs, or urinary tract infections in dogs may also cause urinary accidents. It is important to discuss accidents and other signs with your veterinarian to ensure he or she has the needed information to make the right diagnostic and treatment plan.
5. Increased anxiety and changes in activity or appetite
As mentioned, doggie dementia may cause increases or decreases in activity. Increased activity usually presents as pacing or restless nights. On the other hand, dog parents may easily mistake decreased activity during the day for age-related slowing down. Dementia patients commonly want to sleep more during the day (more than the number of hours an old dog should sleep) or may not be as excited to play as they used to be.
Activity may also change because anxiety can become worse once dementia sets in. Sometimes, dogs can sense the changes happening. They are scared and confused because they don’t remember how to follow commands or they keep getting lost around the house.
In addition to confusion-based anxiety, some senior dogs with dementia may develop noise-based anxiety. This may include reacting to fireworks, thunder, or even small noises like car alarms or the stove beeping. Another common sign some owners notice is that their four-legged friend is more attached to them. This can be a result of separation anxiety.
Since activity can decrease and anxiety can increase, another sign is decreased eating and drinking. If your old dog is not eating well, CCD may be the cause. This may occur because dogs feel too tired or confused to get up and go to the bowl. Also, they could forget where the bowl is located or forget that they were hungry or thirsty.
How is doggie dementia diagnosed?
The most important diagnostic step is for dog parents to notice the signs at home. You spend the most time with your furry friend and you know him or her best. Dogs often tend to behave differently at the vet than they do at home, so your vet may not be able to see what you see.
It is important that you let your veterinarian know when your dog’s behavior is changing and you think something is wrong. If you are confused about what your senior dog is doing or don’t know how to describe it, pull out your smartphone. Pictures and videos can help your vet “see” what is happening.
Additionally, you could consider filling out a canine cognitive dysfunction checklist and bringing it to the vet appointment. This sort of tool can provide an overview of the symptoms your dog is exhibiting, which also helps with the diagnostic process.
Once you bring your dog to the vet, he or she will ask you to describe what is going on. Typically, your vet will also ask a variety of follow-up questions. Sometimes he or she may recommend different tests such as blood tests for dogs, X-rays, ultrasound, CT, or MRI. These tests can help rule out other health issues that could have similar signs.
These steps are important because there isn’t an easy “yes” or “no” test that can definitively say if your dog has dementia. Ultimately, your vet makes the diagnosis based on your observations after ruling out other conditions.
How are signs of dementia in dogs treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for doggy dementia. But we can treat some of the symptoms to improve quality of life. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications or supplements to help keep your dog comfortable and manage anxiety or disrupted sleep patterns.
Some of the more common may include:
- Melatonin for dogs, which may help restore normal sleep-wake cycles—As a word of caution, some formulations of melatonin, especially melatonin gummies, may contain the sugar substitute xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. Always check the label for xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar) before giving melatonin supplements to your dog.
- Anti-anxiety medications such as trazodone for dogs
- Anipryl® (Selegiline for dogs), a medication that affects signaling chemicals in the brain to manage the signs of dementia
- Omega-3 fatty acids for dogs
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
- Medium chain triglycerides (MCT oil for dogs), which provide easy-to-use energy for the dog’s brain and may help support and improve cognitive function in dogs with CCD. A great source of high quality MCT oil formulated for dogs is Dr. Buzby’s Brain Boost™ organic MCT oil for dogs.
There are a variety of medications, supplements, and diets that may help with dog dementia beyond the short list shown above. Your vet is the best person to decide which of these options are right for your dog, which is why they are not covered in more detail here.
Please keep in mind that senior dog supplements are not regulated by the FDA and some are more effective than others. I always advise talking to your veterinarian before beginning any OTC supplements for your dog.
Things you can do at home to help your dog’s memory
There are also activities you can do at home to help your dog’s memory. You may have heard human doctors recommend puzzles to Alzheimer’s patients. Puzzles can be good for dogs too! You can try different “thinking games” at home such as food puzzles (found online and at most pet stores).
