Dear Hindy,
My wife and I live with Ronald our 10 year old Lab mix, and recently we’ve noticed a few new behaviours. I did some research and they seem to indicate symptoms of dog dementia. I had no idea there was even such a thing and we’re not sure what to do.
Thank you,
Steve and Amanda
Dear Steve and Amanda,
Thanks so much for writing in, and I understand how confusing this must all seem. Don’t worry I will do my best to help you figure it out.
The thing about dementia in a dog is, because many of the symptoms are similar to other health issues, pretty much the only way to diagnose it is by a process of elimination.
I recommend you call your vet right now to make an appointment, then carry on with this post so we can take a look at some of the signs of dementia in dogs.
This checklist is sorted by category so you can easily tick off the behaviours you’re noticing and print it out to take to your appointment. One more very helpful piece of advice – take a video when possible, it will help your vet with a diagnosis!
Housetraining
- Goes outside and wanders, then pees and poops in the house
- Doesn’t let you know she has to go out like she used to
- Seems to have forgotten her training
Anxiety
- Seems fearful and/or anxious
- Barks for no apparent reason
- Aggressive but never was before
- Trembles for no apparent reason
- Afraid of people she knows
Sleep and awake patterns
- Sleeps more during the day, less at night
- Wanders or cries at night
Disorientation
- Performs the same behaviours over and over
- Has trouble eating or drinking
- Doesn’t respond to her name or cues
- 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
- Stares into space or at walls
- Doesn’t recognize family or friends
- Gets stuck under or behind furniture/wrong side of door
- Walks in circles, usually in one direction
Interaction with family and others in your household
- Doesn’t look for attention like he used to
- Walks away when petted
- Withdrawn from family
Activity level
- Less interested in his toys
- Plays very little or not at all
I hope this helps, and please keep me posted on what’s going on.
Take care,
Hindy
