My senior dog has dementia, paces, cries. What can I do to help her?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My little girl is 17 years old and she has doggy dementia she's pacing a lot sometimes for hours and hours and there's nothing I can seem to do to get her to relax as many times as I put it back on her bed she gets back off it and she's crying a lot I just don't know what to do to help her is there anything or should I put her to sleep
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 1st, 2017
There are medications for this condition (known as cognitive dysfunction) that can be very helpful. I recommend having a discussion with your vet about her current behavior, so they can help provide the appropriate meds. I would do try the medication first, before considering putting her down. There is a possibility that with medication, she could act less anxious and appear more happy. I hope that helps and she gets better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 7th, 2017
Thanks for looking for more information about Gidget. At 10 years old, she could be starting to have some cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia). Common signs are wandering, pacing, change in vocalization frequency/times, change in sleep-wake cycles, and loss of house training. She could also be having a metabolic issue or neurologic issue that is altering her awareness of the world around her. If she does have cognitive dysfunction, we aim to delay eventual progression, not reverse the disease. The supplements SAM-e and Neutricks can help. There's also a prescription diet called B/D that could help. Finally, increased metal stimulation (using food toys, teaching simple new tricks) and all help slow progression. I would recommend a vet visit to make sure nothing else is going on, and then talking to your vet about the above ideas to see if they would be appropriate for Gidget. Good luck! Let me know if this was helpful information for you and definitely send in another question or arrange for a consultation if you'd like more information.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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