Some owners play “watch the food” where they put a piece of food under a cup and leave two cups empty. Then they move the cups in a circle on the floor and the dog has to find the food. This is a great way to keep your senior dog mentally stimulated, and can also be a way to encourage them to eat.
For dogs with severe dementia symptoms, a consultation with a veterinary behaviorist may be helpful to develop strategies to help keep them comfortable and calm.
Back to my client, the lovable Labrador with dog dementia
Dixie’s relationships with her dad and “fur sibling” improved after starting anxiety medication and learning “thinking games.” She loves to play hide-and-seek with her dad. He told me that once he taught her this game, their relationship grew back to where it was and her activity level seemed to improve.
She still has some hard days, but she continues to love food and going on her walks. Her dad understands that just like with human Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can progress over time. And he knows that eventually he will have to face that dreaded decision of when to euthanize a dog with dementia. However, he is making the most of her golden years and plays an important role in helping her improve!
Hope for dogs who are showing signs of dementia
If your senior dog is showing some signs of dementia in dogs or if he or she has recently been diagnosed with CCD, it can be normal to feel scared or unsure of what is next. However, there are so many ways you can improve your dog’s quality of life.
Dementia doesn’t have to define the last chapters of your dog’s life. Be sure to ask your veterinarian any questions that you have and work with him or her to develop a plan for your dog. Together, you can help your senior dog have comfortable, happy golden years in spite of his or her doggie dementia diagnosis!
Does your dog have dementia?
Please comment below to share his or her story.
Our papillon, almost 16 years old, symptoms started almost 1 year ago. She’d wander around looking lost, then walking in big circles. She had to have her right eye removed 8mo before this started, and since she always circles to the left I just figured it had to do with that. over the course of the the year it began to progress, more circles, hard time finding her food dish (we have to place her in front of when we feed her) and even while eating she will turn away from the dish and occasionally forget where the bowl is again. In the last week I’ve noticed her circles getting smaller, and making herself dizzy as a result (when I get her to stop she will do quick little turns with her head for a couple minutes) it’s been also taking her a little longer to settle down and sleep at night, so I’ve been having to give her gabbapentin slightly more often (I try to hold off on giving her that outside of getting groomed or a bath, because I feel she is more prone to having an accident in her bed while sleeping when I do) she has but hasn’t been herself at the same time throughout all of this. When we took her to the vet when this first started (as well as her annual check up months after) the vet didn’t really have suggestions or even officially diagnose as doggy dementia, said possibly an inner ear issue or brain tumor but basically chalked it up to with how old she is, not worth doing much of anything aside from monitoring the quality of life. I am torn, I love my sweet girl, I don’t feel she is ready yet, but also not sure that I am just being selfish. She sleeps, circles and eats. I know it doesn’t sound like a great quality of life, but she seems to be content – and still herself to some degree.
Wondering if there is anything worth trying to help improve the time she has left, would a supplement be with trying this late in the stage of it?
Dear B,
My heart aches for you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. I am so sorry she is struggling and just not herself anymore. I understand how hard it can be to decide when to say goodbye. I will attach links to other articles with more information and great advice from other readers. Also, I do think supplements are worth a try. I have seen them do wonderful things for many different diseases and problems. Hoping you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for your sweet girl. Best wishes and bless you both.
1. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
2. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
My 10 yr old terrier-chi, Oliver, just started showing signs of disorientation. When it’s time to go outside to potty, I’d open the door & he’ll be in the middle/end of the door waiting & I’m like Oliver this side. I thought it was eyesight issues until I found this article. A year ago, he started using the bathroom inside (even pooping & he’d NEVER done that) & I was pregnant then, we had just moved, & I was workout new hours, so i assumed it was due to those new changes. However, sometimes he still will do it, so unfortunately he stays confined in a playpen with potty pads for those accidents.
