After the age of ten, dogs enter their senior years. Like humans, their bodily functions gradually decline and they are susceptible to various diseases. Dementia can also appear in dogs. Today, the PetsZone editor will talk about the early signs of dog dementia.

First, starting to urinate and defecate everywhere

Generally, owners teach their dogs to go to the bathroom at designated spots, and young dogs can usually do this well. But if one day the owner finds the dog starting to urinate and defecate everywhere, attention is needed, because this is not the dog acting out, but possibly due to dementia. Of course, if the dog is not yet elderly, it may just be upset with you.

Second, functional decline

Functional decline here refers to the dog’s bodily functions. For example, if you find your dog’s eyesight worsening and bumping into things often, hearing loss, not responding to your calls, or even losing its sense of direction, it means the dog has entered senior age and may have dementia.

Third, abnormal eating habits

When caring for senior dogs, their diet needs extra attention. If the dog still eats as much as before, it’s not too worrying, but if the dog starts eating less, the owner needs to be especially vigilant.

Fourth, poor obedience

If a usually obedient and gentle dog suddenly starts showing aggression or other abnormal behaviors, it indicates that the dog may have dementia.

Fifth, sleeping a lot

After entering old age, dogs are no longer as enthusiastic about exercise as before, and longer sleep and rest periods are normal. However, if the owner finds that sleeping occupies most of the dog’s time, attention is needed.