Have you noticed odd behaviors in your senior dog that you can't explain? Do dogs get Alzheimer's? Here is a list of the most common signs seen with senior dementia in dogs.
As with all behavior changes, please see your veterinarian first to rule out a medical problem first, as many diseases can have the same signs.
1. Getting "lost" in corners or on the wrong side of a door
This is a common complaint with Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in dogs. Some dogs may stand head-first in a corner or at the hinge side of a door, waiting for it to open or standing helplessly; unable to figure out the next step.2. Pacing or anxiousness
The loss of "purposeful activity" -- pacing and wandering around the house, often anxious, with no other symptoms (i.e. overactive bowel or bladder).3. Doesn't greet family members as before
A dog with cognitive dysfunction often will not seek out human companionship, sometimes walking away while being petted. Also noted: no longer greets family members upon arrival.4. Barking for no reason
This may be because they no longer recognize family members or because they are "lost" in the yard or behind a door. There is an element of general confusion too, which could cause barking, especially at night.5. Loss of appetite
Senior dog may "forget" to eat and lose interest in food. Geriatric animals have little reserves -- please see your vet if your pet is not eating or has a decreased appetite.6. Sleep irregularities
A dog with cognitive dysfunction may sleep more than normal, or have night and day reversed; sleeping in the day and awake (and confused) at night.7. Doesn't respond to voice commands as before
The first thing to rule out here is hearing loss, which is quite common in senior dogs. In the case of cognitive dysfunction, the dog cannot process the command and act on it as before. The dog may even be confused about his or her name when called.
