Dogs like humans as they age can suffer from some loss of mental ability, your oldie may have “senior moments “ where they seem to forget for a moment what they were doing. Odd isolated incidents are most likely just normal symptons of natural old age.

Unfortunately many older dogs suffer from a condition called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. This is similar to the disease Alzheimer’s suffered by Humans.

This disease can cause confusion in your dog, they can forget what they are meant to do, get confused or lost easily and can easily forget learned habits. Your dog may become incontinent, have accidents indoors because they simply forget how to get outside to do their toileting or forget they were ever trained to go outside.

Dogs with this condition can also wander aimlessly, pacing up and down, going around in circles and easily become disorientated. They may stand facing walls or doors because they can’t work out how to turn round or get through a doorway anymore.

Dogs suffering from this condition can also lose track of their timings, they will be awake wandering aimlessly all night and want to sleep all day.

One of the saddest aspects of this disease is that your dog may forget or not recognize people they have lived with or known for all of their life. A much loved owner can become a total stranger to their own dog. They may also not wish to be fussed or stroked and will not seek out your attention.

In very severe cases dogs may even forget to eat or drink water

There is treatment available to help your dog and it is always advisable to discuss this with your vet during a full examination and review of your dog’s current condition and previous health history. With medical management and support from your vet you can help your dog still have a good and comfortable life.

You may have to be a little more concious of security ensuring your dog can't wander off and is safe when left alone. It is a good idea to make sure all people involved with your dog are made aware of how things are so they do not confuse the dog. With careful management, love, patience and tolerance, you and your dog can continue to enjoy life together. Perhaps just in a different way to before.

Sadly in severe cases or long term cases many dogs suffering from this condition can and do simply lose all of their quality of life. Like any owner of a dog whose suffering cannot be eased this is the worst time of all. You know and love your dog and with the help and support of a good and trusted vet you will know what treatment, if any, at this point is best for your dog.

Thank you Liz for such an informative post - I would imagine some of us will go through this with our pups and this post will help us understand xx

Thanks Liz, just read a good link on this and Chloe is definately suffering from this now

Here is the link

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Just had a quick look at the article it's very good , sadly I really do think anyone reading that would know for sure if their dog was suffering from CDS.


big s for Chloe. xx

I have been to the vets tonight to discuss Chloes behavioural issues which are caused by CDS.
I have been a bit upset over the last few days about her behaviour and after reading the above link I decided to see if meds could help her at all.
The vet has prescribed a two weeks trial on Vivitonin, we should see a difference within 2 weeks and if this does not work there is an alternative we can try.

Here is a bit of info on Vivitonin

'Vivitonin is given to elderly dogs to help reduce any problems with their hearing, sight, mental or physical condition. It works by increasing oxygenation, neurological and cardiovascular function, and helping to reduce the severity of aging symptoms such as tiredness, apathy, lethargy, senility, stiff gait, troubles standing or walking, wasting, alopecia. It also increases dogs' appetite and energy levels, whilst restoring more shine to their dull coat.
It can also reduce the speed of cataracts forming so your dog can see better and for longer into old age.
As part of this treatment you should notice an increase in your dog's appetite and agility'

If this works it will cost £40 per month for the treatment so I would have to carry on with her insurance to fund it. We are going to see how she gets on with it and take it from there.

good luck with the medicine
what are the side effects jo ?

Best of luck with the meds. I'm just so sorry that she needs them xx

Mind you don't think they could possibly improve her beautiful coat

Hugs Jo and everything crossed the meds help xx

Chloe has been on the meds now for 9 days and she is like a new dog. She is full of beans, very alert, spends a lot less time in her bed upstairs and has stopped pacing when she goes outside for the toilet. A couple of times this week she has charged across the room and tackled Reuben really full on which she has never done, she normally instigates play fight by chewing his legs!
She had not had any accidents until yesterday when she peed in her bed upstairs. I was out all day so I am not sure if she had been out regularly, I am hoping it is a one off.

Fingers crossed these meds continue to work

thats brilliant jo
im so pleased there working for her