When Dementia Affects a Dog Owner: How It Impacts the Dog and Its Behaviour
by Friends of the Dog - Scotty Valadao
by Friends of the Dog - Scotty Valadao
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a deeply emotional, and often difficult experience, and from personal experience, I have seen how this condition can affect a dog.
While most conversations focus on the person affected, there’s another family member we shouldn’t forget: the dog.
Dogs are incredibly sensitive animals, and changes in their owner’s health and behaviour can have a big impact on them, as anybody with a dog can contest too.
Here’s a look at how dementia can affect dogs and some tips to help them cope.
Dogs Often Notice Changes Before We Do
In general, dogs can indeed be highly beneficial for owners with dementia and Alzheimer's disease and the companionship and emotional support provided by dogs can reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression commonly experienced by individuals with dementia as their world changes around them.
Dogs are masters of reading body language and routines. They notice even the smallest changes in our moods, smells, and habits. When a person develops dementia, they may behave differently – perhaps becoming confused, less consistent with feeding and walking, or showing unusual emotional reactions. These shifts can leave a dog feeling unsettled or anxious.
Some dogs may respond by sticking close to their owner, becoming extra protective or clingy. Others might act withdrawn or even start to misbehave because they’re unsure of what’s happening. Just as we humans will react in different ways, the manner in which a dog reacts will always be unique to its personality.
Routine Disruption Can Cause Stress
Dogs thrive on routine. If an owner with dementia forgets mealtimes or walk schedules, the dog may experience stress or confusion. You might see this show up in their behaviour through whining, pacing, or even destructive actions like chewing.
In some cases, a dog might begin to display symptoms of separation anxiety if their owner suddenly behaves unpredictably or isn’t as emotionally available as before. - again it depends on the dog.
Emotional Impact on the Dog
Dogs form deep emotional bonds with their humans. When a once-confident, familiar figure starts acting differently, dogs can be confused, worried, and stressed. They don’t understand dementia – they just know something has changed.
Signs a dog might be emotionally affected include:
Bill, a retired teacher, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. His dog, Max, a gentle Labrador, had always been calm and happy. As Bill’s condition progressed, he sometimes forgot to feed Max or take him for his usual walks. Max began pacing around the house and barking more, especially in the evenings when Bill seemed most confused.
Bill’s daughter stepped in and created a simple routine chart to help keep things on track. She also arranged for a neighbour to walk Max daily. Within a few weeks, Max became more settled. This small change not only improved Max’s wellbeing but also gave Bill comfort, knowing his beloved dog was cared for.
Supporting the Dog (and Owner)
The good news is, with some thoughtful steps, you can help both the dog and the person with dementia cope:
While most conversations focus on the person affected, there’s another family member we shouldn’t forget: the dog.
Dogs are incredibly sensitive animals, and changes in their owner’s health and behaviour can have a big impact on them, as anybody with a dog can contest too.
Here’s a look at how dementia can affect dogs and some tips to help them cope.
Dogs Often Notice Changes Before We Do
In general, dogs can indeed be highly beneficial for owners with dementia and Alzheimer's disease and the companionship and emotional support provided by dogs can reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression commonly experienced by individuals with dementia as their world changes around them.
Dogs are masters of reading body language and routines. They notice even the smallest changes in our moods, smells, and habits. When a person develops dementia, they may behave differently – perhaps becoming confused, less consistent with feeding and walking, or showing unusual emotional reactions. These shifts can leave a dog feeling unsettled or anxious.
Some dogs may respond by sticking close to their owner, becoming extra protective or clingy. Others might act withdrawn or even start to misbehave because they’re unsure of what’s happening. Just as we humans will react in different ways, the manner in which a dog reacts will always be unique to its personality.
Routine Disruption Can Cause Stress
Dogs thrive on routine. If an owner with dementia forgets mealtimes or walk schedules, the dog may experience stress or confusion. You might see this show up in their behaviour through whining, pacing, or even destructive actions like chewing.
In some cases, a dog might begin to display symptoms of separation anxiety if their owner suddenly behaves unpredictably or isn’t as emotionally available as before. - again it depends on the dog.
Emotional Impact on the Dog
Dogs form deep emotional bonds with their humans. When a once-confident, familiar figure starts acting differently, dogs can be confused, worried, and stressed. They don’t understand dementia – they just know something has changed.
Signs a dog might be emotionally affected include:
- Clinginess or refusal to leave the owner’s side. It can occur that a dog may start to protect its owner from other family members if they come too close. If a situation such as this starts to develop, please get professional help so that this behaviour can be nipped in the bud.
- Some dogs will not want to be with the owner, and seem to change their loyalty to other members of the family instead - this can be very upsetting for the owner.
