If your senior dog wanders at night, barks at nothing, or has accidents in the house, do not write it off as just old age. It could be dog dementia. Texas A&M veterinary neurologist Dr. Joel White told dvm360 that better care keeps dogs living longer, so more of them develop cognitive decline as they age.
The numbers climb fast with age. About 10 percent of dogs show signs by age 8, and the share keeps climbing, reaching roughly 80 percent in dogs over 18, White said. Common clues include wandering with no purpose, forgetting house training, hesitating at stairs, seeming not to hear you, and extra vocalizing at night.
Those same behaviors can also come from arthritis, a urinary tract infection, or kidney disease. Do not assume dementia from behavior alone: a dog struggling with stairs might simply be sore, and a dog having accidents might have a bladder infection. A full history, bloodwork, and a neurologic exam help vets tell the difference.
What this means for your dog
Spot these signs early and book a vet visit instead of waiting. There is no cure, but there is plenty you can do. White recommends gentle exercise, food puzzles, steady quality time, and a safe, predictable home. Prescription diets with medium-chain triglycerides and antioxidants, plus vet-approved supplements or medications, can ease symptoms too.
This fits what we have covered on aging dogs before: shared blood markers appear in longer-lived dogs, and multiple chronic conditions can shorten a dog’s life. Dementia is the same story: managing quality of life, not fixing everything.
Most of all, be patient. Your dog is not choosing to wake you at 3 a.m. or miss the rug. The gray muzzle you love is the same one that forgets, and it still knows you.