DISHAA - Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Assessment Tool
The DISHAA Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Tool was developed to help pet owners and veterinarians identify and evaluate age-related behavioral changes in dogs. Cognitive dysfunction in dogs, comparable to Alzheimer's disease in humans, often occurs in older dogs and is manifested by a progressive deterioration in cognitive abilities. The DISHAA tool can capture specific behavioral patterns to determine the severity of cognitive dysfunction.
What is Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs?
Cognitive dysfunction, also known as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), is a progressive and irreversible degeneration of the brain that goes beyond normal age-related changes. Affected dogs often exhibit behavioral changes such as disorientation, altered social interactions, altered sleep patterns, house uncleanliness, and increased anxiety. Studies estimate that approximately 14% of dogs ages 8 and older exhibit symptoms of CDS (DISHAA Assessment Tool).
What does DISHAA stand for?
DISHAA is an acronym for the six main categories of behavioral changes that can be seen in dogs with cognitive dysfunction:
- D esorientation
- Interactions (Social)
- Sleep/wake cycles
- House uncleanliness, learning and memory
- Activity
- Fear
How does the DISHAA tool work?
The DISHAA tool consists of a series of questions and assessments that guide the pet owner to observe and evaluate specific dog behaviors. The observations are recorded according to severity (none, mild, moderate or severe) in points (0-3). This score helps evaluate the dog's cognitive health.
Categories of the DISHAA tool in detail:
- Disorientation : Dogs with CDS often become disoriented, getting stuck on objects or staring into space for seemingly no reason. You may also have difficulty recognizing familiar places or people.
- Social interactions : Changes in reactions to people or other animals are indicative of CDS. Dogs may be more fearful, aggressive, or less interested in socializing.
- Sleep/Wake Cycles : Many dogs with CDS exhibit disrupted sleep patterns, becoming restless at night, vocalizing, or wandering aimlessly.
- Housekeeping, learning and memory : Another sign of CDS is incontinence and the inability to respond to previously learned commands or learn new tasks.
- Activity : An affected dog may either decrease in activity (less play, less exploration) or exhibit increased aimless pacing and repetitive behaviors such as circling or licking.
- Anxiety : Dogs with CDS often show increased anxiety, especially when separated from their owners or in new environments. They may also be more sensitive to noise and visual stimuli.
Here is a detailed explanation of the different categories of the DISHAA tool to help dog owners better identify and assess cognitive dysfunction in their dogs. Practical examples will make it easier for you to notice and evaluate changes in your dog.
1. Disorientation
Disorientation in dogs often manifests itself in the dog becoming disoriented, even in familiar surroundings. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction may have difficulty finding their way around your home or navigating simple things like doors.
Examples:
- Getting stuck : Your dog often gets stuck behind furniture or stands on the wrong side of the door (e.g. the side with the hinge) because he can no longer correctly see the exit.
- Staring : Another clear sign is if your dog stares motionless at a wall or into space for a long time without reacting. It seems as if he is lost in thought, but in reality he can no longer make sense of his surroundings.
- Mixing up familiar places : A dog with disorientation might appear “lost” in his own yard or on a regular walk, not knowing how to get back.
Observation Tips:
Observe whether your dog often gets stuck or seems confused in these situations, especially when it happens in familiar surroundings. If this occurs frequently, it is important to let the vet know.
2. Social interactions
Dogs with cognitive dysfunction often change their behavior toward other animals and people. You may become more anxious, irritable, or lose interest in social contacts.
Examples:
- Aggressive or fearful interactions with visitors : A dog that used to enjoy receiving visitors might suddenly become nervous or even aggressive toward guests.
- Withdrawal : Your dog becomes more withdrawn, shows less interest in being petted, or ignores offers to interact with familiar people or other pets.
- Changed behavior around familiar people : Dogs may also no longer immediately recognize familiar people or react more indifferently to their presence, which can also indicate cognitive problems.
Observation Tips:
Pay attention to whether your dog shows less joy in social interaction, whether he becomes more stressed or even aggressive. Such changes are often subtle but can become more pronounced over time.
3. Sleep/wake cycles
Disturbed sleep patterns are a common sign of cognitive dysfunction in dogs. If your dog suddenly becomes restless at night, staying awake or pacing around when he was previously sleeping soundly, this could indicate CDS.
Examples:
- Restlessness at night : Your dog runs restlessly around the house at night or keeps waking up even though he used to sleep peacefully.
- Vocalizing : Some dogs suddenly start barking, yelping, or whining at night for no apparent reason.
