Your Dog Isn't "Just Getting Old":
Announcement posted by Pet Insurance Australia 13 Jul 2026
Staring at walls. Pacing through the night. Forgetting familiar routines. They're all behaviours many Australian pet owners put down to old age, but experts say they could actually be the early signs of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), commonly known as dog dementia.
As Australians love and care for their dogs longer than ever before, age-related conditions like cognitive decline are becoming increasingly common. Yet many cases go undiagnosed because owners mistake the early symptoms for a normal part of ageing.
Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton says awareness is one of the biggest barriers to diagnosis.
"Most people know arthritis can affect older dogs, but very few realise their dog's brain can age too. By the time many owners recognise something isn't right, their pet may have been living with symptoms for months."
Research suggests canine cognitive dysfunction affects approximately 14% to 35% of dogs over eight years of age, with prevalence increasing dramatically in senior dogs. One of the most recognised studies found 28% of dogs aged 11 to 12 years showed signs of cognitive impairment, increasing to 68% of dogs aged 15 to 16 years, while more recent research suggests up to 70% of dogs over 15 years may be affected*.
According to Pet Insurance Australia, the early warning signs can include:
- Staring at walls or into space
- Getting stuck behind furniture or appearing lost in familiar places
- Pacing or restlessness, particularly at night
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Forgetting familiar routines
- Increased anxiety or unusual clinginess
- Reduced interest in family interaction or play
- House-training accidents
"Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition in older dogs, similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans," Dr Betty Chan says. "It involves physical changes in the brain that affect memory, learning, and behaviour. This differs from normal ageing, which may involve slowing down or sensory decline, and may cause behavioural deterioration."
Crighton says many owners wait too long before seeking veterinary advice.
"We'd never ignore sudden confusion or memory changes in an ageing family member, yet many dogs spend months trying to tell us something has changed before anyone realises they need help."
"The earlier owners recognise these subtle behavioural changes, the sooner their veterinarian can rule out other medical conditions and begin management strategies that may help maintain their dog's quality of life."
Dr Chan says the earliest symptoms are often easy to miss.
"Early signs are often subtle and include mild disorientation, changes in sleep patterns (especially more wakefulness at night), reduced interaction or unusual clinginess, decreased interest in activities, and occasional house accidents. Monitoring can begin from as young as 7 years of age, and the odds of a CCD diagnosis increase by 52% with each additional year of age. Therefore, pet owner needs to monitor for CCD symptoms from 7-8 years of age."
Pet Insurance Australia is encouraging owners of senior dogs to monitor behavioural changes, keep regular veterinary appointments and avoid dismissing new habits as simply "old age."
"Growing older shouldn't automatically mean a poorer quality of life," Crighton says.
"The biggest gift we can give our senior dogs is paying attention. Recognising the signs early gives families more opportunity to support their pet, preserve their wellbeing and enjoy more happy years together."
"Cognitive decline is not just a normal part of ageing. Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve a dog's quality of life," Dr Chan advises. "While there is no cure, management strategies include medications, specialised diets rich in antioxidants, supplements, consistent routines, and reducing stress. Early intervention can improve quality of life."
ENDS
Sources:
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12520861/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15837-9
https://www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au/dog-dementia-the-early-signs-every-pet-owner-should-know/
END
Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time prior to 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436, arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by PetSure's Authorised Representative (AR) Pet Insurance Australia Pty Ltd ABN 85 113 507 850, AR 326233 (PIA). Pet Insurance Australia policies entered into for the first time on or after 8 May 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure's AR, PIA. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at petinsuranceaustralia.com.au.