Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS)

Ambra, at 14.7 years old, is a very elderly dog, but she has kept her strong personality and still enjoys a good walk. She has a heart condition, but she’s under treatment. She also has some joint pain and takes natural supplements. She is completely deaf, and I’ve noticed that when she’s off leash together with the other dogs in our family, she watches them for guidance and support.

Our dogs keep an eye on her and protect her; sometimes they go back to get her if they see she’s unsure, or they wait for her when she slows down or stops for a long time to sniff something.

She still loves sniffing and doing scent work, and she often ends up teaching the others because she is precise and focused, and she doesn’t get distracted by other smells. She needs to rest and sleep longer now, and she asks to stay close to the other dogs and to me, we are her family. Sometimes she wakes up at night asking for water or to go outside and putting a night light in place has helped her move around safely.

For now, Ambra is experiencing a successful aging process, and I’m lucky she is still so present and enthusiastic about her life. I do everything I can to help her feel involved in our daily activities. It’s also interesting to observe how protective and tolerant the other dogs are with her, almost as if she were a puppy. They often even leave food for her and never compete with her.

For us humans too, caring for the elderly is an important social task. It is demanding and affects the whole family, because the frailty of an older person (weakness, exhaustion, cognitive and physical difficulties) impacts everyone’s quality of life. It creates a network of health, psychological, social, and economic needs that requires shared support and shared management, not only from the primary caregiver, but from all family members, to ensure the overall well-being of the elderly person. 

As a Veterinary Doctor specialized in Animal Behaviour, as well as a PDTE Dog Trainer, I encourage paying close attention to the early signs of senile dementia, or canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS), which can affect our senior dogs. The acronym DISHA is used to remember that when all these signs occur together, the likelihood of the disease increases, and a Veterinary Doctor can provide valuable help.

The DISHA Symptoms Explained

Disorientation: Appearing lost, staring blankly, getting stuck in corners, or forgetting familiar routes.

Interaction Changes: Becoming withdrawn, less interested in play, or unexpectedly clingy/irritable with family.

Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes: Sleeping more during the day and being restless or vocal at night (insomnia).

House Soiling: Accidents indoors, even if house-trained, due to forgetting rules or not signalling to go out.

Activity/Anxiety Changes: Pacing, restlessness, increased anxiety, or decreased interest in walks and play.

Ariel on the right slows her movements to match Ambra’s pace, Ambra is the red one, on the left, wearing the coat—and she waits for her. Normally, Ariel is a very fast walker.

In the video we see Eliot leaves a scent mark and then shake himself. Ambra watches him, then decides to slow down and leave a scent mark of her own. After that, she comes back to me, looking quite pleased with herself.

Stephania Acquesta

Veterinary Doctor www.petproject.it

Italy Country Representative