What Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Can Look Like

This video shows what some canine cognitive dysfunction behaviors can look like. For more information see my book: "Remember Me? Loving and Caring for a Dog with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction" on Amazon: www.amazon.com/...
Cricket was a rat terrier who was 16 years old at the time of this video and started displaying cognitive decline a year before. For many dogs, at first it can be hard to identify these behaviors, since they come on gradually and also could be due to other conditions such as sensory impairments. Cricket was diagnosed with the condition by my vet and on medication. If you think your dog might have this condition, please talk to your vet. Cricket passed on May 31, 2013. She was well loved and had a good life to the very end.

[@SaltySteff]

It's now 2022, and I know Cricket is long gone. But it warms my heart seeing how much she was loved in her sunset years. Older dogs are such a treasure

[@victoriaguidici5574]

When it was dark, my 15-year old Miniature Schnauzer would get into a corner, and not know how to get out. I had to sleep with the light on.

[@darlyne9079]

I just put my 16 yr old senior chi w Dementia & Cushing Disease to sleep 3 weeks ago. Still grieving😢. She had all those symptoms including not sleep during the evening. I had to leave the lights on. Towards the end she was barking/screaming while sleeping. The reason I made the decision was because her back legs started to give out.? I didn’t want her to suffer any more than she already did. It was so hard. I have 3 others chi’s who are Seniors too but are relative healthy so far.

[@melindahernandez8778]

My condolences to all who have lost a fur baby. I have a 15 year old Yorkie. His name is Gizmo. He has Dementia. He sleeps a lot during the day and wanders quite a bit at night( I put a gate from the entrance of my hallway to the end of the hall or else he'll stay there all night). I have night lights plugged in so he can get around safely. Eventually he goes back to his bed, which is next to mine. He stares at his food so now I have to sit by his side(on the floor) and feed him a little at a time because he has no teeth. I'll find him staring at a wall or lying by my shoes in a closet. Many times he stands back when I approach him in the situation until he realizes it's me. His hips and back legs are getting weak. I give him a nice massage and stretch his legs every morning then take him to the wee-wee pad. I'm pretty versed in caring for someone with Dementia, my mom had it for 7 years. I hope I won't have to make the decision to put him down. I pray to God about this among many things.

[@mindtorquemusic]

​​@@darlyne9079 My girl Bongo was exactly as you described. Legs giving out, not sleeping at night, leaving the lights on. I had to make the decision last week. She did make it to 17 and only went downhill in the last few months. Still sad to watch though. Thanks for your comment, it made me feel better knowing I did the right thing.

[@E1VM]

​@victoriaguidici5574 yes they are a treasure.

[@victorwashington7306]

Cricket is lovable - still had youthful spunk at meal time! Must have been really cute as a puppy

[@JennySussex]

What a dear sweet little dog. My dog is now 14yrs old and starting to become very restless at night. He's seen a vet recently so I know it's not a physical health problem. He gets frantic at night and spends ages trying to get his bed just right....then he coughs and gags from the sheer exertion. Apart from that he enjoys life generally and still gets out for walks and eats well.

[@CathyMorgan]

Thank you, my baby was just diagnosed and I wasn't sure what to expect. Knowledge helps.

[@Tyke18]

thx for the vid eileen. my heart goes out to all the dogs and owners who are going through or have gone through CCD. i know how u are feeling. my 17.5 year old dog "Tyke" is going through it now, it's pretty advanced, he's showing all the symptoms, he's becoming harder to feed and he has trouble drinking. i won't let him suffer. when it's time to go i'll have the vet euthanize him at home. tears are forming in my eyes now. hugs to everyone and their dogs that are going through this.

[@MicocoSpice]

Thanks for sharing! Cricket looks so happy ❤️ I hope all is well

[@eileenanddogs]

Thanks for watching, @dampastma. She was so sweet.

[@teribunker5223]

My sweet rescue, Shay made it to 20. It’s coming up on a year that I had to put her down. I’m heartbroken.

[@Metalpipeandcarrots]

My now 8 3/4 year old miniature dachshund, Lillie, displayed confusion, pacing around, and vocal restlessness at least three times. The first bout started in 2017, when she still slept in my little sister’s room. She yipped at 1 something in the morning the first time. A few hours, she whimpered and came into my room. She then wanted to get on my bed for the rest of the night. The second bout started on mid-December 2018, when she displayed said behaviors, as well as wandering into my little sister’s room. A few hours later, she wanted outside, and I thought she needed to go potty. Instead, she barked at some brown organism repeatedly and sniffed it. When we went back inside, when I went into the bathroom, she whimpered a little bit. It stopped when I pet her a little. She then wanted to get up on my bed. The last bout happened on New Year’s Day, this time being way earlier than the last times. Lillie wanted to sleep in Grandma and Grandpa’s room. She barked and whined in their bathroom, hoping to get their attention. A few minutes later, she wanted up on my bed.