- Loss of appetite
- Increased barking or whining.
- Withdrawal or hiding - often under table and chairs.
- Regression in toilet training - the dog is not being ´spiteful´, rather it is coping in a way that makes the dog feel more secure - marking is not uncommon. If this does occur, clean the area fully and go back to basics with toilet training, treating and praising profusely as dog performs in appropriate area. Consider some of the options in Supporting the Dog and Owner below.
Bill, a retired teacher, was diagnosed with early-stage dementia. His dog, Max, a gentle Labrador, had always been calm and happy. As Bill’s condition progressed, he sometimes forgot to feed Max or take him for his usual walks. Max began pacing around the house and barking more, especially in the evenings when Bill seemed most confused.
Bill’s daughter stepped in and created a simple routine chart to help keep things on track. She also arranged for a neighbour to walk Max daily. Within a few weeks, Max became more settled. This small change not only improved Max’s wellbeing but also gave Bill comfort, knowing his beloved dog was cared for.
Supporting the Dog (and Owner)
The good news is, with some thoughtful steps, you can help both the dog and the person with dementia cope:
- Keep Routines Consistent – Try to maintain regular feeding, walking, and play schedules, keeping as much as possible to the dog´s previous routine.
- Introduce a Support System – Have family members, friends, or pet sitters help with the dog’s care, always explaining to the owner.
- Reassure the Owner - If the dog tends to withdraw from the owner and starts to focus on other members of the family, which is what happened with our Kal, you may find that the owner becomes worried about where the dog is, calling the dog all the time, and wanting the dog to sit with him constantly.
In a situation such as above, try offering a chew toy on the sofa or bed next to the owner, and look for every situation possible where you can point out to owner how much the dog loves him/her. - Dementia Assistance - It may be an idea to contact one of the dementia support groups for further advise regarding the owner and the dog.
- Safety on Walks - If the owner walks the dog alone, it’s a good idea to occasionally join them, perhaps once every few weeks. This allows you to check for any potential safety concerns. For instance, the owner might be walking too close to a busy road. If a motorbike, truck, or other loud vehicle passes by, the dog could become startled and suddenly dash into traffic. Similarly, if the dog spots another dog across the street, it may try to run toward it. Unfortunately, dementia can affect the owner’s reaction time and judgment, and in some cases, they may even let go of the lead, putting both the dog and themselves at risk.
- Chew Toys - From a personal aspect, knowing how much chewing can help a dog to de-stress and give an outlet for frustration, I bought a bunch of brand new chew toys, especially those that can be stuffed with delicious treats. Rotating them daily, resulted in a dog what was more relaxed.
Calming Essential Oil Stuffed Toys - I brought one of these into play immediately I noticed Kal´s stress levels increase. I found that he would toss it around and when he had enough would lie down next to it, often placing his head on top of the toy.
Please note, that there are essential oils, and then there are essential oils! Having trained years ago as an Aromatherapist, I know the importance of using only 100% therapeutic grade essential oils, so I would only use the Rosewood Range of Calming Toys with essential oils which I purchased from www.mcmac.co.za - these products are called Aromadog,
Dogs give us unconditional love, and in return, they need security and understanding – especially when life takes an unexpected turn. By paying attention to both the owner and their furry friend, families can help ensure everyone gets the care and comfort they deserve.
While dementia brings challenges, it can also deepen the bond between a dog and its family, showing us just how powerful that connection really is.
Please note, that there are essential oils, and then there are essential oils! Having trained years ago as an Aromatherapist, I know the importance of using only 100% therapeutic grade essential oils, so I would only use the Rosewood Range of Calming Toys with essential oils which I purchased from www.mcmac.co.za - these products are called Aromadog,
- Consider using a Calming Product - If you feel that the dog needs a bit of help, consider chatting to your vet about something that will help. Personally, I prefer using natural as much as possible and if we had needed it, would have considered the Adaptil Calming Collar or inside Diffuser - most vets stock these products.
The Adaptil products mimic the pheromones that a mother dog releases to calm their puppies. To us these products may seem odourless, but dogs definitely recognize, and respond to the scent. - Monitor the Dog’s Health – Stress can lead to health issues, so regular vet check-ups are important.
- Seek Behavioural Support – If the dog shows severe anxiety or behavioural changes, a trainer or animal behaviourist can help.
Dogs give us unconditional love, and in return, they need security and understanding – especially when life takes an unexpected turn. By paying attention to both the owner and their furry friend, families can help ensure everyone gets the care and comfort they deserve.
While dementia brings challenges, it can also deepen the bond between a dog and its family, showing us just how powerful that connection really is.
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