Canine Dementia: Signs, Symptoms, and How to Help Your Aging Dachshund

My Dachshund Chester developed dementia, which is similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, and is officially called canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome, in his senior years. It was heartbreaking to watch my little sidekick start to lose his mental faculties.

In the end, that is the reason that we had to say goodbye to him.

My experience with Chester was the first time I had to choose to let a physically healthy pet go due to mental issues. It was gut-wrenching, especially because his decline roughly coincided with my Grandpa’s own battle with Alzheimer’s, and I couldn’t choose relief for my human loved one.

If you are interested, you can read the article I wrote to Chester the morning of “the day” while bawling my eyes out. It’s raw, real, and reflects my belief about end of life. Be sure to have tissues handy.

CCD is still misunderstood by so may pet owners. Like I did, many observe changes in their senior Dachshund but chalk them up to “just getting old”. The hard truth is, if I had recognized the signs and symptoms earlier, I may have been able to slow the progression and extend Chester’s life.

My feelings on that are bittersweet. One one hand, I feel guilty for not knowing and doing more. I have to remind myself that I did the best I could with what I knew at the time.

Instead of beating myself up, I choose to think that Chester made the “sacrifice” in order to teach me lessons that would improve the lives future Dachshunds – not just mine but all of yours too… which is why I wrote this article.

Our Story: the Dementia Progression

I never thought about my dog getting dementia because I didn’t fully understand the disease at the time.

My Dachshund started getting grumpy as he got older. He didn’t seem to be in pain, or to have arthritis, so I figured it was just “old man syndrome”.

When he was around 13, he started to pee in the house. It was strange because he was previously potty trained, so I gave him a potty training refresher (I’ve done this over the years for many adult dogs) to help remind him where to go. It didn’t help.

I took him to the vet to see if a medical condition might be causing the improper elimination. The vet suspected it was incontinence and sent us home with the most common medicine.

That didn’t work either, so I stopped giving it to him. I gave up on trying to fix the issue because he seemed happy and relatively healthy otherwise. I simply adapted my routine and habits to manage potty accidents in the house.

A few months later, I he suddenly lost a lot of muscle mass. I took him to our regular vet for tests. The results indicated that he might have a problem with nutrient absorption so they referred us to an internal medicine specialist.

While speaking with the specialist, I must have eluded to some kind of cognitive decline because when I mentioned the constant accidents in the house, she casually said, “Oh, that’s his dementia.”

I nodded my head like I understood, but I was, quite frankly, a little stunned. It made sense though because he did behave like he forgot he was supposed to go potty outside and the incontinence medication hadn’t helped.

When I got home, I joined the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) Support Group on Facebook to learn more. The stories people shared in the group were more extreme than what was happening to Chester, but I could see some similarities.

Eventually, Chester started to exhibit more of the common signs of dog dementia. I finally admitted that he did indeed have it.

I went back to our vet and he was put on a medication called Selegiline in hopes of slowing the progress of his mental decline. I also tried many of the many supplements for CCD. Some helped temporarily but many did not. In hindsight, I think it is because his condition was advanced by the time I recognized what was happening.

Eventually, everything I was giving him to help address the dementia stopped working. Not even the CBD would calm him at night anymore. He woke me up at all hours and several times a night.

I asked the vet for a sedative. That didn’t have any effect on his anxiety and resistance to sleeping. However, it made him so unstable on this legs that he often struggled to walk.

When he started to get lost in his own back yard and look at us like he didn’t know who we were, our vet helped us see that he had reverted to his “lizard brain”, he was simply existing, and his quality of life was poor. We agreed and chose to say goodbye.

What Causes Canine Dementia?

CCD is caused by a combination of age-related brain degeneration, genes (DNA), and environmental influences. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, researchers have identified several key factors that contribute to cognitive decline in dogs.

Brain Aging & Neurodegeneration

As dogs age, their brain cells (neurons) naturally deteriorate, leading to cognitive decline.

Key changes include:

• Amyloid Plaque Buildup – Abnormal protein deposits form in the brain, disrupting normal brain function.
• Oxidative Stress – Free radicals damage brain cells over time, leading to neuron loss.
• Decreased Neurotransmitters – Levels of important brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin decline, affecting memory and mood.
• Brain Shrinkage (Atrophy) – Parts of the brain, especially those responsible for memory and learning, shrink with age.

Reduced Blood Flow to the Brain

As dogs get older, their circulatory system becomes less efficient, which means less oxygen and nutrients reach the brain.