[@captainkepcon8194]

I have a 16 year old small breed dog that has dementia. One of the reasons I recognized it as such is that my mom, who was living with us, had dementia and the outward signs are so similar. In addition to the dementia the poor old guy is about 99percent blind and deaf. I can't imagine the world he is living in. Up until a this past week we knew that Frank had dementia but he always seemed to be so happy and bright eyed. He still eats like a horse but is bone thin. He had problems with falling out of bed so we took the frame out and set the mattress on the floor. When he still fell out and hit the floor hard I made up guard rails for the bed. It seems to be his safe, familiar space. This past week he has lost the "happy look" and a couple of times a day has what seem almost like seizures. This is hard to watch because instead of being crazy and happy it looks like he is being tormented. I cant stand the thought of him being mentally tormented and not being able to help him. He's been such a great friend with such a beautiful soul. Think I just needed to get this off my chest.

[@jillianellis5286]

It's great that Cricket had such a loving owner.

[@eileenanddogs]

Thank you!

[@Ta-Tchou]

Appreciate Video! Sorry for chiming in, I would appreciate your initial thoughts. Have you considered - Nonadison Ageing Abscissa (probably on Google)? It is a smashing one of a kind product for caring for your ageing dog minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my m8 after many years got excellent success with it.

[@stoianalin2407]

Great video content! Forgive me for the intrusion, I would love your opinion. Have you considered - Nonadison Ageing Abscissa (do a search on google)? It is a great exclusive guide for caring for your ageing dog without the headache. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my buddy got great results with it.

[@cletusawreetus-awrightus2799]

Fuck off you parasitic bots.

[@jetmtn1]

Skeet Skeet u need banned!

[@melindamills4359]

My dog is almost 16 and is doing everything the dog in video is. It makes me so sad to see her like this. I will do everything to keep her happy and loved.

[@be2utifulme516]

I want to assume that she has passed over the rainbow bridge now since this post was two years ago? :( I wanted to let you knwo that It is very sad but don't ever forget about the good things! You gave her a long and happy life. :)

[@rosewood513]

@@be2utifulme516 My dog has dementia and he has had it for several years now. Hopefully Melinda Hills's dog is still with her. Ot is a long suffering disease. I hope my boy lasts a lot longer. I am here for him he is rarely alone. We have another dog and a cat for the rare times I need to go out. Most of the time I take them with me...

[@Guppyg53]

It may not seem like it sometimes but they really appreciate the kindness

[@hollyfanatic8686]

Melinda Mills mine is exactly the same! What can we do?

[@readynow12345]

Don't assume, this is a horrible comment for you to make shame on you.

[@cosimoto8700]

Its nice to know that even though shes old, forgetful, and easily confused, she still thinks about you and finds comfort in being with you hence why she seeks you out. Also she probably wants to keep you safe(: even though she is the sick one

[@EbbtideCheque]

I looked up information on older dog dementia and got this video. I'm crying so much, because my little baby (she's almost 15) has started doing these things and I can't even begin to be okay with this. I don't know how I'll deal with her not being around anymore and I know dogs don't live that long, but...I've had her since she was a few weeks old and this is just heartbreaking to see where she is headed.

[@EileenAnderson]

EbbtideCheque Sorry about the delay in responding. Do you still have your dear old dog? That is such a hard thing for a caring dog owner to go through. Peace and good wishes to you.

[@EbbtideCheque]

Thank you.

[@zinatibbetts6897]

I feel ya, I’m there too.😞

[@NN-sp9tu]

Zina Tibbetts It’s natural! If your dog is happy it doesn’t matter!

[@torresdestinya82]

I know you’re pain this is really hard for me I also got my dog when she was a puppy. At first I would cry and cry on it but I want to be strong for her because she is sad

[@posey9573]

This sort of thing is so heartbreaking in any species, humans or otherwise. Seeing your buddy going through such changes is awful.

[@dneecie3059]

Pets are selfless and forever loving creatures

[@k.j.greenwood6473]

Hi, thanks for posting this video. My black lab, Ashley, is 14 and has been declining for a little while now. I don't notice all of the symptoms of CCD, but I do see similarities. She circles but usually outside, and she doesn't seem to understand when I take her out, when it's time to go in. We live in north central WI where it's quite cold this time of year, and even when it is -10F out there, she walks with me up to the porch and promptly lays down on the ice and wants to stay there, as if she isn't feeling the cold. Additionally, instead of turning away food or water, she compulsively will eat and drink. Nonstop. She also has gotten into the cat's litter box (something she never did before) and will snack there too (yuck) until I moved the cat box to a spot she can't get to. She'll eat the cat's food too (another thing she never did before) so now their dishes are also out of reach. She drinks from the toilet, so the lid stays down. A lot of changes! Today while she was napping on my bed, her bladder let go in her sleep. That's the first time she's gone in the house since she was housebroken as a pup! She doesn't come when called anymore, doesn't approach me to go out like she always has done, and I've had this girl all her life, so I know her very very well. But she's a different dog these days.