Hi Shari,
Yes, it does sound like Oliver is dealing with the early stages of dementia. I am sorry your pup is showing signs of confusion and having accidents in the house. I am glad the article was informative and offered insight to your situation. Wishing you and your sweet boy all the best as you navigate this difficult path ahead.
Hi everyone
Since April I finally became one of the senior dog with dementia owners – I’m now documenting Snoopy’s journey
He’s a bubbly loving chihuahua/ Lhasa – he will be 16 9/19
I’m happy to report since we finally figured out what was wrong after 5 vets yes 5
I kept begging them for selegine I finally got it but not before eye test – hearing – X-rays – I finally filmed him for 24 hours unmedicated and took the videos of the howling pacing whining confusion non responsive heartbreaking episode
I got all my stuff
Selegine – hills prescription brain dry – aging care wet – omega -Cbd-interactive treat toys with only brain foods – melatonin-
I need to keep him calm and not get him excited with things like food watermelon as a treat triggered him for 2 weeks – it took almost 3 to work out the manic – hyper- restless – spinning – aggression cycles he’s ok again
Everyday is different we never know but I do know everything. I have worked and is working for now I have to do a dance to see what extra or less of something I can give him each new day depending on him
I found little info and feel so compelled to share my little success im having now that I’m cherishing every second
Aktivate from UK Supplements and his brain foods only are keeping us going with that horrible disease just below surface for now keeping at bay
Feel free to contact me for any questions on what I’ve done and am doing
My original goal was snoopy and I were going to take him to 20 healthily
Now we just might make 17 or heck even 18 we will just have to see
Alison and Snoopy in Monterey
Hi Alison,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I am glad you have found the combination of treatments that seem to work best for Snoopy. He is a very lucky pup to have you taking such an active role in advocating for his health and well-being. Wishing you both all the best and keep up the good work!
My 14 year old chihuahua has inflammatory brain disease. He was diagnosed at 5 years old. He has been on Prednisone since then. Recently he has been unable to hold his urine or bowels. He has also been found pacing in the backyard looking completely lost. The most recent development is barking at night. This started a few days and has not stopped. I have reached out to his neurologist to see if we can make any medication changes. I really do feel this may be the end. I have had him for his entire life.
Dear Chelsea,
My heart goes out to you and your senior pup. I am sorry he has developed these strange behaviors and agree they sound like dementia/cognitive dysfunction. I am curious to know what the neurologist recommended. Were you able to talk with them? Praying for clarity in decision making and strength to navigate this unknown path ahead. Bless you and your sweet boy. ♥
My dog Peep T. Has dementia. The vet mentioned it first. She sits and stares with a faraway look on her face. She has had several accidents lately… the worst of which was urinating on our bed. She sleeps with me. This was during the day. I notice she is very clingy.
She has always been very intelligent and likes to please. This is heartbreaking. We will be leaving the panhandle of Florida in three months. For Atlanta area of Georgia. Do you have any advice?
Hi Mary Ellen,
I am sorry your girl is struggling with the effects of dementia. I understand your concern with this upcoming move. Big changes to her surroundings and routine can exacerbate the dementia symptoms. I would discuss this with your vet and see if there are any medications they would be willing to prescribe to make sure things are as well managed as possible. Also, diapers can be a lifesaver when it comes to the stress of cleaning up frequent accidents. Try to give yourself some grace and take things one day at a time. Praying your girl can adjust to her new home and acclimate quickly.
My almost 17 year old Tank is in the final stages of dementia. Much love to everyone who’s rescuing their babies from corners, and under tables, and chasing down to get them outside before they go potty in the house. I recommend making sure your pup is chipped AND wears a tag with phone number at all times. Our boy slipped out and ended up in a shelter 30 minutes away. Had he been chipped (he is now) or wearing his collar, I would have been contacted before he went through the intake at the shelter and ending up even more confused
Hi Casey,
Thank you for bringing up this very important topic! Pet identification can be extremely valuable especially as dementia starts to cause confusion in our senior dogs. A dog that would never even think about wandering away from home may end up doing so due to the side effects of this terrible disease. I am glad you were able to find your sweet boy and bring him back home. Wishing you both the best. Bless you!
