Does a dog get Alzheimer's desease?

[Kyoko]

I am wondering if the dog start to get forgetful as they age. My almost 15 years old Chow Chow, Butter often act as he forgot about things. For example, he would act as he did not get fed shortly after he ate, and if we try feeding him again thinking he may be still hungry, he will not touch it, or be guarded towards someone he knows well, and then realize who it is after few minutes, etc... Or do you think he cannot smell or see well anymore?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I don't know the specifics but my cousin's elderly lab started acting as if he had dementia when he was old. He barked incessantly without reason, started to want to be outside all the time and his whole personality changed. Eventually he was pet on a Prozac for dogs and it helped.But, I'm sure Butter can't see or hear as well as he used to also. I'd talk to your vet Kyoko. Sorry to hear this.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't know if it's actually Alzheimer's disease, but very old dogs can become disoriented & forgetful. I'm sure it's the normal aging process, just like people. Many of them definitely experience hearing & vision loss.
My schnoodle lost her vision and had diminished hearing in old age (13); she also became disoriented, especially outdoors in the winter when it's harder for a dog to use her sense of smell to get her bearings. She would even sometimes seem to get lost in the house. She once snapped at me when I tried to pick her up without letting her sniff me & know I was there. My poodle didn't seem to have any loss of memory or reasoning, but she did have some vision & hearing loss as well by the time she passed just short of her 16th birthday.
It's sad to watch, but I don't think they suffer very much because of this. Elderly dogs seem to just want security- a comfortable place to sleep and to know that you're nearby. It's harder for us, I think. Hugs to you & Butter, Kyoko.

[Kyoko]

Thank you, Karen...

[Adina P]

I've wondered this too, but my guess is no because it takes a greater mental capacity and ability to process info in the first place (I think) in order for a diagnosis like Alzheimer's to be applicable. For example, I don't think dogs think "I already ate 2 hours ago" so they can't really think "oh no I haven't been fed yet" -- but at the same time our 14 y.o. Cass seems hungrier and exhibits more begging and scavenging behavior than she has in the past.

[Kyoko]

I think Butter is doing well overall, considering his age, but I can see a lot of aging sign, naturally....
Yes, he is wanting to go outside all the time, more than " He needs to go more aften since he may have less muscle tone to hold ". The funny thing is that my kids argue about this constantly, blaming one for not walking him and taking him out properly. One would say "Look at him! He is saying you never took him out today!" then the other would say, "OMG! we just came back in for the fifth time! Ask mom!" LOL.... At least they care enough about him.

[Tammy & Gracie]

My old dog Bob had dementia, but they never called it alzheimers. He barked incessantly for no reason and sometimes seemed to forget where he was and why. We also traeated with some kind of antidepressant (although I don't remember which). It helped with the barking alot. Also at that point he was blind and deaf, so who can say exactlt what caused what reaction.....

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Older dogs do lose something, whatever you call it. They seem to get disoriented easily. Obviously many lose visual and hearing acuity as they age. I think some dogs mellow and some get grumpy - just like people.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Just seeing your post - my Secretary has had 2 wheatens that have had a form of dementia as they got older. We had a converstation about this the other day. Vet put them on Prozac and it made them happier and more comfortable.

[Kyoko]

?! I have to ask Dr. Sweeny next month at Butter's yearly appointment. Interesting....

Butter's friend "Pretty Girl" who is also a cream color chow in our neighborhood is also getting old, she is about 12.
The other day, other neighbor called me at work to ask me if Butter was missing. She said that this dog, who looks like Butter has been sleeping on her porch for 2 days. Come to find out, this was Pretty Girl. We all live within few blocks, and I wondered why Pretty Girl got lost and couldn't find her home once she got out of their house. I left work to get Pretty Girl and took her home. Her owner said that she is getting disoriented, and forgetful as well....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

That was very nice of you to leave work to get her; I can't understand how the owner could let her walk around the neighborhood loose, even if she wasn't forgetful & disoriented. A disoriented dog could walk in front of a car.

[Kyoko]

Yeah, I left work to go get her because the lady who called me said that Pretty Girl growed at her, so her husband called the dog pound who told him that if the dog was vicious, they were going to put it down!
Pretty Girl was always mellow with us and loves to come visit Butter. I didn't want that to happen to her. I told the owner that they were going to euthanize her!! I hope that they understand her condition and keep her safe. We - my kids and I -said that if we see her walking around loose again, we are going to secretly keep her....