I’m a dog whisperer, here are the top signs that will tell you if your pet is suffering from DEMENTIA

It’s the cruel condition that people associate with memory problems in the elderly, but dementia can also affect dogs.

If your pet is over seven years old and has had a sudden change in behavior, it could be a sign of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD).

Dog whisperer Lorna Winter said: ‘Dementia in dogs is not the same as in humans and there are various dietary changes, medications and behavioral therapies that can help. Always seek help from a professional first.

Winter, co-founder of dog training app Zigzag, added: ‘Being a dog parent doesn’t always mean friendly cuddles and long walks, because just like people, dogs go through different stages of life that come with specific challenges, new behaviors and changing moods.’

These are the warning signs to look out for:

Staring into space

Winter said: ‘All dogs stare off into space at some point and you’ve probably thought to yourself, “What are they looking at?”

‘Dogs have a different vision than we do and are very receptive to smell. If they are staring into space, they may be trying to pay attention to a particular scent, which may look like they are staring.

But in older dogs, staring off into space can be a sign of CCD.

Winter said, “If you have an older dog, staring at nothing or staring at the ground for long periods of time can indicate CCD.

‘As dogs age, they tend to slow down, and cognitive and sensory decline can occur. They’re not trying to be naughty and ignore you; that’s just part of old age.’

Struggling with basic tasks that they used to do with ease

If your older dog has trouble doing simple things he used to be able to do, this could be a sign of dementia.

Winter said: ‘Think of a door that is slightly ajar, usually a dog thinks about pushing it open with its nose or paw to get in.

‘However, a dog suffering from cognitive decline will likely just stare at the door because he is unable to figure out the next step to get the door open.

‘They may have been opening doors for years, but cognitive decline means there’s a lack of fuel going to your dog’s brain and he may forget how to do simple tasks like this.

‘Another classic is ‘forgetting’ how to come out of corners backwards.’

Suddenly uninterested in eating – or forgetting to eat

When dogs experience dementia, they experience feelings of anxiety and stress because they are less confident in their environment and the people around them, Winter said.

This can lead to a loss of interest in food, Winter said:

Winter said: ‘A dog with CCD can also forget to eat.

‘However, there are some examples of dogs with CCD eating more than normal because they have forgotten that they have already eaten.

“Either way, keeping a close eye on your older dogs’ eating habits is a good way to spot signs that something is wrong.”

Restlessness and barking at night

In young dogs, barking at night can be a sign of anxiety, but in older animals (seven years or older, depending on the breed), being restless and barking at night can be a warning sign of dementia, Winter warned.

Winter said: ‘In an older dog, becoming restless and barking at night can be a sign of age-related dementia.’

Going to the toilet indoors

Older dogs often have “accidents” indoors if they suffer from canine dementia, Winter said.