As dogs grow older, you may start to notice subtle changes in how they behave, respond, and react through their day. Some signs appear gradually and can be easy to overlook at first; things like wandering at night, seeming confused in familiar spaces, or changes in sleep and mood.
These changes can sometimes be linked to cognitive dysfunction in dogs, often described as canine dementia.
This guide walks you through the common signs to watch for, ways to track changes, and simple ways you can support your dog at home. With set routines, adjustments, and early support, many dogs remain more settled and comfortable for longer.
Signs of pet cognitive decline and changes
Cognitive decline usually develops slowly and often begins with small changes. Every dog shows signs a little differently, so noticing new patterns over time can be really helpful. Early support can make a meaningful difference in keeping your dog comfortable.
Cognitive and behaviour changes
You might notice:
- Aimless pacing/barking, often in the evening or overnight
- Changes in social behaviour, such as avoiding touch or losing interest in greetings
- Sleep and wake changes, including broken sleep, panting, or vocalising at night
- Loss of learned behaviours, including toileting routines
- New or increased anxiety
- Less interest in play and shorter attention spans
- Getting lost in familiar spaces
- Becoming stuck between furniture or behind doors
- Fluctuating appetite
- Reduced hearing, sight, or sense of smell
Some of these signs can overlap with conditions like arthritis, pain, hormonal changes, or sensory decline. A veterinary check is always helpful to rule out other causes.
Cognitive decline checklists in pets
Structured checklists can be a reassuring way to track changes over time. One commonly used tool is the DISHAA checklist, which looks at everyday behaviours and routines.
- D — Disorientation
- I — Social interactions
- S — Sleep and wake cycle
- H — House soiling, learning, memory, vocalising
- A — Activity, irritability
- A — Anxiety
Lower scores tend to reflect mild changes, while higher scores suggest more significant cognitive decline. Tracking patterns over a few weeks often gives a clearer picture than looking at a single day.
How to support dogs with cognitive dysfunction at home
Support at home is all about predictability and setting firm routines. Small adjustments can make daily life easier, while big or sudden changes can sometimes add to confusion. Familiar cues and consistent environments help dogs feel more secure as their awareness changes.
Diet and supplements for brain health
Nutrition can play a supportive role for ageing brains. Some prescription diets and supplements are designed specifically for cognitive health.
- Diets such as Hill’s b/d or Purina NeuroCare may help support brain function
- Supplements like Aktivait are often used for senior dogs
Your vet can help you decide what feels most appropriate for your dog.
Pheromones and comfort aids
Some calming tools can help reduce anxiety or restlessness.
- Adaptil pheromone diffusers may support a calmer environment
- Thundershirts provide gentle, reassuring pressure
- Halo harnesses can help dogs with reduced vision move more confidently
- Keeping furniture in the same place helps reduce confusion
It’s usually best to introduce one change at a time so your dog can adjust gradually.
Daily enrichment activities for dogs
Gentle mental stimulation helps maintain connection and comfort. Activities should feel easy and rewarding rather than challenging.
- Short training sessions using familiar cues
- Puzzle feeders set up for easy success
- Slow sniff walks or short outings (a pram or trolley can help for longer trips)
- Soft grooming or massage
- Simple scent games using safe outdoor items like leaves or grass
Watching your dog’s energy levels is important; finishing before they feel tired or overwhelmed keeps it fun for them too.
Help with toileting challenges in senior dogs
Having accidents inside can be very challenging for a lot of families, and also not very pleasant for the dogs themselves.
- Offer more frequent toilet breaks
- Adjust diet or use vet-recommended products if having issues with constipation
- Keep toileting areas clean and easy to access (ramps, keeping the door open etc)
- Block off areas where accidents often happen
- Consider dog nappies if incontinence becomes difficult to manage
If changes seem sudden or severe, it’s always worth checking in with your vet. They can be prone to other disease like UTI and cancer as their organ functions decline.
When to seek veterinary support
Even when changes seem consistent with cognitive dysfunction, veterinary guidance is important. Your vet can rule out pain, infection, or underlying medical issues and talk through management options. Sometimes you will need to give anti-anxiety medications to help if things are challenging, especially at night times.
Many families find it reassuring to discuss concerns early. A quality-of-life assessment can help you understand your dog’s comfort, enjoyment, and day-to-day wellbeing, and guide decisions around care.
When the time comes, learning about in home dog euthanasia and pet cremation options allows planning without urgency. You do not need to decide everything at once and we are here to help where we can.