[@bubbazed9693]

Thank you for this. I let my lovable 15 year-old miniature schnauzer (Kiki) cross the bridge yesterday. CCD had been ongoing for year or so but really magnified in the last month. Constantly walking in circles, getting stuck in furniture (to the point I had to dog proof the house), lost sight, going into a corner and staring down for minutes at a time, staring blankly into a wall, restlessness and pacing (only changing direction when she bumped her head into a wall). Putting my face next to hers usually resulted in a tongue bath but no more and I hadn't heard her bark in months. Plus many others: she lost her hearing 2 years ago, could barely stand up to eat/drink (I had to steady her), constantly stepping into the water bowl, wiping out while eating from the food bowl. Unable to steady herself while pooping -- she had a hunch that older dogs get and she couldn't climb back up a steep hill. A 20 lb dog virtually all her life she was down to 11 lbs. The thing that kept it going was she kept her appetite to the end and she would have a slight bounce in her step on some walks. But that was a small part. It was painful to watch her. A shell of her former self. It's a difficult decision to make and you wonder in the back of your mind if that's really the time.

[@eileenanddogs]

Sounds like you chose just the right time (although it never feels like there is a right time). Cricket kept her appetite until the end as well. I'm sorry for your loss.

[@bubbazed9693]

Once again...thanks! Sounds like Cricket led a great life!

[@janetwhitten2643]

My pom was 17 and had dementia. It was 10 pm when I watched for the last time my baby girl trying to drink from her water bowl but couldn't. I called my vet who was a woman and she came out and put her to sleep. Hoover(her nickname) was my girl til the end. Before she died we would go for long car rides and she would ride high on the cushins belted in the seat next to me. She loved it. She was and still is my forever girl. Her real name was Princess. We lived life together, travelled together, and still love each other forever.

[@karenmetcalfe4557]

My Sam (JR X corgi) is approximately 13 years old, a Dogs Trust boy, and he does these things constantly. He is almost totally blind and deaf. He's now started to sit at his water bowl staring. We have to limit how much water we put in the bowl because otherwise he'd drink it all, it's almost as if he forgets that he's just had a drink and starts again. I'm concerned that he has no quality of life anymore as he never wants to go out and can't see to play. Is it time?

[@hf2193]

You described EVERYTHING my 12 yr old Andy is going through. It's been a steady decline since February, which began with hearing and steadiness loss. He already has a bad back so that just makes it worse. Then the circling started, falling into his bowls and off the bed, getting stuck in places and howling...He often can't sleep through the night, and will wake up circling until I have to grab him, wrap him tight in a blanket and push him down. I grappled with it being a possible brain tumor as he's a Boston Terrier and prone to glioblastomas, but considering there's been no seizures or vomiting, I've leaned more towards dementia. He's also down to 9.5 lbs, from 11.5 in May. Can't put on a pound yet eats the same amount of food. I know the time is coming, but I feel like as long as he's eating, maybe it's not his time yet..but seeing some of the other comments, relying on having an appetite is not the best indicator sadly. Thank you for this

[@laurieknight648]

My 14 year old miniature poodle, Angel, is going through this right now. She is diabetic, 2 injections a day, and has lost about 90% of her vision. It's hard to watch her like this. She still has a lot of moments of clarity but I've seen her display this behavior 2 times in the past week. She's been losing and finding me for many months now, especially with her being mostly blind, she'll think I'm still in the room and stand, stare, and wiggle her puffy tail, at what she thinks is me! Bless her little heart. Thank you for posting this video. I'm sorry you lost your sweet Cricket but she is helping other senior dogs, and their loving owners,

[@eileenanddogs]

Thank you very much, Laurie. I'm so sorry about Angel's decline. I hope she lots of good times left with you. Have you talked to a vet about medication? Sometimes it can help.

[@joshuagoldstein8138]

Thank you so much for this video. I am sitting here crying my eyes out as we have an appointment at one for my 17 year old chi/rat terrier mix with CCD. I am struggling so hard with this decision. It’s been over a year of sleepless nights, finding him stuck in odd places and scared out of his mind. The past two nights since I’ve made the call have been measurably better. He also has an enlarged heart. I know it’s time, but this goes against every instinct I have. I love him so much.

[@patricenagel9442]

I wen through what your going through last year. Frankie had all of the same things Cricket did. I would stay up with my Frankie all night when he would roam around getting stuck behind furniture, the toilet, and my bed. He would walk in circles. At first I thought he was playing when he would walk around me over and over. He was 16 and he was totally blind and deaf. I knew it was time, but I was selfish. Then one morning I woke up and he was in the kitchen lying in his own urine, I knew I had to take him in. It broke my heart but I did the hardest think I ever had to do, I just want to let you know that I know what your going through, I cried seeing this video too. My thoughts are with you🌈🌈🌈🐕🐕🐕

[@mindtorquemusic]

​​@@patricenagel9442my heart goes out to you and everyone else who has gone through this. Just last week I had to do it for my 17 year old girl Bongo. Her legs were gone, wouldn't sleep properly at night, cataracts,etc. It was time but also the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Also frustrating at the end. If anyone reads this and finds themselves getting angry at themselves for getting frustrated, you are not alone. It's hard to watch a once active and smart dog go downhill.