Everyone with a dog with dementia symptoms…….
Please try a product on Amazon called Senior Dog Wisdom. it is a chewable that has changed my dogs life and mine! my senior can not handle the typical meds for cognitive issues. we tried, he flipped out. I was determined to find something for him since he was roaming at night, not eating well and just acting anxious. I found this product and even though my vet said it could take a month to work, there were big changes within a week or two. Chip is wandering much less and sleeps pretty well. he is eating almost as much as he always did. he still stares into space, but overall we have much hope that this product is extending his life. I have NO affiliation with the product other than being a very satisfied customer.
Hi Linda,
I am glad to know this supplement has helped Chip and given him a better quality of life. Thank you for sharing this great information with our readers!
Hi Linda do you have a photo of the product? I have tried finding this on Amazon but unable to find as it’s bringing up lots of other things
Hi Geri,
Please don’t take this as my seal of approval for this supplement. I have no personal experience with this product and cannot see the list of ingredients to determine its safety. But I did find it on Amazon. Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/Herbsmith-Senior-Dog-Wisdom-Supplement/dp/B0764J8YD3?th=1
Thank you for providing this info. I immediately went to Amazon and ordered them! I swear I can tell the relief in my 15 1/2 yr old English Springer in just a few days. He’s on meds for arthritis pain, Xanax for anxiety in the evening and now doggie wisdom supplements. He’s mid stage CCD and I’m so grateful this adds to his comfort. He’s the love of my life.❤️
I think the senior dog We adopted 6 months ago has dementia. Licking lips alot even though no serious dental disease. At night will wake up several times and pace the bed or jump off the bed and walk in circles and then 1 min later whine to get back on the bed. Also she paws at you to pet her and then sometimes will growl at you when you pet her. The worst episode by far was when she jumped off the bed in the night and ran down stairs as fast as she could. I don’t even think I’ve ever seen her run that fast. Anyhow, I followed her and she was walking around in circles downstairs. I decided to let her outside thinking maybe fresh air would help break the spell. She immediately ran out into the yard and started chowing down grass as fast as she could like she was starving. She ate grass for 5 min straight. I thought she was going to throw up that night but she never did. Also she’s barking a lot more during the day at anyone who walks by the house and when she isn’t doing that she goes upstairs by herself to sleep. I also noticed during the day she sometimes doesn’t come down for her meals and I have to take it up stairs for her. Sometimes she turns her nose at the food and will only eat if I hand feed her.. So even though I have only had her for about 6 months, I can tell something is wrong. Pretty sure it’s dementia, or else she’s bi polar. Lol. Just kidding.. But she’s only 11 according to the paperwork that came with her. But who knows. Anyhow, next time I take her to vet, I will ask about the fact that I think she has dementia. Poor girl.
Hi Lisa,
I am sorry you are dealing with these worrisome behaviors in your newly adopted pup. While some of what you describe could be signs of dementia, other things you mentioned make me suspicious there could be something else contributing to her troubles. I think it would be a good idea to have your dog evaluated by your vet. Without examining her myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but I would want to rule out causes of nausea and other GI issues. Also, it would require a thorough dental exam to rule out a tooth issue as a source of pain. The lack of heavy tartar or calculus doesn’t mean there cannot be a hidden problem somewhere in the mouth. I am hopeful you can get to the bottom of these troublesome behaviors with the help of your vet. Wishing you both the best of luck! Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
my dog is 10.5 years old. for the past year she has exhibited anxiety during storms. in the last several months it is as if someone turned of a switch. she no longer wishes to go out unattended and cringes when approached. she wanders like a lost soul and she no longer wags her tail or barks. I have to encourage her to eat and to go outside. she has been to the vet and had every imaginable test. I have finally had to face the fact that she has dementia. . it is breaking my heart, all she does is sleep eat and relieve herself. last night she wandered aimlessly all night. I have started giving her cognition and calming bites but see no improvement. I hate the thought if putting her down but there is no quality of life for her. does anyone else have this dilemma?