- Changes in sleep patterns : A dog with CDS may sleep more during the day but be awake and restless at night.
Observation Tips:
If your dog used to sleep well and is now frequently active or making noises at night, you should keep a close eye on this. Note when and how often this happens so you can report it to the vet.
4. Home uncleanliness, learning and memory
A dog who suddenly becomes unclean in the house even though he has learned to go outside could be suffering from cognitive impairment. Likewise, difficulty learning new tasks or following old commands can be an indication of CDS.
Examples:
- Incontinence : Your dog suddenly starts going back into the house even though he was previously housetrained. It could be that he no longer signals when he needs to go outside.
- Memory Loss : Your dog appears to forget previously learned commands or his name. Previously simple commands such as “sit” or “come” may now be difficult for him.
- Difficulty learning : A dog with CDS would be unable to learn new tasks or tricks, even with simple training.
Observation Tips:
If your dog starts to go indoors again or no longer responds to simple commands, you should discuss this with the vet to rule out organic causes.
5. activity
Changes in activity are another sign of cognitive dysfunction. Dogs may either become more apathetic or wander more aimlessly without any real intention.
Examples:
- Decreased activity : Your dog stops playing with toys, shows no interest in walks, or frequently withdraws.
- Excessive Wandering : A dog may constantly wander around the house or yard with no destination or reason. Sometimes he exhibits repetitive behaviors such as circling or licking.
- Repetitive movements : Frequent circular movements or constant licking of a specific spot on the body are typical signs.
Observation Tips:
Watch for behavioral changes related to your dog's activity. A dog that suddenly becomes inactive or shows unusual movements should be observed closely.
6. Fear
Many dogs with CDS develop increased fears, whether of separations, new surroundings or loud noises. This fear can increase if the dog feels unsure of his surroundings.
Examples:
- Separation anxiety : A dog that was previously comfortable staying alone suddenly becomes anxious and restless when you leave the house.
- Sensitivity to noise : Your dog is more likely to be startled by loud noises or become nervous when it's loud outside.
- Fear in new environments : Even places that were once familiar might suddenly scare your dog. He may refuse to go for walks or stay outside.
Observation Tips:
If your dog acts more nervous than usual or reacts unusually anxiously to everyday noises or situations, this could be a sign of cognitive problems.
DISHAA - Analysis Online
DISHAA - Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs Assessment
Point system and evaluation:
Once all behavioral characteristics have been assessed, an overall score is obtained, which provides an indication of the severity of the cognitive dysfunction:
- 4-15 points: Mild cognitive dysfunction
- 16-33 points: Moderate cognitive dysfunction
- Over 33 points: Severe cognitive dysfunction
This assessment serves as a useful tool to monitor the dog's condition and take timely veterinary measures that can improve the dog's well-being. Veterinarians use the DISHAA tool as a basis to suggest further diagnostic testing and treatment options after evaluating behavior.
Why is the DISHAA tool important?
Because cognitive dysfunction in dogs is often underdiagnosed, this tool offers an easy way to identify symptoms early and provide the best possible help to dogs as they age. Close dialogue between the pet owner and the veterinarian is crucial to maintaining or improving the animal's quality of life.
With early detection of symptoms, targeted measures such as dietary adjustments, behavior modifications or special medications can slow the progression of the disease and enable the dog to live a more comfortable life.
The DISHAA tool is a valuable aid for anyone who wants to monitor and support their dog's cognitive health as they age.
Frequently asked questions about DISHAA:
What is the DISHAA tool and what is it used for?
The DISHAA tool is a tool specifically designed to help dog owners and veterinarians identify and evaluate age-related behavioral changes in dogs. It represents the six major categories of behavioral changes commonly associated with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS): disorientation, social interactions, sleep/wake cycles, housekeeping/learning and memory, activity, and anxiety.
The tool helps you to observe and specifically evaluate your older dog's behavior. This evaluation provides guidance in determining whether your dog has CDS and serves as a basis for further veterinary evaluation. Because cognitive dysfunction is a progressive and irreversible condition, early diagnosis can help improve the dog's well-being and maintain quality of life.
What Behaviors Indicate Cognitive Dysfunction in Dogs?
There are several behaviors that can indicate cognitive dysfunction. The DISHAA tool helps to systematically observe and evaluate these:
Disorientation : The dog appears confused, gets stuck on furniture, goes to the wrong side of the door or stares into space for no reason.
Changed social interactions : The dog shows less interest in people or other animals, becomes more anxious or even aggressive.
Disturbed sleep/wake cycles : The dog becomes restless at night, wanders aimlessly, or barks and whines for no apparent reason.