This can cause:

• Slower cognitive processing
• Memory loss
• Disorientation and confusion

Chronic inflammation & immune system changes

Long-term inflammation in the body and brain can worsen cognitive decline. Conditions like arthritis, metabolic disorders, and chronic infections can contribute to increased brain inflammation.

Genetic & Breed Predisposition

Some breeds, like terriers (Dachshunds are a combination of terrier and scent hound), may be more prone to cognitive decline. However, most dogs can end up with some form of mind impairment, regardless of size, breed, or sex.

Underlying health condition

Some medical issues can increase the risk of CCD or make symptoms worse, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Other factors

A poor quality of life can influence whether a dog will develop dementia later in life or not. This includes poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, a sedentary lifestyle, and a lack of mental enrichment.

According to this study, “dogs fed a… high-quality diet were 2.8 times less likely to develop CCD when compared with dogs fed a… low quality diet.”

At What Age Can Dogs Start Showing Signs of Doggie Dementia?

Not all dogs get CCD, but the older the dog is, the more likely they are to experience symptoms.

According to Dr. Buzby, integrative veterinarian, who happens to be+- a friend of mine, “It is estimated that CCD symptoms occur in 68% of dogs by the age of 16. In other words, nearly two-thirds of 15- to 16-year-old senior dogs have some manner of doggie dementia.”

Following is the percent of dogs at certain age intervals with at least one sign or symptom associated with CCD:

• 11-12 years – 28%
• 14 years – 48%
• 16 years – 68%

I’m guessing, because the average lifespan of many small breeds, including Dachshunds is 15-16 years, a significant portion of latter category is made up of small dogs.

It’s not necessarily because small dogs are more prone to CCD, but simply because they live long enough to develop advanced symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction

While CCD isn’t physically painful for dogs, it can cause anxiety and confusion, which can be emotionally difficult for your dog (and you!).

Symptoms vary for each individual dog, but most exhibit at least 2 or 3 of these behavior changes.

1) Regular potty accidents in the house

Urinating or defecating in the house is a common sign that your dog is suffering from CCD.

If your dog was previously housetrained, medical causes have been ruled out, and your dog hasn’t experienced any huge life changes lately, the cause may be CCD.

Note: increased urination and accidents in the house can also be a symptom of kidney disease.

2) Changes in Interactions with other animals and people

A dog with CCD may become cranky or standoffish around other household pets or humans.

The key indicator here is that it’s a behavior change – your once friendly and fun loving dog isn’t anymore.

3) Decreased Activity Level

The onset of CCD can cause a major change in activity level.

A dog may show less interest in activities they once enjoyed, like going for walks or playing with toys, and they may not interact with other pets or people in the home as frequently.

Conversely, your dog may seem agitated and pace in the house a lot, or walk in circles, appearing more active then normal.

4) Altered sleep patterns

Sleep patterns are likely to be disrupted if your dog has CCD. It’s common for dogs to sleep all day and pace at night. It’s like they experience a reversal of the sleep-wake cycle.

Your dog may also seem agitated and perform repetitive behaviors like pacing or circling.

5) Disorientation and staring at walls

Another obvious sign of CCD is disorientation. Perhaps your dog stars vacantly at walls, gets stuck behind the couch or in corners, or waits at the wrong side of the door (hinge side) to go out. Whatever it is, it’s clear that their spatial awareness is affected.

6) Changes in appetite

Some dogs may experience a decreased interest in food when they develop dementia. Conversely, like my Dachshund Chester did, your pup might appear to become ravenous.

He seemed to forget that he has just eaten. You know how dogs start doing the “it’s food time” dance 30-60 minutes before actual meal time? He was in this frenzied state many times a day.

7) Anxiety

When dogs become disoriented, it can make them feel anxious.

8) Excessive licking or lack of self-grooming

Changes in grooming behavior can be indicative of cognitive decline. Perhaps they forget or don’t care as much.

How is Dementia Diagnosed?

If you suspect your Dachshund could be experiencing CCD, discuss it with your veterinarian. Since there is no single definitive test for it, your animal care team will use a multi-step approach, which includes:

1) Owner observations & history

A dog’s behavior changes are often first noticed by their owner. If you see any signs or symptoms mentioned in the section above, take note of them and bring them to your appointment.

Documenting them in a journal for a week or two before your appointment is helpful. Record the date, time, symptom observed, and any relevant notes about what happened before or after.

2) Physical exam & neurological assessment

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam, as well as conduct relevant tests, to check for underlying health issues whose symptoms could mimic dementia.

These tests include:

• Blood Tests & Urinalysis – To check for liver/kidney disease, diabetes, infections, or thyroid imbalances.
• X-Rays or MRI Scans – To identify brain tumors, hydrocephalus, or structural brain changes.
• Blood Pressure Check – To check for high blood pressure, which can contribute to confusion and behavior changes.
• Hearing & Vision Tests – To determine if loss of hearing or sight could be contributing to your dog’s disorientation.