Dear Janine,
My heart goes out to you as you face this difficult situation with your senior girl. You most definitely are not alone and are among countless others facing the same thing. I will attach links to other articles with more information and hundreds of comments just like yours. Please read through the stories of our readers who wanted to share their experiences in hopes of bringing comfort to another. I pray you can find the advice you need to navigate this emotional path. Wishing you strength and comfort. Bless you and your sweet girl.
1. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
4. How Will You Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Dog? 5 Caring, Heartfelt Messages
yes I’m actually in tears. my baby brown hound is at least 14 he was on our porch one morning, just a puppy. He has been to vet, kidney, liver are getting bad. Dr. thinks that is what is going on He walks in circles, he fell off the porch, he doesn’t want me to touch him. He doesn’t know who I am. He sleeps a lot, comes out at dark walks to end driveway, and repeats this. He does make sure someone goes out with him, I think he’s afraid when he goes outside now. He’s loosing so much bone muscle. Drinks so much water at one time, were afraid he’s going to choke. It so very hard to watch our friends go threw this. Bless their hearts.
Dear Shelly,
I am so sorry your senior boy’s health is declining and you are facing this difficult situation. From what you describe, it does sound like he may be struggling with the end stages of dementia/cognitive dysfunction. I will attach links to other articles with more information on how to assess your dog’s quality of life and how to know when it is time to say goodbye. This path you are walking is emotional and tough. I pray for your strength and comfort and wish you both the best.
1. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
Also a major sign that it was time was where and when he was sleeping. He always slept alot but was always in the same room as me. 2 months ago when the other symptoms started, he started going into another room away from me to sleep during the day. He was sleeping about 20 hrs a day, in another room. I missed him even though he was still alive. Someone said to me that suffering isn’t just about pain…it can also be not being able to participate in one’s own life. He slept all day and then had to be medicated to sleep at night. That was no kind of life, for either of us.
I put my 15 year old shih tzu down 10 days ago due to dementia. I’m still here reading articles to reassure myself that I did the right thing at the right time. I know I did, but i miss him terribly and need reassurance. he started wandering around the house at night barking about 2 months ago. No potty accidents inside, but started going anywhere he wanted outside like in the middle of the sidewalk or street. he had terrible cataracts so I thought it was just because of that. he started scratching at the wrong door. I thought it was the lack of vision. He was ravenous – I can’t believe how much he was eating, so lack of interest jn food isn’t always the case. But he didn’t remember where his bowl was. The final straw was when he stopped tolerating the car, which had been one of his favorite places. I had a hospice vet come to the house and she explained cognitive brain disease and it all started to male sense. Three days later I made the decision. I couldn’t bear to see his symptoms get worse as they inevitably would have.
Dear Eliza,
My heart aches for you with the recent loss of your senior guy. I saw all three of the comments you submitted and agree your decision to let go was a selfless act of love for your pup. I am glad you were able to get some guidance from the hospice vet. I am sure it helped tremendously to get her expert advice. I hope with time your heart will heal. May the memories of the good days bring you joy. Bless you. ♥
It gives me so much reassurance to read this even though it’s so sad. My dog used to love the car! She adored car rides and it was one of the only places she was super confident. Suddenly, two months ago, she became terrified of it. She would shake and pant so hard she’d steam up the windows. I rolled down a window hoping it would help and she tried to jump out on the highway. It was so heartbreaking. I felt sure it was her dementia, but I hadn’t heard of this particular sign in any other dog, so thank you. This makes me feel at least a little better about my decision to let her go.
