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Does my senior dog have dementia?

Canine cognitive dysfunction, often called dog dementia, shows up as confusion, changes in how a dog interacts, a disturbed sleep-wake cycle, house soiling, pacing or wandering, and memory loss. Changes in sleep are often the first sign. Pain, vision or hearing loss and other illnesses can look similar, so a vet check comes first.

Checklist

Disorientation

• Stares at walls or into space
• Gets stuck in corners or behind furniture
• Waits at the wrong side of the door

Interactions

• Less interested in family or other pets
• More irritable or grumpy than before

Sleep-wake cycle

• Sleeps much more during the day
• Restless, pacing or vocalizing at night

House soiling

• Accidents indoors after years of being house-trained
• Pees or poops inside right after coming in

Activity

• Paces, wanders aimlessly or circles
• Less interest in play or walks

Learning and memory

• Forgets familiar cues or routines
• Slow to learn anything new

Anxiety

• New fears, anxiety or more sensitivity to noises

Simple ways to help a dog with dementia

• Keep a steady routine for meals, walks and bedtime
• Offer short sniff walks and easy food puzzles for gentle brain work
• Leave furniture where it is and use night lights
• Block stairs, pools and tight spots where your dog gets stuck
• Ask your vet about diet, supplements or medication

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of dementia in dogs?

Changes in the sleep-wake cycle, such as napping more by day and waking or pacing at night, are often among the earliest signs. Disorientation, accidents and changes in how your dog interacts usually follow.

At what age do dogs get dementia?

Age is the biggest risk factor, and signs usually start between 12 and 15 years. One study found signs of cognitive dysfunction in 28% of dogs aged 11-12 and 68% of dogs aged 15-16.

Can dog dementia be treated?

There is no cure, but care can slow it down. Vets may treat other medical problems first and suggest a steady routine, less stress, gentle enrichment, a diet change, supplements or medication.

Related care guides

• Dementia symptoms at night
• Managing sundowning in dogs
• Old dog walking in circles

More free senior dog tools

• Dog age in human years: Human-age chart, life stage and when your dog becomes a senior, by size.
• Weight and calorie calculator: Normal weight by breed and age, ideal weight, daily calories and a safe weight-loss pace.
• Water intake calculator: How much your senior dog should drink a day, and when it is too much.
• Sleeping breathing rate counter: Tap along while your dog sleeps to get breaths per minute and see if it is in the usual range.
• Bladder infection (UTI) symptoms: Straining, frequent peeing, blood or smell: what fits a UTI and when it is an emergency.
• Leaking urine? Incontinence check: Sort leaking from infection, thirst, memory or mobility problems, with next steps.
• Is my dog overweight? Body check: Three quick hands-on checks to estimate the body condition score.
• Arthritis and pain checklist: Everyday signs that an older dog is sore, and what helps at home.
• Quality of life scale: is it time?: Score 7 areas of daily life, track good and bad days, and know when to talk to your vet about euthanasia.
• Printable weekly health tracker: Log weight, appetite, water, sleep and accidents for your vet. No sign-up.

Sources: Texas A&M Pet Talk: Cognitive decline in aging dogs · AVMA: Senior pets

Educational only. Not a substitute for your veterinarian. Updated October 2026. SILVERPAW is operated by ILYESHOPI LLC.