Hi guys, apologies for not being on for a while, hope you are all well. I have been struggling with Poppy our white 14 year old Lab for the last three months. My wife and I have been staying up with her every night sharing care for her. The problem is that she tends to get distressed anytime between midnight and early morning and constantly barks, this is a problem as it wakes the whole house hold up and on a regular basis.
She is Vet medicated and while this helps, its a real problem for us all, but, a pet is for life not just when she is in good health. I did a bit of research for those who maybe experiencing this as and we understand. here is some stuff I have found out and it really accurate in terms of the symptoms. She is medicated with Selgian, it works, but not sure if it is getting less effective.
Dementia in dogs is commonly called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD). It’s similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans and usually affects senior dogs (often over 8–10 years old, depending on breed).
What happens in canine dementia?
As dogs age, changes occur in the brain—such as loss of neurons and buildup of abnormal proteins—that affect memory, learning, and awareness.
Common signs (often remembered by the acronym DISHA):
D – Disorientation
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Gets lost in familiar places
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Stares at walls or into space
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Seems confused or stuck in corners
I – Interaction changes
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Less interest in family or other pets
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Becomes clingy or unusually withdrawn
S – Sleep–wake cycle changes
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Sleeps more during the day
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Restless, pacing, or vocalizing at night (This is our experience)
H – House soiling
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Accidents indoors despite being house-trained
A – Activity level changes / Anxiety
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Reduced play and exploration
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Increased anxiety, irritability, or repetitive behaviors
How it’s diagnosed
There’s no single test for canine dementia. Vets diagnose it by:
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Ruling out other causes (arthritis, vision/hearing loss, infections, tumors)
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Evaluating behavior changes over time
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Physical exam and sometimes blood work
Treatment & management
While CCD can’t be cured, it can often be slowed and managed:
1. Medications
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Selgian (commonly prescribed) can improve brain function
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Anti-anxiety meds if needed
2. Diet & supplements
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Diets rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, MCTs
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Supplements like:
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SAMe
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Vitamin E
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Omega-3 fatty acids
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Phosphatidylserine (vet guidance recommended)
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3. Mental & physical stimulation
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Short daily walks
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Puzzle toys
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Gentle training or routine games
4. Environmental support
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Keep a consistent routine
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Avoid rearranging furniture
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Use night lights to reduce confusion
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Extra patience and reassurance ❤️
When to see a vet urgently
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Sudden behavior changes
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Aggression
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Seizures
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Rapid decline (could be something other than dementia)