Koda is our Karelian Bear Dog which is a rare breed. He is a Finish Hunting Dog bred to hunt large game. For us, he is our rescue dog, best friend & hunter of mice & moles!! He is almost 14 years old. He has IBD also known as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Separation Anxiety & most recently diagnosed with LarPar also known as, Laryngeal Paralysis which is a Neurological disease affecting nerves & the flaps in the Larynx to malfunction causing back legs not to work properly & breathing issues as well as coughing.
Koda is on a lot of medications and that is why we call him Our Million Dollar Dog!!
He has recently been doing strange things, one of which is crying for no apparent reason, gets lost when going outside in his backyard, doesn’t know his way back home after his routine walk. He stands by a gated hallway and cries as if he doesn’t know there’s any way to get around it but there is if he goes the other direction. He also wakes us 2-4 times in the night to go outside but doesn’t always need to pee. Sometimes he paces & wanders through the house at night. This article has been helpful in recognizing some of these strange Dementia-like behaviours. Sad as it is, we have been through a lot with our little Buddy, and we know he’s on his last legs. There is no cure for Larpar & he’s not a good candidate for surgery. So we are trying Doxepin which is an Antidepressant that seems to help the coughing & breathing issues. Hopefully it may help with his huge Anxiety also which has gotten worse, maybe because he’s having signs of Dementia too. We are trying Melatonin because we also suspect that he has Cushings Syndrome from being on Steroids for his IBD. We have read that It also helps Cushings. Our Vet suggested Trazadone for sleep if that doesn’t work, as we are desperate to get some sleep.
We can relate to the Sleeping Baby scenario. He is is on so many drugs now I am reluctant to add more. Any suggestions would be appreciated??
Thank you!
Hi Suzanne,
I am sorry Koda is dealing with so many issues at once. It sounds like you are doing everything you can to give him the best quality of life possible. I am not sure I have any other great recommendations as you are already doing what I usually prescribe for my own patients. My best advice is just to enjoy the time you are gifted and make the most of each day with your sweet boy. Your biggest job now is to watch for signs that he may be struggling and to give him a peaceful goodbye when the time comes. Koda sounds like such an amazing pup. He deserves to be a Million Dollar Dog! 😉 Wishing you both the best as you navigate this unknown path ahead. Give your sweet boy a hug for me. ♥
I’ve a mini pin, princess mitzy, I’ve had her for 12 years now, she is my N.E.A.D dog(she senses them &tells my parents), she has hit where her years r ending so we got another dog 4 wen its mitzys turn 2 go, theyve gotten used 2 each other, kinda a LOVE/HATE relationship, but recently mitz bites at trix face or blocks her way in2 our room, or WONT let trix out 2 potty but viciously attacks her instead! mitzy sleeps in my arms EVERY night, but lately she stays for bout 5 min or until I’m out &then leaves me, plus she PACES all over the house during the day &no matter if its day or night, she SCREAMS wen she goes out potty! at nothing! we’ve used calming pills &joint pain meds morn &night, &so far she just seems 2 get worse &worse! I think its time 2 let her go!
Dear Anonymous,
This is so tough, and I am sorry you are in this difficult situation. It does sounds like Mitzy is experiencing some cognitive changes and dealing with confusion and anxiety daily. Saying goodbye may be the most loving option. I can only imagine how hard it will be to let go of this once in a lifetime pup. She has done her job well and given her complete devotion for 12 years. What a good girl! And now you have the chance to return the favor and give her the peace and freedom she deserves. I will attach links to other articles with more information. I am certain you will find the advice you need to make the best choice for everyone involved. Praying for comfort for your heart. Bless you and your sweet girl.
1. Dementia in Dogs: When to Euthanize Your Beloved Senior Dog
2. Using a Quality of Life Scale for Dogs
3. Preparing for Your Dog’s Euthanasia: 10 Thoughts for Peace
4. Grieving the Loss of a Dog After Euthanasia (& Finding Peace)