How do you know when it’s time to put your dog down with dementia? Here’s What to Expect

What does the progression of CCD look like?

The most troublesome symptoms often start with subtle changes. But as they progress in severity, a dog’s quality of life (QOL) can be greatly diminished. For example:

Getting stuck in the corner once every few days might be bothersome. But when it happens 5 to 10 times a day, the stress can be immeasurable.

An occasional puddle of urine or pile of stool might be easy to clean up. But when your dog is soiling the carpet or the bed multiple times a day, it can be frustrating and upsetting to both of you.

When your dog occasionally paces the house for a few minutes at night, you can both go back to sleep quickly. But when the pacing lasts for hours, and neither of you is able to sleep, you can both have increased stress and decreased overall health.

Not only does your dog’s quality of life decline, but you are constantly worrying and running on an empty tank. Your stress level is high. And you don’t feel like you have the energy or the patience to give your dog the love and care he or she needs, and you wish to provide. As the dementia worsens, the precious bond you share with your dog can begin to break…and that is the last thing either of you wants to happen.

Euthanasia is a beautiful and selfless decision

Considering euthanasia can sometimes feel like a selfish decision. “I don’t want to euthanize her just because she’s hard to care for!” is something that I hear often from distraught pet owners. But every time I hear those words, I hear them coming from a family member who loves their dog deeply and is making a heart-wrenching decision in order to end their dog’s struggles. That is the opposite of selfish—it is selfless.

I remind families that you’re not choosing euthanasia because your sweet dog is hard to care for. Rather you realize that your dog’s life has grown so difficult that he or she is no longer happy. You don’t want to see your dog get any worse. So, you are choosing to provide your dear companion an escape from his or her mental and physical pain. You are focusing on your dog’s quality of life above all else, and (while it is incredibly difficult) that is a kind and beautiful decision.

Diagnosis

As soon as you notice any unusual behavior, make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. If you’ve been tracking your dog’s unusual behaviors and how often they’re occurring, show your journal to the vet. The journal will provide a wealth of information.

Your vet will also go over your dog’s history and perform a complete physical examination to evaluate the overall health status and cognitive functions of your pup. This is also a way for vets to rule out other medical issues before diagnosing your dog with CCD.

The vet will likely do a thorough diagnostic test such as blood tests, ultrasounds, and X-rays to check for other health problems and even use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Sometimes tumors, inflammation, and infection in the brain can mimic the symptoms of CCD so it can take time to get a proper diagnosis.

If your vet determines that your dog has dementia, she will discuss the various options with you, including prescribing appropriate medications, supplements, and treatment plans that could be helpful for dogs with dementia.

There may be a questionnaire for you to fill out in order to pinpoint behavioral signs that are common in this condition. Monitoring your dog’s behavior in a journal will prove to be vital.

How Do You Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet? | Vet Advice

Like humans, older dogs are susceptible to developing age-related illnesses like dementia. You may have noticed changes in your pet that indicate that they are suffering from some form of cognitive decline. Canine cognitive decline (CCD), also called cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) or dog dementia, progresses similarly to the way it does in humans.

If a dog is going to suffer from canine dementia, symptoms typically start presenting around the age of 9. You should take your dog to see a veterinarian if you suspect they are experiencing signs of dementia. Vets typically make a formal diagnosis of CCD by using the acronym DISHA after first ruling out other medical causes of their disorientation, like:Â

Disorientation. Disorientation is one of the most recognizable signs of dog dementia. You may see your dog wandering around like it is lost, seemingly confused about its surroundings, or going to an incorrect door seeking to be let out. Other signs that a dog may have disorientation include staring at the floor, walls, or out into space without purpose. You may notice your pet starting to have difficulty maneuvering around objects or failing to recognize people they know.

Interaction changes. You may notice your dog showing a lot less interest in being social with other people or anything in their environment. A dog may start becoming clingier or withdrawing from others. They may stop wanting to be petted and prefer to spend time away from the family. Some canines with dog dementia may become more fearful and needy.

Sleep/Wake cycle disruptions. One of the most uncomfortable aspects of canine dementia is the change it causes to a dog’s sleep cycle. Your dog may start having trouble sleeping through the night and may end up pacing the house while barking or whining when everyone else is asleep. That can cause your dog to experience heightened emotions like fear and agitation. Your dog’s sleeplessness during the night may lead to them sleeping a lot more during the day.

House soiling, memory, and learning. Your dog’s housetraining may start slipping to the point where they stop letting you know when they need to go outside and relieve themselves. They may begin to soil various areas throughout the house, leading to even more anxiety. Dogs with dementia may also stop responding to commands or performing tricks. It may also become harder for you to get your dog’s attention.Â

Activity changes. Another sign of dog dementia is seeing your dog’s activity level go down. They may show less interest in exploring their environment. Your dog may also show decreased responses to external stimuli like other dogs, sounds, things, and people. Other signs of lower activity levels can include less interest in grooming, a lack of appetite, more restlessness, and separation anxiety.