16/07/2026
Doggy Dementia ❤️🩹
“Wait… why did I come into this room?”
“One more lap around the kitchen, I’m sure I was looking for something important.” 🤍
Just like people, our senior dogs can experience age-related changes in brain function. This is known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), sometimes referred to as “doggy dementia.” It most commonly affects dogs around 10 years of age and older.
What signs should you look out for?
🐾 Seeming confused or disoriented
🐾 Changes in social behaviour (becoming extra clingy, withdrawn, or more irritable than usual)
🐾 Changes to their sleep pattern (awake at night, sleeping more during the day)
🐾 Less interest in playing or interacting
🐾 Increased anxiety or restlessness
Why does it happen?
As our dogs age, changes occur in the brain that can affect memory, learning, awareness, and behaviour. While it can’t be cured, early recognition can make a real difference to your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
How can you help?
If you notice any of these signs, book your furry friend in for a veterinary health check. Many of these symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions, so it’s important to rule those out first. Your veterinarian can discuss options for managing the symptoms and create a tailored plan to help keep your dog happy and comfortable.
Here are a few simple ways to support your senior dog at home:
🩵 Keep their routine as consistent as possible. Big changes like moving house, rearranging furniture, or introducing new family members can be stressful.
🩵 Add non-slip rugs or grip mats if you have slippery floors to help them move around with confidence.
🩵 Keep pathways to food, water, beds, and the toilet area clear and easy to access.
🩵 Use night lights if your dog has declining vision to help them navigate after dark.
🩵 Keep their brain active with gentle enrichment like frozen KONGs, LickiMats, snuffle mats, or simple puzzle toys.
🩵 Choose shorter, more frequent walks instead of one long adventure.
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Pictured below is Nurse Alicia’s beautiful girl, Indi, who is 11½ years young. She has mild symptoms of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and recently came in for her senior health check looking absolutely fabulous, of course. Age may slow her down a little, but it certainly hasn’t dulled her sense of style or cheeky character.🩷
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📞 (07) 3482 4508
📧 [email protected]
📍 2 Goodrich Rd W, Murrumba Downs
