Doggy Dementia: Recognizing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

The DISHA signs

Vets screen with DISHA: Disorientation (stuck in corners, wrong side of doors), Interaction changes (withdrawn or clingy), Sleep-wake reversal (pacing and whining at night), House-soiling despite training, and Activity changes. Many owners write it off as 'just old age' — it's a real condition.

Rule out look-alikes

Pain, failing vision or hearing, kidney disease and thyroid problems can mimic dementia. A senior workup with bloodwork comes first, because treating pain or illness sometimes 'cures' the confusion.

What helps

Diets and supplements rich in antioxidants and MCT oil have real evidence behind them; a prescription medication (selegiline) helps some dogs; and enrichment matters — sniff walks, food puzzles, gentle training refreshers. Night lights, consistent routines and clear paths lower the nighttime anxiety.

Measuring good days

CCD progresses slowly, and treated dogs often gain comfortable months to years. Keep a simple journal of good days versus bad — it will guide medication tweaks now, and gently inform the bigger conversations later.