Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) — commonly called “doggy dementia” — is a progressive, degenerative brain disease similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans. It affects dogs primarily over 9 years of age, though signs can appear earlier. CCD is underdiagnosed because owners attribute the changes to “normal ageing” — but many changes are treatable or manageable if recognised early. A dog with CCD is confused, often frightened, and needs patient, compassionate support.
The DISHAAL Checklist
Veterinary behaviourists use the DISHAAL acronym to identify CCD signs:
| Letter | Category | Signs |
|---|---|---|
| D | Disorientation | Getting lost in familiar places, staring at walls/into space, getting stuck behind furniture or in corners |
| I | Interactions | Withdrawal from family, not recognising familiar people/pets, less interest in being petted |
| S | Sleep-wake cycle | Sleeping more during the day, restless/pacing/vocalising at night (“sundowning”) |
| H | House soiling | Accidents indoors despite being previously house-trained — may not signal or go to the door |
| A | Activity | Reduced interest in play, repetitive behaviours (pacing, circling), aimless wandering |
| A | Anxiety | New fears, increased clinginess, vocalising, restlessness, new separation anxiety |
| L | Learning/Memory | Forgetting known commands, struggling with routines, unable to find food/water bowls |
If your dog shows changes in two or more categories, discuss CCD with your vet.
Treatment & Management
- Medication (Selgian/selegiline): Monoamine oxidase inhibitor that can improve cognitive function in some dogs. Most effective when started early
- MCT oil supplementation: Medium-chain triglycerides provide alternative brain fuel. Can be added to food or given via MCT-enriched diets (e.g., Purina Neurocare)
- Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA supports brain health
- Mental enrichment: Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, gentle new experiences — “use it or lose it” applies to dog brains too
- Routine and consistency: Predictable daily routine reduces confusion and anxiety. Avoid rearranging furniture or changing schedules
- Night-light: Many CCD dogs are worse in darkness — a dim night-light in their sleeping area can reduce night-time distress
- Pheromone diffusers (Adaptil): May help reduce anxiety
FAQs
Is night waking in old dogs always dementia?
No — night waking in older dogs has several possible causes, and CCD is only one. Pain (especially arthritis), needing to toilet more frequently (kidney disease, diabetes), hearing/vision loss causing anxiety, and medication side effects can all disrupt sleep. Your vet should rule out medical causes before attributing night waking to CCD. Often, arthritic dogs wake because they’re in pain — appropriate pain relief resolves the night waking completely. Always investigate rather than assume.
Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Jenkins, MRCVS
Dr. Jenkins is a fully practicing veterinary surgeon in the UK with over 15 years of clinical experience in small animal medicine and canine behaviour. She reviews and verifies our health content to ensure medical accuracy.