[@renzinthewoods]

Yup. That’s my old girl. As long as she cuddles at night, remembers how to eat, and shows some engagement with her surroundings...we’ll keep on going. She’s 16.5 yrs old. I keep towels handy when she piddles on the floor.

[@前橋みき]

My guy has just started and it’s heartbreaking 💔-we have changed his diet based on advice from vets and take everything day by day-I’ve even changed my work schedule so that he’s with me constantly! He gave me so much love and companionship that I’d do any for him! 😭

[@carlakenyon6073]

We’re in the same “lump in throat “ situation.

[@zeldaaawooodsss]

You just described my Jack Russell/Corgi. She is 16, paces constantly, pretty sure she mostly deaf, know her sight is going. But I love her so much!

[@user-wu2hr9eg2j]

I found an old dog abandoned today. She’s covered in fleas and weak, saddest thing ever. She’s staying with me for the time being.

[@j9p670]

My baby Darla also a Rat Terrier will be 15 at the end of April and has been showing signs of Cognitive Dysfunction for alittle over 6 months now. It's been quite a challenge to adapt to her new behaviors. It's heartbreaking watching her pace back and forth with no intentions in sight. Her appetite is still great and she has pep in her step sometimes too, even leaps over an area she used to leap over when we would play fetch in the house. Her blood and urine workup come back ok but she's been drinking tons of water, which leads to messes. She's confined to the kitchen while I'm at work. She paces thru her messes leaving peepee paw prints throughout any area available to her. I'm definitely exhausted and stressed. She stares into corners and waits to be let out by the hinge side of the door like Cricket did. She crawls under and behind the oddest areas. I got home from work today to messes, fed my girl, cleaned up and attempted to give her a bath. Worse decision ever. Once the water hit her her anxiety shot thru the roof. I've never heard her cry like this. I had to check to make sure the temp was ok and it was. She just hated it, I had to take her out soaking wet with soap still on her. I should've never even put it on her or even tried bathing her. I just wanted to freshen her up. Clean her peepee paws. I will just use a cloth from now on. No more baths for my girl. She has been pacing in the kitchen for a good 2 hrs now. Next week we start her old gal 'anxiety' meds. I'm not a fan of such meds but I have to give in and try it. See how it goes. Super stressed furmomma over here. Thanks for sharing ur video. Feels better to know we're not alone. Read ur blog first.

[@ScottDLR]

You can be pround for giving Cricket such a wonderful loving, forever home.

[@madam312]

My little guy Caesar has just turned 17 and is definitely slowing down. He's forgetting where I am and has started pacing around the garden at night when he goes out to do his business. It's just so hard to know if it's just not fun for them anymore.

[@houses4rent8240]

I'm so sorry. I totally understand what you're going through. My Chow Chow-Lab mix Pepper just turned 17.8 years old and he's definitely not himself. I wish they could live forever.

[@wmeyerhofer]

Thank you so much for this. I've shed a lot of tears watching it, but my little dachshund, Simon, is displaying all of these symptoms, and it's been a great help to know I'm not alone. It's a beautiful thing that you've done reaching out to folks going through the experience of watching the effects of CCD on our beloved pets.

[@eileenanddogs]

Good luck with your little fella. If he's like my dog, the symptoms probably bother the humans more than they bother him.

[@Doxiegirl1954]

We let our sweet doxie, Gina, go today.. She was 13 and had slowly exhibited all of these behaviors for the last several months. But the big red flag was she no longer wanted to eat or drink. I would spoon feed her like a baby and squirt water in her mouth to keep her hydrated. After 2 trips to the vet in less than a week we made the decision to euthanize her. She was not even the same dog anymore, it was heartbreaking for us, but we felt like we owed it to her to do the very best for her. It was obvious that she was suffering, she stumbled around like she was drunk and panted and paced until she was physically exhausted and would drop anywhere and fall asleep. As hard as it was for us, it was the best thing for Gina.

[@CFG39]

my dog Patch has been acting strangely the past couple of months and was diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction a couple of days ago. he's a 13.5 year old Toy Poodle. I've had him since he was 6 weeks old and it makes me so sad to see him going through this. It honestly is like losing a family member (almost worse) and he exhibits all of the symptoms that Cricket showed. I can't help but to find myself becoming emotional just thinking about one day having to let him go. I had always thought he would live until he was 20 years old and never imagined at 13.5 we would have to deal with this. One of the first things I noticed was his hearing and vision seemed to be off, followed by him not showing his teeth as often when we came home. yes, he actually smiles like a person (which is part of what made him so cute and unique). He's also become more aggressive towards our other dogs at feeding times. He seems to be progressing at an alarming rate and I feel like I can almost see him worsening daily. Our vet wants us to wait a couple of weeks before starting him on any medication. Of course I want to start him on any and everything now to see if it will help him live a longer and better life. The thought of having to put him to sleep is so hard. He has been my best friend since I was 11 years old and got him as a birthday present from my grandfather. Thanks for your videos and information online.

