Dementia in Dogs: Signs, Age and How to Help
Updated: 3 days ago
Your older dog stands in the corner staring at the wall. They wait at the hinge side of the door. They pace at 3am and don't seem to know why. If that sounds familiar, you may be looking at dementia, and it's really, really hard to watch. It's more common than many people realise, it isn't anything you did, and there's a lot you can do to help.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Dementia in dogs (canine cognitive dysfunction) is a slow decline in how the brain works, a bit like Alzheimer's in people. The main signs are getting lost or stuck in familiar places, changes in how they greet or interact with you, sleeping in the day and being awake at night, toilet accidents in a house-trained dog, changes in activity, and new anxiety. It usually shows from around 10 years old. There's no cure, but a vet check, steady routines, gentle brain games and the right support can slow it down and keep your dog comfortable.
What is dementia in dogs?
Dementia in dogs, also called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, is a gradual change in the ageing brain. Blood flow drops, inflammation builds and proteins collect between brain cells, similar to what happens in Alzheimer's disease. Memory, learning and awareness slowly get worse.
When your dog forgets things they've known for years, they're struggling with things that used to be easy, like finding the back door or recognising a visitor.
Signs of dementia in dogs
Vets often use the letters DISHAA to group the signs.
Disorientation
Getting stuck behind furniture or in corners
Staring at walls or into space
Going to the wrong side of the door to be let out
Seeming lost in the garden or on a familiar walk
Interactions
No longer coming to greet you
Wanting much more contact, or much less
Being grumpy with other pets or people they used to love
Sleep and wake changes
Sleeping much more during the day
Pacing, barking or whining at night
House soiling
Accidents indoors from a dog who has been clean for years
Not asking to go out, or going straight after coming back in
Activity
Less interest in play, toys, food or walks
Or the opposite: aimless wandering, licking or restlessness
Anxiety
Worry when left alone that wasn't there before
Being more easily startled by noises or people
One sign on its own doesn't mean dementia. A pattern of several, building over weeks or months, is worth taking to your vet.
What age do dogs get dementia?
Signs usually start from around 10 years old, sometimes earlier in larger breeds that age faster. It becomes more common the older dogs get. In one study (Neilson and colleagues, 2001), owners reported at least one sign in 28% of dogs aged 11 to 12, and in 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16. Many cases are missed because the changes get put down to "just getting old".
Is it dementia, or something else?
Lots of other problems look like dementia, and many of them can be treated:
Pain, especially arthritis, can cause restlessness at night, grumpiness and toilet accidents
Hearing or sight loss can make a dog seem confused or ignore you
Kidney, liver, thyroid or other hormone problems can change thirst, toileting and behaviour
Brain tumours or other neurological problems can cause sudden changes
This is why the vet comes first. Read how pain can change behaviour.
How your vet can help
There's no single test for dementia in dogs. Your vet will examine your dog, ask about the changes you've seen, and may run blood tests to rule out other causes. Keep notes or short videos of what you see at home, especially at night, because dogs often look fine in the consulting room.
Depending on your dog, your vet may suggest:
Medication, such as selegiline, which helps some dogs
Pain relief if arthritis or other pain is part of the picture
A senior diet or supplements with omega-3s, antioxidants or MCT oil, which some studies show can support brain function
Help with sleep if night-time waking is wearing everyone out
How to help a dog with dementia at home
Keep routines steady
Feed, walk and go to bed at the same times. Predictable days help a confused dog feel safe.
Keep the house the same
Leave furniture, beds and bowls where they are. Block off corners or gaps they get stuck in, and use stair gates if steps are a worry.
Light the way at night
A plug-in night light near their bed and the back door can help them find their way.
Gentle brain work every day
Short, easy sniffing games, food puzzles and simple training keep the brain working. Read scent games to play at home.
Shorter, sniffier walks
Let them potter and sniff at their own pace on familiar routes. Sniffing is easy, calming exercise for an older brain.
Help with toileting
Take them out more often, including last thing at night and first thing in the morning, and go out with them.
Be patient with yourself too
Broken nights are hard. Ask your vet about sleep support early rather than struggling on.
RENEE'S TIP
Keep a simple diary for two weeks: when your dog sleeps, when they're unsettled, any accidents and anything new you notice. It helps your vet see the pattern, and it helps you spot whether changes you make are working.
When to talk to your vet about quality of life
Dementia gets slowly worse over time. Your vet can help you look at quality of life as things change: whether your dog still enjoys food, walks, company and comfortable sleep, or whether distress and confusion are taking over. These are hard conversations, and you don't have to have them alone.
QUICK CHECK
ā Several DISHAA signs building over time? Book a vet check
ā Rule out pain, sight, hearing and other illness first
ā Keep routines and the layout of the house the same
ā Night light, stair gates and extra toilet trips
ā Short, easy brain games and sniffy walks every day
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help for your older dog
Once your vet has checked your dog, I can help you set up routines, brain games and home changes that suit your older dog, in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
What are the first signs of dementia in dogs?
Often getting stuck in corners or behind furniture, staring into space, sleeping more in the day and being restless at night, and forgetting house training.
At what age do dogs get dementia?
Usually from around 10 years old. It becomes more common with age, and many dogs over 15 show some signs.
How long do dogs live with dementia?
It varies a lot. With a vet's help and good management, many dogs have a good quality of life for months or years after the first signs.
Is dementia in dogs painful?
Dementia itself isn't thought to be painful, but it can cause anxiety and confusion. Older dogs with dementia often have pain from other problems like arthritis, so a vet check matters.
Can dementia in dogs be treated?
There's no cure, but medication, diet, routines and gentle brain games can slow it down and help your dog feel settled.
Why is my old dog pacing at night?
It can be dementia, but pain, needing the toilet more, or sight and hearing loss can all cause it. Ask your vet to check.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
