Senior Dog May Have Dementia but She Still Knows Her Owner's Voice

Much like humans, dogs suffer from health issues as they get older. These could range from reduced mobility to dental problems, and in some cases, memory loss. Recently, an owner has given the internet an insight into what it's like owning a 17-year-old dog with canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also known as dementia. A video shared to the @spunkyandfriends TikTok account has racked up 910,600 views. It shows Spunky, a Chihuahua, standing still in the backyard. When she hears her owner's voice, something sweet unfolds. The on-screen text reads: "My senior pup with dementia sometimes gets lost so I call her name to let her know I'm nearby."

The camera zooms in on the heartwarming moment Spunky starts to wag her tail. One user said: "She may not know much, but she still knows her love for you." Another agreed: "She might not have many thoughts but the main one is that she feels safe and happy with you." In a study involving 180 neutered dogs, researchers from the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, found that 68 percent of canines aged 15 to 16 showed signs of cognitive deterioration. The research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 28 percent of dogs between 11 and 12 years displayed symptoms of cognitive decline in at least one area of behavior. However, only 1.9 percent of the dogs had been officially diagnosed with the condition by a veterinarian.

Dog Dementia Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms of CCD, per the American Kennel Club include:

• Confusion: They may forget where their food is or find it difficult to find their way from the upper to the lower level of your home. As the disorder worsens, your dog might even forget its name or fail to recognize family members.
• Disinterest: CCD may cause your dog to lose interest in its favorite toys, foods, or people.
• House soiling

How To Care for a Dog With Dementia

Newsweek discussed dog dementia with Sarah Page-Jones, the lead consultant veterinary surgeon at Pet Drugs Online. She said: "Although dementia isn't curable or completely preventable, there are things you can do to slow its progression such as creating places where your dog can rest undisturbed, taking them for short walks, and having a bedtime routine to help them settle into the night." Page-Jones, who is based in the United Kingdom, advises owners to follow these tips if a vet has diagnosed their dog with the condition.

• Take things slower and walk at their pace

Encouraging exercise is a good thing but sticking to short walks in their favorite spots will help keep them safe. Make sure to give them plenty of time to check out new sights and smells along the way.

• Mental stimulation

Mental stimulation is incredibly important for dogs, this is no different when they are suffering from dementia. Spend time relaxing or playing with your dog and use toys like puzzle feeders or snuffle matts to provide some light touch mental stimulation.

• Prepare for accidents

Page-Jones told Newsweek: "Dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, will often lose some of their house training. Increase the number of toilet breaks for your dog as they may not realize they need to go until it's too late. Consider placing puppy pads under your dog's bed , to make sure it is easier to clean up accidents. "You know your pet better than anyone so you will naturally notice when something doesn't seem quite right. If you suspect they may be struggling with these symptoms as they age, make an appointment with your vet to discuss treatment options." Newsweek reached out to @spunkyandfriends for comment. We could not verify the details of the case. Update 04/08/24, 4:04 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with a comment from consultant veterinary surgeon Sarah Page-Jones. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.