3) DISHAA evaluation

The DISHAA Scoring Framework is used to assess the presence and level of cognitive decline.

DISHAA stands for:

• Disorientation – Getting lost, stuck, or staring at walls
• Interactions – Changes in social behavior, withdrawal, or clinginess
• Sleep-Wake Cycle – Restlessness at night, excessive sleeping during the day
• Housetraining – Loss of bladder/bowel control despite prior training
• Activity – Reduced interest in toys, movement, or increased repetitive behaviors
• Anxiety – Increased vocalization, pacing, or difficulty settling

The higher the score, the more likely CCD is present.

In some cases, your vet may recommend a trial treatment with cognitive-supportive medications or diets. If symptoms improve, it suggests CCD rather than another medical cause for symptoms.

What Can You Do if Your Dog Has Dementia?

CCD cannot be cured or reversed. However, it may be possible to slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms. Be sure to discuss these available treatments to manage your dog’s condition with your veterinarian.

These options include:

• Environmental management
• Enrichment & mental stimulation
• Specialized diets
• Natural supplements and calming aids
• Medications
• Holistic & alternative therapies

Below is a brief explanation of each.

Note: some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that we get a small commission on qualifying purchases.

Environmental management

A Dachshund with diminished mental capacity can have trouble adapting to changes in their environment.

The general guidance for dogs with dementia are to:

• Stick to a predictable routine – Keep mealtimes, walks, and bedtime consistent to reduce confusion.
• Don’t rearrange things – Avoid sudden changes in the home environment like moving furniture, remodeling, or moving to a new house.
• Try not to introduce unfamiliar people or pets – If at all possible, adding a new roommate, or adding a new pet to the family.
• Create a calm nighttime environment to promote relaxation – Provide soft lighting at night to reduce anxiety in the dark and play white noise or soft music to create a relaxing sleep environment.

With this being said, I am a huge proponent of continuing mental enrichment, which can include travel to experience new sights and smells. See below for more details.

Enrichment & mental stimulation

Physical exercise is still important to maintain muscle mass and blood flow – move it or lose it as they say. Short, daily walks can help maintain mobility, increase blood flow, and provide mental stimulation.

Engaging your dog’s brain can help maintain cognitive function. Snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys encourage problem-solving, nose work games stimulate scent-driven brain activity, and teaching a new trick can help maintain strong neural pathways.

I’m also a huge proponent of going out it nature to stimulate the brain. When Chester was camping or hiking in the woods, he acted like he was a much younger dog. Sometimes, it was difficult for me to tell he even had dementia.

Traveling with a dog that has dementia is possible, even though it’s recommended for dogs with CCD to stick with a routine. Doing so has it’s challenges, but for many dogs, the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Symptoms caused by a disruption in routine can be mitigated by controlling and managing the environment to make your dog feel safer. If extra help is needed, you can use veterinarian-prescribed medications for anxiety or natural calming supplements.

Always use your best judgment, but the advantages of getting outdoors and traveling may outweigh any disadvantages in the early states of dementia.

Specialized diets

Nutrition plays a major role in brain health. Fortifying your dog’s current diet with the natural supplements listed in the section below can help.

There are also commercial diets formulated for cognitive support. Examples include Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d (Brain Diet), Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind, and Purina Pro Plan NeuroCare.

Personally, I am not thrilled by the overall quality of those kibbles, so I prefer to feed a raw or gently cooked diet and add my own supplements. Feeding a commercial food design to address and aging dog’s brain is more convenient and cost effective though.

It’s also an option to consult with a dog nutritionist to formulate a custom homemade diet for your Dachshund. The bonus with going that route is the recipe can also include foods that help support other medical issues your dog may have.

Natural supplements and calming aids

In the early stages of your dog’s dementia, you may have the luxury of going the natural route instead of jumping right to prescription medication. Below are some supplements that can help support the brain and body of aging dogs.

Individual supplements

• Sam-e (S-Adenosylmethionine) – A naturally occurring compound that supports brain health and liver function. ✅ Best for: Dogs with both cognitive dysfunction and liver-related issues.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA) – These are crucial for brain function and can reduce inflammation (found in fish oil). ✅ Best for: Senior dogs with cognitive dysfunction, as well as those with joint and heart issues.

• Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) – MCT’s provide an alternative energy source for aging brains (found in Coconut Oil) and have anti-inflammatory properties. ✅ Best for: Dogs with cognitive dysfunction who need an extra brain energy boost and improvement in clarity and alertness.

