Going to the toilet indoors which he-she has never done before since a puppy?

Getting ``lost'' in a corner of the house and looking dazed forgetting how to perform simple tasks or respond to previously known commands?

Canine dementia is more appropriately termed canine cognitive dysfunction.

Behavioural changes can result from lowered blood flow to the brain, sometimes combined with a lowered dopamine level (think of dopamine as a happy chemical). 

Ageing is inevitable.

When signs of confusion starts to become evident, many dog owners find it hard to understand and cope with the changes.

Many owners become impatient with their faithful companion and the relationship between human and dog sours.

Detecting symptoms at the earliest opportunity often allow good management of the individual case and increase quality of life for both the canine and the human.

Medications are available which help by increasing blood flow to parts of the brain; other medications help increase brain dopamine concentration and metabolism.

It's not all about using medications though - it is important that the owner begin ``re-training'' as early as possible to avoid the establishment of unwanted behaviour through inappropriate learning.

Toilet training a 14-year-old maybe necessary.

Provide structure and predictability to the environment - avoid putting in new stairs and slopes, and simple things like keeping furniture at the same location can help decrease episodes of confusion.

Also don't forget that as dogs age they may partially or completely lose hearing and sight.

Remember that every dog is different.

Simply losing control of the bladder does not point to dementia.

Ring your local vet for a check up to determine the dogs physical state of health is always the first step forward.