I’m a dog whisperer, here are the top signs that will tell you if your pet is suffering from DEMENTIA

Dementia is a cruel disease that people associate with memory loss in the elderly, but dogs can suffer from it too.

If your pet is over 7 years old and exhibits a sudden change in behavior, it could be a sign of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).

Rhona Winter, The Dog Whisperer, said: “Dementia in dogs is not the same as dementia in humans and there are many different things that can help, including dietary changes, medication and behavioral therapy.” Always seek professional help first.

Winter, co-founder of dog training app Zigzag, added:Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of life with certain challenges, new behaviors, and changes in mood, so being a dog parent doesn’t always mean a friendly cuddle or long walk. Not that I will. “

Warning signs to look out for include:

stare into space

“Every dog ​​stares into space at some point, and you’ve probably wondered, ‘What are they looking at?'” Winter said.

“Dogs have different vision than we do and are very sensitive to smells, so when a dog is staring into space, it’s possible that they’re trying to pay attention to a specific smell. There are times when you seem to be staring at it.”

However, in older dogs, staring into space can be a sign of CCD.

Winter says, “If you have an older dog, if he stares at nothing or at the floor for long periods of time, it could be an indication of CCD.”

“Dogs tend to slow down as they get older and may experience cognitive or sensory decline. They’re not trying to play tricks and ignore you; it’s just part of aging. is.”

Struggling with basic tasks that used to be easy

If your senior dog is struggling with simple tasks they used to be able to do, this could be a sign of dementia.

“Think of a door that’s slightly ajar,” says Winter. “Typically, your dog will try to pry it open with its nose or paws to get in.”

“However, dogs suffering from cognitive decline are more likely to just stare at the door because they can’t think of the next step to open it.

“They may have been holding the door open for years, but with cognitive decline, there isn’t enough fuel going to the dog’s brain and they may forget how to complete such a simple task.” There is a sex.”

“Another classic example is ‘forgetting’ how to run back from a corner. “

suddenly lose interest in food or forget to eat

When dogs experience dementia, they become anxious and stressed because they don’t understand their surroundings or the people around them, Winter said.

This can lead to a loss of interest in food, Winter says.

“Dogs with CCD may forget to eat,” Winter said.

“However, there have been some instances where dogs with CCD forget what they have already eaten and end up eating more than normal.

“In any case, closely monitoring your senior dog’s eating habits is a good way to spot signs that something may be wrong.”

Restless and cries at night

In young dogs, barking at night can be a sign of anxiety, but in older animals (over 7 years old, depending on the breed), restless barking at night can be a warning sign of dementia. Winter warns that there is.

“In senior dogs, restlessness or barking at night can be a sign of age-related dementia,” Winter said.

go to the toilet indoors

Winter said older dogs with canine dementia often “have accidents” indoors.