Dog dementia is a common ailment that affects aging dogs. This condition is characterized by loss of brain function due to advanced aging. Diagnosing dog dementia is not something you can do with a blood test or even an x-ray of the brain. It takes a clinical diagnosis, meaning that the symptoms must be evaluated and several other conditions eliminated before a diagnosis can be given. Diagnosing dog dementia begins with recognizing common symptoms in your dog by performing the steps below.
Instructions
Take note of any house-training accidents. When a dog that has been consistently holding it until he is let outside starts having frequent accidents indoors, it is often a red flag for health or behavioral issues. This is especially common for aging dogs.
Evaluate changes in the dog's interactions. Has the dog become more antisocial? Does he suddenly isolate himself from the rest of the household? Dog dementia may also make your dog stop greeting you at the door or start ignoring any affectionate gestures that you make toward to him. He may even show signs of aggression towards people that he has never been aggressive towards before.
Pay attention to your dog's sleeping habits. Aging dogs that develop dog dementia may experience big changes in their sleep routine. Some dogs may have trouble sleeping and just wander around until they drop from exhaustion. Others may start sleeping nearly all hours of the day.
Evaluate his memory. Dogs that develop dog dementia may forget basic commands that they have known for years. They may get stuck behind furniture or seem confused by everyday activities. Aimless wandering around the house can mean that they have gotten lost.
See your veterinarian. Your dog should have an exam at least once a year when he receives his yearly vaccinations. Aging dogs often see their veterinarians more often. Discuss the information you have gathered in the previous steps with the veterinarian. He may run some diagnostic tests on your dog for any health conditions that may explain the symptoms you observed. For example, a urinary tract infection can make a dog incontinent or a rabies infection can make a docile dog aggressive. The veterinarian may also suggest some tests to evaluate brain function, such as a CT scan.