Caring for a Dog With Dementia: A Final Act of Love
The signs of cognitive decline often develop gradually over months or even years. photo: AdobeStock
As an end-of-life veterinarian, I have the privilege of assisting clients as they say their final goodbyes to their beloved canine companions. Recently, I had the honor of meeting Teddy, a delightful mix of Poodle, Pomeranian, Westie, and Bichon breeds.
Adopted from Muttville at the age of 10, Teddy quickly became a cherished member of his family, earning affectionate nicknames including Teddles, Mr. T, and Teddlesboo. Known for bringing laughter and joy to his human family, he was truly beloved.
But once he reached the age of 17 - nearly 100 in human years - Teddy's quality of life had become significantly diminished due to canine dementia. He had trouble navigating his surroundings and would often get stuck in corners, staring at the wall, and needing to wear a diaper for added care.
After considerable thought and reflection, the family chose to cherish their time with Teddy through the holiday season. Once the college-aged kids were home, they arranged for an in-home euthanasia appointment. Together, we created a heartfelt ceremonial farewell, providing Teddy with the peace and love he had always given to others.
Signs of Canine Dementia
As advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition allow our dogs to live longer, we're encountering more age-related issues in our senior dogs. One of the most challenging is canine dementia, or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.
The signs of cognitive decline often develop gradually over months or even years. It is estimated that around 14% of dogs over the age of 8 may develop some signs of dementia. While you cannot stop the aging process, there are steps you can take to help slow its progression and improve your dog's quality of life.
The signs of canine dementia include disorientation, changes in interactions with people and other pets in the family, disturbances in sleep-wake cycles, house soiling, reduced activity, and increased anxiety. Medically, it's akin to Alzheimer's in humans, with similar amyloid buildup, pathology, and brain atrophy.
Canine dementia in dogs can manifest in various ways. Dogs may:
Get stuck in corners
Struggle to navigate around objects
Stare blankly at walls or into space
Fail to recognize familiar people or pets
Become disoriented in familiar environments
Have diminished reaction to visual or auditory stimuli
Show increased irritability, fearfulness, or aggression
Show decreased interest in greetings or affection
Exhibit disturbed sleep patterns
Pace, walk, or vocalize at night
Forget commands or their names
Lose the ability to learn new tasks
Start to have accidents indoors
Show decreased interest in playing with toys
Pace, wander, or walk in circles
Exhibit separation anxiety
What You Can Do
Diagnosing canine dementia can be challenging, as it's often a diagnosis of exclusion after ruling out conditions like brain tumors and other chronic health issues. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests and potentially an MRI to eliminate other more treatable illnesses. Fortunately, some pet insurance is beginning to cover the diagnosis and treatment of canine dementia.
If you suspect your dog is experiencing cognitive decline, there are several ways to help keep their mind active and support their well-being. Enriching your dog's environment with structure, routine, and mental stimulation can be beneficial. Regular physical exercise, such as sniff walks, extra playtime, and even physiotherapy may help. Medication for anxiety or pain relief may also be useful, including newer drugs like Anipryl. And of course, you’ll want to give them plenty of love and attention.
Teddy hanging out at Crissy Field in San Francisco. photo: Karen Bakar
With advances in veterinary medicine paralleling research into Alzheimer's, more pet owners are also exploring holistic and alternative therapies to manage dementia symptoms. Diets such as Hill’s b/d or Purina Neurocare include antioxidants and supplements and may help slow the disease.
As your dog’s dementia increases, doggie diapers and gated stairs may become essential. In effect, you become a hospice nurse for your aging dog, but the benefits can be well worth the effort. I find that when my own dogs become frail, I love them even more. I want to assist them with their daily needs. Nurturing and supporting your beloved friend in their decline is a true act of love.
Canine Dementia Stages
The life expectancy for dogs diagnosed with dementia generally ranges from one to three years, depending on factors such as their overall health, age, the severity of the condition, and the level of care provided by their guardians.
Early Stage. In this phase, you might observe subtle changes in your dog's behavior, such as increased confusion, disorientation, and altered sleep patterns.
Middle Stage. Symptoms become more pronounced and may include heightened anxiety, aggression, and loss of bladder control.
Late Stage. At this point, dogs may face significant cognitive decline, struggle to recognize familiar people or places, and require help with basic tasks like eating and drinking.
When Is It Time?
In the end, it's important to recognize and monitor your dog’s quality of life. This moment is surely the most difficult decision for any dog guardian. Are you holding on for the dog’s well-being or for yourself? Your dog is probably still eating, and their body is somewhat normal for an elderly dog, but their mind and spirit are failing. We must evaluate their quality of life including daily comfort, sleeping, ability to engage in activities they enjoy, and their overall happiness. When it has diminished significantly, euthanasia is the kindest choice.
In Teddy’s case, it became apparent that he was no longer happy. He was mostly disoriented and had sleepless nights wandering. He no longer could eliminate properly.
With much thought and insight, we decided together that the kindest option was an in-home euthanasia. He was safely in his familiar environment surrounded by his loving family. We gave him a final meal, and he went to sleep peacefully in their laps. I offered a ceremonial farewell acknowledging all the love that he had given his human family.
It’s never easy to say goodbye to a beloved pet. But your veterinarian is always available to help guide you through hospice and final decisions as your dog approaches the end of life. With thought and care, every passing may be as peaceful as Teddy’s.