The DISHAA checklist: catching dementia in an older dog early
Dementia in older dogs rarely announces itself. The signs build slowly enough to blend into ordinary aging, which is exactly why Cornell behaviorists suggest tracking them with a simple framework called DISHAA.
Why dementia slips by
Dogs are living longer thanks to better veterinary care and nutrition, and with that comes a condition many owners do not expect: canine cognitive dysfunction, the dog version of dementia. It is not rare. The 2023 AAHA senior care guidelines estimate that roughly 14 to 22.5 percent of dogs over eight years old show age-related cognitive impairment.
The hard part is recognition. Most signs have been slowly building for months or years, so each one looks small on its own. AAHA's guidelines stress that early recognition matters: treatment works better in the earlier stages, and catching the change sooner protects both your dog's quality of life and your bond with them.
Six categories to watch
Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center points owners to DISHAA, an assessment guide recommended by Cornell behaviorist Dr. Katherine Houpt. The letters walk through six categories: disorientation, interactions, sleep-wake cycles, house soiling, activity, and anxiety.
In plain terms, that looks like a dog who gets stuck behind furniture or stares at walls, greets family less or seems not to recognize a familiar person, paces at night and sleeps all day, has accidents after years of being house-trained, wanders aimlessly or loses interest in play, or develops new clinginess or worry. None of these alone proves dementia, but a pattern across categories is worth acting on.
What to change at home first
Start with safety. Block off stairways a stiff or confused dog could stumble down, and check for dead ends like the space behind the couch where a disoriented dog can get stuck. If your dog roams at night, add nightlights so they can navigate, and consider an extra walk right before bed to encourage deeper sleep.
Respect your dog's social battery: let them opt out of mingling and give them a quiet room or crate as a retreat. If hearing is fading, speak as you approach and let your footsteps send a vibration through the floor so you do not startle them awake. For house soiling, add more potty trips during the day. And keep their brain busy: sniff walks instead of exercise walks, new food puzzles, and yes, new tricks. Old dogs can still learn, and the engagement helps.
Loop in your vet early
Before assuming dementia, rule out look-alikes. A bladder infection, for example, can cause house soiling all on its own, and pain or sensory loss can mimic confusion. Your vet needs the full picture, so bring specifics.
This is where a daily log earns its keep. Note each episode with a date: what happened, when, and anything that seemed to trigger it. A month of dated notes turns a vague worry into a pattern your vet can assess. Mention supplements only as a question, not a plan: Cornell notes that melatonin helps some dogs but the evidence is thin, so discuss it with your veterinarian before trying it.
Questions about this guide
Is DISHAA a diagnosis?
No. It organizes observations about disorientation, interactions, sleep, house soiling, activity and anxiety. Cornell describes veterinary assessment and ruling out other causes; a pattern on a checklist is not proof of dementia.
Should I start a supplement because my dog matches the list?
No. Discuss treatment and supplements with your veterinarian. Similar changes can have different causes, and this guide does not choose a medicine, dose or individual treatment plan.