Confusion, restless nights and changed habits in an old dog can be cognitive decline, and there is help.
Getting lost in familiar places, staring at walls, waking and wandering at night, accidents indoors, recognising people less or changes in how the dog behaves with others can be signs of canine cognitive dysfunction, a slowly progressing condition similar to dementia.
Pain, failing sight or hearing, and illnesses such as kidney or hormonal disease can look similar, so a vet check is the first step. Diets, supplements and medicines can slow the decline or ease the symptoms in some dogs.
Keep routines predictable, use gentle sniffing games and short training sessions to keep the brain busy, and add night lights and non-slip rugs. Avoid moving furniture around, and give the dog a quiet place to rest undisturbed.
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