[@saulgoodmanbodypillow]

My 10 year old Shepherd mix has been acting weird for several months and I almost cried watching this because it looks a lot like her behaviour. Thank you so much for making it though, it's convinced me to take her to the vet tomorrow morning. Do you have any more advice on dealing with this? Your dog was so sweet and well loved.

[@MightyPuff]

My dog began wandering day and night a few days ago, she is a 16 year old poodle. It is so hard to get used to the idea that she won't be around sometime soon. We'll take her to the vet in the next couple of days, hoping to find something that will make time more enjoyable for her. Your pup was adorable, makes me happy that she was so loved. Thanks for this, helps a little with the transition​.

[@LNRansom]

My 11yr old Border Collie is starting to show signs with increased anxiety and confusion. Still love him though and he is still enjoying life to the full! He is now starting to forget to greet me when I get home which is a little sad because I loved his happy welcome home cuddles!

[@babyblue_22]

This breaks my heart seeing this, especially number two. But I guess at the very least she got to experience that joy of finding you over and over again, right? I'm sure that must have been nice for her at least

[@MrJdubbya36]

Such a cute pup. My old dude Leon is startin to barely show some of these signs. He has to look a bit when I come home to make sure it's me. He sometimes goes outside to go potty and just stands there until I point and tell him to go potty. But he does the same dancing and jumping at food time and always has. He still knows when it's time too and will get up and stand or sit there staring at me until I get up to get his food ready. Cricket sure looked like she had a good life!!

[@PJP-DJP]

My dog passed away in 2021. He had dog dementia and displayed all of these behaviors.

[@madchaos4912]

Precious little puddin

[@lillian.catherine]

I think my old dog had that... He did a lot of this stuff... So sad :(

[@arthurb6059]

God bless this cute dog and her loving owner. ♥

[@woofwoofwoof6499]

This is so sad. I hate it when dogs get shit like this.

[@NickanM]

woof woof Woof *Amen to that. Animals is so innocent.*

[@tooniemama6959]

It's sad watching our beloved canines getting older. My dog (Sheltie) will be 14 years old this month and her behavior has changed tremendously in the past year or so. She exhibits the same behaviors as your dog. She's always happy when it's "kibble time", and that seems to be her only enjoyment now, sadly. She has no interest in toys anymore. My dog has not shown any aggression, which is a good thing. In fact, she does not even bother to bark anymore and she used to be very 'vocal' in the past. Getting older is just a sad reality of life.

[@anthokaespiritu3814]

Thank you for the video. My little girl is 16 this year and a year ago we suspected that she had dementia, she has all the symptoms. Still though, like your baby, she has energy to walk and trot, and to eat her dinner. I know she won't last that long, she seems to get worse as the days go on. But Im so happy, I adopted her and spent all these years with me. She's just a beautiful dog.

[@fastgurrrl]

+Anthoka Espiritu i'm right there with you sister. blessings on our babies.

[@annelamoureux1535]

Anthoka Espiritu ii

[@DonnaAbrams-qh7zt]

I adopted an 18 yr old dachshund last year whose owner had died. Max isn’t showing these issues yet, but when I leave the house for any length of time, he thinks I’m gone forever. His joy when I return, alive, is heartwarming but I hate he has to go thru that fear.

[@FranktheDachshund]

Special people adopt older dogs, thank you. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing a senior dog listed on Craigslist whose owner died and nobody wants them.

[@DonnaAbrams-qh7zt]

@@FranktheDachshund Yes seeing that at the shelter where I volunteered made me want to adopt senior animals. Nothing sadder than their faces when surrendered to a shelter after their owner has died.

[@ccasan3]

Like my comment if this reminds you of Joe Biden

[@lynnlegault9297]

Your Cricket looked like a darling a perfect companion.. R.i.P little one

[@erosionhead420]

My poor baby has this extremely bad. He’s had severe separation anxiety and now this. He hasn’t been able to be left alone for 3 years.

[@Agg1E91]

My 16yo dachshund has some of these symptoms but not all, and mostly not to this degree other than forgetting what he was doing if not directly engaged, and then walking slowly for a few feet and then just standing there, looking at nothing, for a few minutes, and then slowly walking a few more feet and doing it some more. If there are people in the room moving around, he's more engaged and a bit more focused. He has that same old-man narrow rear area as Cricket. He has also become pretty fanatical when it comes to eating. He was always non-discriminating and would try to eat all sorts of things he shouldn't. But now, he is pretty much only motivated and focused when food is involved. I honestly think he's forgotten that he may have eaten quite a bit just minutes or hours earlier. He is also beginning to forget how to use his dog door properly. He's still my boy, though and isn't in pain or any of that.

