Dogs’ risk of canine dementia rises by more than 50% each year, study finds

The research found odds of CCD were 6.5 times higher in dogs with lower activity levels over the past year. Photograph: Zoonar GmbH/Alamy

If you can’t teach your old dog new tricks, it could be an ominous sign. Researchers have found the odds of a canine having doggy dementia rises by more than 50% with each year of age.

While dementia is a well-known condition in humans, dogs can experience a similar decline in cognitive function, with symptoms including disrupted sleep, forgetfulness, walking into things, difficulties adapting to change and getting lost.