If your beloved senior suffers from dog dementia, you may be wondering when it’s time to put them down. While Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is not a terminal condition, it can greatly impact a dog’s quality of life.

Several years ago, I adopted a senior Shih-Tzu named Brandy after her owner abandoned her at the animal hospital where I worked. She had cataracts, dental disease, and bladder problems, but was otherwise healthy with a lot of life left to live.

However, about a year after she came home with me, Brandy began showing signs of disorientation and confusion. It was the start of dog dementia. I tried different medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes, which helped stave off the inevitable. But a few years later, when Brandy’s dementia symptoms made it impossible for her to rest comfortably, seek affection, or enjoy the things she once loved, I knew it was time to put her down.

In this post, we’ll explore the signs, symptoms, and treatments available for dementia in dogs. And, more importantly, how to recognize when the disease has taken over your dog’s life to the point that euthanasia is the best option.

Hopefully, this information can give you clarity and peace of mind as you navigate this difficult decision.

What is dog dementia?

The medical term for dementia in dogs is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. It is a cognitive disorder with symptoms similar to Alzheimer's Disease. Much like their body, when a dog’s brain ages, its function begins to decline. This can result in behavior changes, memory loss, and difficulties in learning and comprehension.

Why do dogs get CCD?

While the exact cause is unknown, Canine Cognitive Dysfunction seems to go hand-in-hand with degenerative aging changes in the brain. Dogs with certain genetic factors, brain tumors, or brain injuries may also be predisposed to dementia.

While no particular breed is more prone to dementia than another, smaller dogs are at a higher risk, possibly because they tend to live longer than larger dogs. Regardless of size or breed, more than half of all senior dogs develop some degree of dementia by the age of 11.

What are the signs of dementia in dogs?

Dog dementia is a complex, progressive disease just like Alzheimer’s. The signs and symptoms can be extensive and range from small changes in habits early on, to major behavioral problems as the disease progresses.

There is no medical test for canine cognitive dysfunction. The condition is diagnosed by assessing the dog’s behavior and lifestyle. If you suspect your dog has dementia, make an appointment to see your vet. The sooner CCD is diagnosed, the earlier your veterinarian can start treatment, which will hopefully keep the disease at bay and keep your dog healthier for longer.

Below are the most common signs of dog dementia:

Changes in Behavior

Pacing
Loss of interest in play or walks
Lack of self-grooming
Poor appetite
Interaction changes with family and other pets
Acting aloof or clingy
Aggression toward family members or other pets
House soiling in a potty-trained dog

Sleep Issues

Sleeping more or less than usual
Restless sleep
Pacing at night
Days and nights mixed up (Sundowners Syndrome)
Anxiety at night

Changes in Cognition

Disorientation and confusion
Appearing lost or confused in familiar surroundings
Anxiety
Wandering room to room
Getting “stuck” in a corner
Failure to recognize learned commands or rules
No longer responding to their name
Staring into space
Slow to learn new tasks

How can you help a dog with dementia?

While there is no known cure for dementia, there are several things you can do to help delay the onset and slow down the progress of the disease.

Senior dogs may not be as energetic, but they still need physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy. Try mixing up your walking route so your pup can take in new sights and smells. Rotate toys to prevent boredom and add new puzzle toys and games to keep their mind sharp. According to research conducted by the University of Washington’s Dog Aging Project, dogs who are not active are 6.47 times more likely to develop Canine Cognitive Dysfunction than pups that stay very active throughout their lifetime.

If your dog has more advanced signs of dementia, you can reduce confusion and stress by sticking to a predictable daily routine, such as regular feeding and walking times, and a reliable sleep/wake schedule.

Reviewing familiar commands like sit and stay help keep healthy neurons in your senior dog’s brain firing. Reward your pup with treats and affection during these sessions - it’s good for their mind and helps strengthen your bond

There are also several diets, supplements, and medications that claim to help dogs with dementia. Omega-3 fatty acids and senior supplements like Senilife® are available over the counter, as well as melatonin for better sleep.

If your pooch has an advanced case of CCD, prescription medications such as Selegiline (Anipryl®) may help with some of the more serious symptoms. Your vet may also recommend sedatives and/or anti-anxiety medications.

When to put down a dog with dementia

When Brandy first began to show signs of dementia, she paced from room to room, got “stuck” in corners and between furniture, and had occasional accidents in the house. As the condition got worse, her pacing became severe, to the point she would pant or even collapse from exhaustion. She would become trapped behind the couch and cry out in dismay for rescue. And as her house soiling got worse, she suffered shame, distress, and even injury from slipping in a puddle of her own urine. I knew her quality of life was not what it should be.

One day, while washing away stool and urine from her paws and tail, I looked into her eyes and realized she hardly even knew I was there. She could no longer focus, and her obsessive need to pace made it impossible for her to cuddle with me, let alone stand still for a bath. The Brandy I once knew was gone and it was time to let her go.

Every experience with CCD is different and you may not have a specific “a-ha” moment like I did with Brandy. If you are struggling with when to put down a dog with dementia, think about the things that bring your pup joy. Are they still able to appreciate a good walk or snuggle with you on the couch? Do they consistently eat well and run to greet you with a favorite toy when you get home?

Caring for a dog with dementia is heartbreaking and stressful. You may feel it is your duty to keep your dog going until their body gives out. But in social animals like dogs and cats, a healthy mind is just as important. If your dog has more bad days than good or is no longer able to enjoy the human-animal bond with you, it may be the kindest decision to put them down.

Guilt is also a major factor that keeps loving pet parents from putting down dogs with dementia. They consider it “giving up,” and may feel that euthanasia is a selfish act. However, the decision to put a dog down when their life is no longer fulfilling is the final gift you can offer your beloved companion. Euthanasia offers a peaceful, pain-free end to their suffering and a reprieve from the stress and confusion of dementia.

While no one knows your dog as well as you, your veterinarian can be a helpful resource at this difficult time. He or she can give you an unbiased opinion as to your pup’s quality of life. And since they do not see your dog every day, they may be better equipped to recognize the severity of your dog’s cognitive decline.

Elite Veterinary Care can help you navigate your dog’s end-of-life care.

As a mobile veterinarian, Dr. Kent is uniquely qualified to assess your dog’s physical and mental health and offer professional tips and recommendations. In addition to wellness and sick visits, Dr. Kent offers hospice care to her aging canine and feline patients.

During hospice visits, she assesses your home to ensure it is safe and efficient for your pet, taking into account any ailments, including CCD. Additional hospice services that may benefit a dog with dementia include:

• Nutritional support

• Ensuring adequate hydration

• Assistance with urination and defecation

• Keeping pets clean and well groomed

• Symptom management

• Providing mental stimulation and loving contact with family members

“It truly is a very personal choice for each pet parent as to when they decide that it is time for euthanasia,” Dr. Kent says. “ In general, when many of a dog's daily behaviors have changed and they no longer seem to enjoy the special moments they once shared with you, it is time. I try to carefully interview each pet family to help them be more objective about physical and cognitive changes they are seeing. When I come for a hospice visit to provide sources of comfort and palliative care, I also address the topic of when to consider euthanasia.”

Dog Dementia: When Is It Time To Put Your Senior Down?