[@EquinoxElizabeth]

This made me cry ❤️❤️

[@amycrawley6297]

So I'm reading all these negative sad comments... and I just don't agree. My 14 year old female Jack Russell has had the signs for more than 7 months. Because I didn't know what was happening it's made it somehow easier to accept. Prior she had had a few surgeries and so when she started exhibiting signs for dementia I turned a blind eye as I didn't want there to be something else wrong with her. Knowing that this is dementia I'm continuing to give her so much love and attention, making her a bigger priority in my life and making everyday count with her, taking her on more frequent walks, buying awesome treats for her. SHe's very puppy like, lot's of energy and mobility, big appetite. Runs around a lot. Could never think of putting her down. I will give her quality of life.

[@rosewood513]

Your girl is so beautiful.. It is so sad when they start to decline... My pug is now too...

[@eileenanddogs]

Cherokee Rose Thanks so much. And sorry about your pug.

[@pavvel9884]

Bless her heart. My dog is going through now. It’s so very hard to deal with.

[@kirnpu]

Me too. I'm keeping him happy and loved but it's grinding away at me. He'll just stand in the middle of the room like the "off" button has been pushed. Good luck!

[@Malexah_mor]

I’ve heard getting a new dog helps, coenzyme Q1 helps, puzzles and learning new tricks. Do you guys have more tips? This is so sad😥

[@danielmorse6597]

I hold my guy all night now. He is like a puppy now. Just needs me all the time. I got this for him. He is 17 wolf. I would burn everything I own to have him back. I now know this is his last fall/winter.

[@TheLady1945]

our dog did the same thing , she was 16 also we loved her very much and miss her.

[@pawbiter]

Thank you. My peke is doing all these things now. But he is happy and responds to being held and petted. So I make sure he knows he is loved.

[@eileenanddogs]

I'm glad he is still so responsive and you will have some more good time with him.

[@Skrawnsan]

My dog is blinded by cataracts and does everything in this video. I always thought it was because he can’t see well but now I’m not sure. It’s Probably a bit of both…

[@stealhty1]

Thx for your share , Cricket seems to have a lot of energy left,you have to see mine going bananas,following walks and getting stuck,,have you try Anypril ??

[@lynnearjava8049]

Thank you Eileen, this was very helpful although painful. I watch my old Mate doing these exact same behaviours and am very anxious that I won't know when enough is enough. He still loves life mostly, but God it's hard to see him deteriorate. He's been such a smart alert boy. And it's very difficult to go out and leave him at home when I know he'll spend the duration of my absence looking for me…

[@adamwilliams5372]

I'd just like to say I think everyone here loves their dog as much as i do. You are the people that I respect because you understand. My dogs would judge you and approve

[@kathleenrose5803]

glad I found this video, though its a bittersweet comfort. My poor sweet girl Molly is 14 and recently began showing cognitive signs of her age, and all I can do is watch :( She's still a puppy in my eyes

[@lindacunningham2021]

.my 15 year old does all of these plus he's deaf. I have to enter his world and can't expect him to be in mine

[@Guppyg53]

Sweetie pie Cricket. Senior animals just need a gentle guiding hand. They are so sweet.

[@lliamjurdom9505]

RIP Cricket

[@meagansanders2520]

This is heartbreaking. My dog just turned 17 last month. I've had her since I was 9 years old. My German Shepherd got too rough with her and accidentally broke her back leg which had to be amputated a few years back. She's since gone completely deaf as well and has very little bowel and urinary control. The past year she's been showing signs of CCD (doggie dementia). She forgets things very obviously, like asking to go outside to potty, then immediately forgetting why she was let outside and I have to walk her into the grass to stimulate her to go. She also gets stuck around my kitchen furniture and can't figure out how to get unstuck. I've on occasion caught her sitting in her shallow water dish with water still in it because she'll she'll trip and land in the dish but not realize she's sitting in water. The worst was coming downstairs one morning to find her asleep on the top shelf of my 4 foot tall cat tree which is pressed against my stairs. She walked halfway up and went between the railing and got on the top shelf. I had to pull the tree away from the stairs to avoid her falling and getting hurt. Dementia and Alzheimer's is the most heartbreaking disease on earth.

[@NicolinaDanielle]

Omg my dog started going to the hinge side of the door too! She also started crying on car rides (new)….ugh she was always super healthy but her mind is going…acting like a puppy even. Every night she tries to lay by her brother and he hates it. She is looking for comfort

[@mindtorquemusic]

Same here with the hinge side of the door.

[@be2utifulme516]

I love that you could bring her to the office!! That is a blessing

[@StevenStoltzOfficial]

My 8 year old chihuahua/jack russell mix was recently diagnosed with Dementia. I didn't realize at the time he was showing signs of the disease because it started as small things that just seemed lrrelevent. Everything in your video my dog does.. and it breaks my heart. We're going to a vet for a second opinion and to see what treatment plans we have. Thank you for posting this video!