• Ginkgo Biloba – A powerful herbal supplement known for its neuroprotective and circulation-boosting properties, including improving blood flow to the brain, reducing inflammation, and supporting memory and learning. ✅ Best for: Dogs with memory loss, disorientation, or reduced alertness due to cognitive dysfunction.

Combination supplements

Combination supplements can be cost effective and convenient since they can deliver multiple benefits in one product.

• Senilife – Veterinary-formulated to support cognitive function in aging dogs. It contains a combination of the antioxidants and neuroprotective ingredients: Phosphatidylserine (supports brain cell communication and memory), Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin E, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and Resveratrol ✅ Best for: Early-stage dementia to slow progression and enhance mental clarity.

• Cholodin – Contains choline, methionine, and B vitamins, which support brain function and neurotransmitter activity. ✅ Best for: Dogs showing early cognitive decline, confusion, or behavior changes.

• Dr. Bill’s Canine Cognitive Support – Formulated to enhance brain metabolism and protect against oxidative damage. It includes DHA & EPA (Omega-3s) Phosphatidylserine, L-Carnitine & Acetyl-L-Carnitine, and Ginkgo Biloba ✅ Best for: Dogs with noticeable cognitive decline, disorientation, or memory loss.

If you choose a combination supplement, I suggest using only one at a time due tp the significant overlap among the ingredients.

Calming aids

• Melatonin – A natural hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. ✅ Best for: Dogs with CCD experiencing restlessness, nighttime anxiety, or disrupted sleep cycles. ⚠️ Important: Avoid melatonin products that contain xylitol or artificial sweeteners, as these are toxic to dogs.

• CBD treats or Oil – Interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in brain function, anxiety, and inflammation. ✅ Best for: Dogs with CCD who experience anxiety, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping.

• Zylkene – A natural supplement derived from casein, a protein found in milk that has calming properties (it promotes relaxation without sedation). ✅ Best for: Dogs with CCD-related anxiety, restlessness, or stress-induced pacing.

• VetriScience Composure – A fast-acting calming supplement that includes L-Theanine, a compound found in green tea, Thiamine (Vitamin B1), and a colostrum complex (derived from the proteins of a mothers milk. (supports relaxation and focus without sedating a dog). ✅ Best for: Dogs with CCD who experience anxiety, nervousness, or difficulty settling down.

• Rescue Remedy – A natural, flower-based calming tincture that contains five Bach Flower Essences, each chosen for their stress-reducing properties. ✅ Best for: Dogs experiencing panic episodes, confusion, or sudden agitation due to CCD.

• Other natural calming aids – Pressure wraps like ThunderShirt may help anxious dogs. Aromatherapy, using lavender and chamomile scents, or a pheromone collar can promote relaxation.

Before starting any new supplement, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to ensure safety and the right dosage for your dog’s needs.

Medications

Certain prescription medications may help manage CCD symptoms by increasing brain activity and reducing oxidative stress.

• Selegiline (Anipryl) – The most commonly prescribed drug for CCD, which works by increasing dopamine levels, improving memory and awareness.

• Propentofylline (Vivitonin) – (available in the US, but not all countries) Enhances blood flow to the brain, increasing energy and alertness.

• Anti-Anxiety Medications – If CCD causes anxiety or night pacing, your vet may prescribe Trazodone (helps with sleep disturbances), Fluoxetine/Prozac (eases anxiety and compulsive behaviors) or Gabapentin (reduces anxiety and provides mild pain relief).

Holistic & alternative therapies

Some alternative treatments can address symptoms in the early stages of dementia or complement conventional care. Acupuncture is a good example. It can an help reduce anxiety and improve blood flow to the brain.

Managing Symptoms as CCD Progresses

As CCD advances, additional supportive care may be needed. Here are some of the most common examples:

• Increase potty breaks to manage incontinence.
• Use baby gates to prevent dogs from getting stuck in corners.
• Elevate food/water bowls for easier access if mobility declines.
• Consider doggy diapers or pee pads for nighttime accidents.
• Expose your dog to fresh air by taking them out for “a walk” in a dog stroller or dog backpack.

Final Thoughts

If you notice confusion, disorientation, or behavioral changes in your dog, please discuss them with your veterinarian.

Canine dementia is a progressive condition but catching it early may give you the opportunity to slow the process down and improve your Dachshund’s quality of life.

A combination of medication, supplements, diet, mental stimulation, and environmental support can help dogs stay happy and comfortable for as long as possible.

Even though Chester’s dementia was more advanced when he was diagnosed, we still enjoyed another 1.5 years with him.