Do Dogs Get Alzheimer’s?
Dog’s do not get Alzheimer’s but they do get something similar. It is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS).
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or CCDS, is a form of dementia that strikes dogs as they age. Statistically, the most common age of onset is 10. And according to studies, by age 16, 68% of dogs show impairment in at least one category.
Thus far, there are no gender differences or breed related predispositions, though larger and giant breeds see earlier onset, possibly due to shorter life spans. The only identifiable factor researchers have found for developing CCDS, thus far, is age. Right now there are theories about the cause of the disease such as infection or genetic predisposition, but there is not a definitive cause. There is also no cure so the earlier you catch it and work with your vet to treat it the happier you will be able to keep your dog and the entire family.
Do Dogs Get Alzheimer’s?
While we have already learned that dogs can get dementia but not Alzheimer’s people looking for information on how to determine if their dog is developing doggy dementia don’t know the proper terminology.
Diagnosis is most often based on symptoms which have been observed by family members and reported to the vet.
Symptoms for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome can include any of the following or combination of the following and should be discussed with a vet:
• Disorientation, confusion, blank stares
• Restlessness
• Trembling
• Pacing
• Fear of or startling at family members, familiar toys, or nothing
• Accidents in the house
• Changes in sleep/wake patterns
• Loss of interest in food or forgetting to eat or that they just ate
Many of these symptoms are generalized and can be caused by other diseases processes, infection, or emotional issues. For example, accidents in the house can be a symptom of multiple conditions or simply a dog being naughty or upset. Eliminating other potential issues is important when dealing with these symptoms which is why it is important to speak to your vet and get your dog in for a thorough examination. Together, the owner and vet can evaluate symptoms, consider appropriate testing, discuss a possible diagnosis, and plan for the needs of the dog as time passes.
Thanks for doing this article! I have two dogs that are both 12, and I worry about this with them. While they both still seem pretty sharp, there are moments where they do seem a little out there. My lab/collie barks at nothing occasionally, mostly because she thinks she’s guarding her food from her younger “brother” dog, even though he’s nowhere in sight.
I also have a cat that I absolutely know is a bit, well, senile. Other than that she’s in great health, but at 17, I think she’s pretty much even forgotten she’s a cat!
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Our dog Tino developed this during his later years – it was hard to tell when exactly since he went blind at age 9 – and some of the confusion and disorientation was due to his blindness. But I know in his last year that he developed this. He did a lot of pacing and sometimes just circled around and around. He totally lost control of his bowels and time of day. He never did lose his appetite though!
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well I have learned someting new todat thanks,xx Rachel
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That is such a interesting post
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