[@Bocaj77]

The hinge side of the door was one of the first things I noticed with my old lady

[@lindak8032]

My 16 y/o mini poodle does all of these. So sad to watch 😞

[@coxinator01]

Thanks for posting! My dog is doing similar things, but he's much younger than Cricket. It's helpful to see it "in action."

[@teehee4096]

Cricket is very adorable when she hops in anticipation of suppertime ❤

[@melissameehan7816]

Thankyou for sharing this video.

[@Checkersss]

this breaks my heart :( I have a 4 year old Chihuahua and it would hurt to see him age and possibly go through this

[@sawyerc4087]

This is exactly what my little 16 year old Jack Russel, Dodger is going through at the moment. I’ve had him since I was 5, and it hurts to see him confused and disoriented. He had a vet visit yesterday and they gave him some medication to help calm him. Thank you for making videos like this to help others ❤️

[@ThePureBloodedSaiyan]

This hit home with me my little buddy Jake who is also a Jack Russell started showing these symptoms suddenly the past few days hes 17 this year and like you have had him since I was 5, I can't help but ask how your little Dodger is doing these days?

[@joleneredrobin7406]

Made me cry because I recognise that my best friend has some of these symptoms

[@dixb.floppin798]

I'm 25 and witnessing my dog from childhood going through this. I adopted her when she was a puppy when I was 11. We both grew up together. She is the best friend I ever had. Sadly, she is reaching the end of her life. I know this and I feel like she also knows this.When I moved out I couldn't take her with me. My apartment does not allow dogs and she cannot jump onto or off of my bed or my couch anymore. Every time I visit my parents she stares at the wall, will walk into my old room and it will seem like she completely forgot why she went into the room until I call her name and let her smell me (she has gone blind in her old age). When I am there she gets my full attention. I'm talking ear scritches, belly rubs, head pats, chin scratches, the works. It devastates me to watch my best friend go through this. I honestly don't know how I will handle the news when she passes.

[@Thatguyyoumettoday]

Thank you for this video...im dealing with this with my 15 year old beagle. I love my old girl but it makes me sad to see her in decline. Im sure you are missing your baby.

[@mygirllil]

Oh she is so darling... breaks my heart! Thank you for loving her so much that you wanted to help others like me- my Bull Terrier is almost 14 and displays every one of theses behaviors! I am trying Ginko, Melatonin, and a diffuser called Comfort Zone to see if she can feel a bit more like herself. Thanks so much.

[@mcxxx5536]

Brilliant capturing of my 16 year old collie's behaviour and cognitive decline. You have put into words what I was struggling to describe. Thank you.

[@eileenanddogs]

Chris McAteer, glad to help but sorry you’re going through this with your dog.

[@TheScoobyp1]

Mine is worse,stuck in corners,grunting

[@uapnz0698]

She's beautiful RIP baby girl. So cool to see her loving her food! Thanks for sharing

[@themeparkultimate7838]

Rest In Piece cricket 😭

[@chickenflavor9880]

Guys take your dog out for a walk and keep it's brain active. So you can avoid this.

[@Daz555Daz]

Dementia likely has a significant genetic component so some people and dogs are just simply going to suffer from the condition.

[@janaieaton6706]

My little 16.5 year old Gizmo has started doing this and it's been hard to see but I will be here with him until the end! Just have to find what makes him happy and be very patient ❤

[@FUNNYBUNNI1]

My dog has just started doing strange things she never did before . She is 14 years old 😢

[@marcel9350]

I understand what you mean... my dog is almost 14 years old... and he barking and whining a lot more...and he forgets that he is not allowed to walk in the garden.. between the plants...such things....i wish you the best with your dog🙂

[@mailboxmw]

We recently lost our 17 year old dog Penny to this same disease. Your video did help us with the transition. While I often thought of posting my own video, Penny's progression was much worse. The walking in circles would continue to the point of exhaustion. It became so bad, her paws begin bleeding from walking the circle pattern on carpet. Running into walls, the problem with vision and finally unable to eat properly. Her final days were spent eating green beans and drinking Gatorade. Then, in the middle of this, she had a couple of good days. We were with her for all of her final days of life, making them as comfortable as possible. On her final day, there was no walking, eating or drinking. It's a terrible thing to experience.

[@blinddogcollar8333]

I have a dog exactly like that. Same age, breed, symptoms, except a blind male. I have concluded it's not CCD; it's pain. Pleasure-based activities, like eating, are not impaired. Trying to turn around when "stuck" or being unable to lay down properly all come from the same thing. If it hurts to bend an old back, the dog will just avoid bending at all costs and stay there because it hurts too much to move. Also, lying down can be a problem. The dog "misses" the target on the floor possibly because the legs go out midway.

[@seanpool8028]

I have a Boston bull/Jack Russell mix named Jane. She's doing the same clues of canine cognitive disfunction as what you described in your video of Cricket

[@MissSpaz]

I think people need to remember that even though a dog may have doggy dementia, it can still have a quality of life! Cricket seems quite happy and not in pain, even though she might not have the same quality of life as before, she's still enjoying life.