House uncleanliness and memory loss : The dog suddenly begins to defecate in the house again even though it was house trained, or no longer responds to previously learned commands.
Changed activity : The dog shows less interest in play and exploration or appears to wander more aimlessly.
Anxiety : The dog develops increased separation anxiety and reacts more anxiously to noises or new surroundings.
One or more of these behaviors, particularly in older dogs, may be indicative of CDS and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
How can I tell if my dog is disoriented?
Disorientation is a typical sign of cognitive dysfunction and is usually reflected in the dog no longer correctly perceiving its surroundings. You may observe the following behaviors in your dog:
Frequent getting stuck : Your dog often gets stuck on furniture or walls and seems to have difficulty finding his way around his familiar home.
Staring into space : If your dog stares at a wall, floor, or into space for long periods of time without responding to external stimuli, it could be a sign that he is having difficulty processing his surroundings.
Confusion in familiar places : If your dog suddenly doesn't know where to go on a walk or can't find the way back home even though he knows the route, it could be a sign of disorientation.
If you notice such signs in your dog, it is advisable to regularly document the behavior and see your veterinarian.
Why is my older dog's sleeping behavior changing?
Altered sleep habits are a common symptom of CDS. Dogs who used to sleep soundly may suddenly become restless at night, wandering around aimlessly or vocalizing (barking, yelping, whining). These sleep disturbances may indicate that the dog's internal "clocks" are out of whack, which is a sign of cognitive impairment.
In addition, dogs may sleep more during the day and therefore be more active at night. Your dog may get up at night and walk restlessly around the house without a clear intention. Some dogs may also become more anxious or irritable to noises at night.
Such changes in sleep patterns are common and should not be ignored. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice that your dog is suddenly sleeping significantly more or less or that his sleeping behavior has changed drastically.
How can I help my dog if he is showing signs of cognitive dysfunction?
If your dog is showing signs of cognitive dysfunction, there are several ways you can help him improve his well-being and slow the progression of the disease:
Veterinary care : Have your dog checked regularly, especially if he is over 8 years old. The veterinarian can help you diagnose CDS and discuss appropriate treatment options. There are special diets, supplements, and medications that can help support brain function.
Mental and physical stimulation : Keep your dog's brain active by continuing to play with him and teaching him new, easy tasks. Short walks, gentle play, and mental challenges like food puzzles can help.
Safe Environment : Make your dog's home as safe as possible. Avoid large changes or changes in the facility, as this could further confuse disoriented dogs.
Maintain routines : Dogs with CDS benefit from stable and predictable routines. Set feeding and walking times, as well as regular bedtimes, can help reduce anxiety.
Supporting your dog during this phase of life requires patience and understanding. With the right care and veterinary support, you can significantly improve your dog's quality of life.
Summary DISHAA - Tool
The DISHAA tool is a valuable tool for detecting and assessing cognitive dysfunction in dogs. DISHAA stands for the six categories considered when assessing a dog's cognitive health: disorientation, social interactions, sleep/wake cycles, house uncleanliness, activity and anxiety.
Using the DISHAA tool, dog owners can systematically observe changes in their pet's behavior. For example, when dogs show disorientation, DISHAA helps determine how often they appear confused. In social interactions, dogs can be assessed using DISHAA to determine whether they are more aggressive or withdrawn.
The tool also supports the assessment of disturbed sleep/wake cycles. If a dog suddenly becomes active at night, DISHAA provides guidance. House uncleanliness, learning and memory problems are also part of the DISHAA assessment and are assessed through questions such as “Does the dog go back into the house?”
DISHAA also detects changes in activity, such as aimless wandering. DISHAA also helps detect increased anxiety that occurs in dogs with cognitive dysfunction. Overall, DISHAA enables a comprehensive assessment of the health status of older dogs.
By regularly using the DISHAA tool, dog owners can keep an eye on the development of their dog's cognitive skills. If deterioration is observed over time, DISHAA provides valuable guidance on when to see the vet. DISHAA is particularly useful because it helps dog owners document behavioral changes that are often gradual and subtle.
With DISHAA, even small anomalies that initially seem insignificant can be systematically recorded before they develop into larger problems. DISHAA also promotes close collaboration between dog owners and veterinarians, as the information collected with DISHAA provides a sound basis for a veterinary diagnosis. For every dog owner whose dog is over eight years old, DISHAA offers a simple but effective way to protect their four-legged friend's mental health.
You can also download the tool here: https://www.purinainstitute.com/de/centresquare/nutritional-and-clinical-assessment/dishaa-assessment-tool