How to Recognize Alzheimer's Disease in Dogs
Dogs don't really get Alzheimer's disease like humans do, but canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is often called doggie Alzheimer's. Senility affects dogs in many of the same way as it affects humans. Dogs start losing their sight and hearing. They get sore and arthritic and like to sleep a lot. They can also start losing some mental functioning. If you notice your senior dog acting confused or forgetting his training, don't assume he is being disobedient--he may have doggie Alzheimer's, and there are effective medications to make him more alert.
Instructions
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Take your senior dog to the vet for regular check ups. Your vet may recognize signs of "Alzheimer's" disease in your dog that you've missed.
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Ask for a urinalysis to rule out a bladder infection if you notice your dog getting incontinent---if he is healthy, then forgetting his house training may be a sign of cognitive dysfunction.
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Recognize that dogs with cognitive dysfunction can walk into a wall and "forget" how to turn around, or may seem to forget where the doors in the house are. Confusion and getting lost in familiar surroundings is a symptom of CCD.
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Realize that changes in sleeping patterns, such as being awake all night, or sleeping all day, are common signs of CCD.
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Understand that if your senior dog sometimes doesn't seem to recognize you, your family or familiar friends, he is displaying a symptom of CCD. Related symptoms are walking away while being petted, not get up to greet you, or failing to respond to his name or simple commands.
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Recognize that CCD can make some old dogs irritable, less patient and more likely to growl or snap if they're bothered.
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Talk to your veterinarian about medications that can help with symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction. There are prescription drugs available that can improve your dog's alertness and quality of life, and even make him remember his house training again.
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Tips & Warnings
Large dogs age faster and have shorter life spans than small dogs. A 10 year old toy Poodle may still be very spry and alert, but a 10 year old Great Dane is considered very old.
Interact with your dog, even if she seems less energetic. Take her for short walks if she can tolerate it, play with her, and give her plenty of affection.
Don't punish or yell at your dog for being forgetful. It will only confuse him, and he's not doing it on purpose.
Be alert for signs of stress and irritation, especially around small children and visitors. Separate your dog if it seems likely she may snap or bite.