[@akush5007]

This video is 7 years old, dont know if cricket is still with you, But i just want to thank you for whatever you have done this beautiful dog. You are a loving person I wholeheartedly wish that people like you get everything in your life at utmost priority Love for cricket

[@zzzbbbooo]

My mini poodle is 15 and a half and is like this. We thought it was his eyes but the vet said he can see well but the messages are not getting through to his brain. He doesn't let me out of his sight but often loses me in the house. It's difficult because he is completely deaf too so I have to tap him or wave at him sometimes to let him know I'm there. He still goes for his walks and the highlight of his life is breakfast and dinner time. We try to have someone home for him as much as possible. After all the love, loyalty and fun he's given us, he deserves it.

[@angelagarrett5699]

How do you know when they are no longer happy? I am not sure how old my Eddie is, he is a rescue. Guesses are that he is at least 12+ yo. He seems unhappy when he gets confused. He will bark non stop for no reason that we can see. I feel so helpless.

[@codystivers8670]

Rip cricket- 2023

[@cheryladelmeyer8172]

Thanks for the video. Our little poodle is blind, deaf and is having these same issues. Many circles, getting stuck, not eating much, getting disoriented, and incontinence. She has fatty tissue lumps an also had a pretty big growth on her neck. At her age of 18 we chose not to take off any of her growths except this one that bothered her on her neck. They removed some loose teeth too while she was under anesthesia. She is losing weight and her eating has lessened, so we buy her soft food now and do some hand feeding . I have to physically place her at the food bowl and water dish, bringing the dish to her nose. Tonight I am washing out my bedsheets as she had an accident this morning. It is frustrating at times taking her outside about every two hours, but we love her dearly. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain, so that is good. Just enjoy the time you have together, precious time. I am sorry for all the good people that take care of their pets as family members.

[@sparkle9482]

Thank you for sharing this BEAUTIFUL video! My Furbaby is 15 and has shown the same behavior, but it's a part of life that not just dogs experience so do humans. We still have to LOVE them UNCONDITIONALLY just as we would our parents or any other love one🙏❤

[@snarkdetriomphe]

My 13-year-old Scottish Terrier, Agnes, is starting to show these signs, which is why and how I found this video. Awww Cricket was 16! I keep telling Aggie she has to live to be 17. ;) She is partially deaf now, but aside from that has started searching for me and barking like she is frightened when I am standing right behind her. She has been sleeping less and licking the air more and just standing staring at things she never stared at before. But like you said, she still has a happy and high quality of life [because i love her to pieces :) ] Like the gentleman below, I am about to lose my mom to Alzheimer's, so I am all too familiar with dementia. Sad, but poetic somehow that Agnes should be going through same. Thanks for your video, Eileen :)

[@eileenanddogs]

You are welcome! It sounds like you are keeping Agnes safe and happy. Bless you.

[@GraemePryce1978]

Yeah, I think this is happening to one of my dogs. I don't know her exact age as she was a stray but she is at least 17 as she has been in my life since 1998. She is a miniature Yorkshire terrier and she lived with my mother until she passed away in 2011. I had always promised that I would look after her little dog for her if she died ( she knew she had limited time when she asked ) so her little terrier has been with me, my Whippet and my Jack Russel for the last few years. It's not just the actions - though she does most of the things in this video - it is the general look in her eyes of slight confusion as well. She is walking very strangely the last few weeks and she has very milky, cloudy eyes. Dogs in my life have always passed away due to physical illness before reaching this stage so it is new to me even though I am an experienced dog owner. I'm finding it a bit difficult to decide at what point to believe her quality of life has diminished. I am guessing that while she is still eating, wagging her tail and answering to her name then she still has time.

[@fastgurrrl]

+Graeme Pryce bless your for stepping up for your mother's companion. my sister did that for my mother's cat when she passed. i'm in a similar boat as you, plus Ruth has multiple layers of special needs. as long as she is eating, burrows in her blankies when she first wakes, is doing her business fine, i will not end her life. i keep hoping to God she will just pass in her sleep. we've had multiple, heartfelt conversations about this. one very recently. she is my first dog, and my first senior.

[@SystemofaDowns]

R.I.P. Eileen

[@shannonthegreatsides4887]

Such a sweet dog and wonderful owner. I love how u r patient with cricket

[@gstellll]

My dog is 18 and has been showing signs of this for the last 2 years or so, but over the last few months it's gotten so much worse. Just a few days ago she had a severe seizure and she has become incontinent. She still walks around although not steadily (and aimlessly walking up and down the hall, surprised to see me sitting in bed when I hadn't moved at all). It's very sad to see her like this, but she still greets me, still begs for people food, still wags her tail and still sleeps soundly through the night with a peaceful look on her face. The vet said all of her vitals are very strong, it's only her mind that is going south. I'll never be ready to say goodbye :(