What is Canine cognitive dysfunction?
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), often called ‘doggy dementia’, is a progressive condition similar to Alzheimer's in humans, where older dogs experience a decline in cognitive function. It's characterised by changes in behaviour, memory, and awareness, often occurring after 9 years of age. While there's no cure, early intervention with dietary changes, medication, and environmental enrichment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2025 | Review date May 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Dog dementia symptoms
CDS may start as one clinical sign and progress over time or have several apparent signs. The most common may include:
Disorientation: getting lost in familiar places, stuck in corners, staring into space
Interaction changes: suddenly clingy or avoidant, not recognising familiar people
Sleep pattern changes: wandering the house at night, sleeping more during the day
House-soiling: passing urine or faeces indoors when they were previously house-trained
Activity level changes: decreased interest in playing or doing other activities, restlessness, pacing
Anxiety: increased anxiety, new phobias, irritability, aggression
Learning changes: no longer responding to previously known commands or struggling to learn new ones
When to contact your vet
If you notice any changes in your dog’s behaviour.
Diagnosis
CDS is diagnosed based on:
History
Physical examination
Blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions
MRI scan (less commonly)
Treatment for dog dementia
Treatment may include a combination of the following:
Safe environment: such as making your home accessible and safe for your senior dog especially when they have trouble navigating, using stair gates, taking your pet often outside to avoid accidents in the house and keeping your dog on the lead on roads.
Enrichment: interacting with your dog regularly through play, varied or interactive toys, regular exercise and more can help stimulate their brain.
Diet: certain prescription diets are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and other important nutrients that help support the brain.
Medication: to improve the blood flow to the brain.
Supplements: when combined with the tactics above.
Prevention
There is no way to prevent CDS but early intervention with diet, enrichment and medications can help slow the progression of CDS and improve their quality of life.
Outlook
CCD is a slowly progressive disease that many elderly dogs experience but while there’s no cure for it early intervention and proper management can slow down the disease progression and improve your dog’s quality of life.
Sometimes, if the symptoms are significant or there is a rapid decline of the disease despite treatment and management, euthanasia (putting your pet to sleep) may be the most compassionate choice.