Let’s be real: nothing tests your patience like cleaning up pee in the hallway ten minutes after a walk. But with dementia, it’s not defiance. They forget the “go outside” rule. They might even stand in the corner, lifting a leg, with a genuinely confused look on their face.
Don’t scold them. They already feel bad. Instead, stock up on enzyme cleaners and embrace the odor. This is the part where love gets messy.
The Constant Pacing (Or The “Couch Marathon”)
Some dogs develop a restless, repetitive movement—pacing in figure-eights, circling without lying down, or walking into the same wall over and over. It’s like they’re trapped in a loop. This can last for hours and it’s exhausting just to watch.
Dog Dementia Pacing | Dog Dementia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
It might be anxiety, or their brain is stuck on “repeat.” A little massage or a familiar tune can sometimes snap them out of it. Sometimes not. You just sit with them and say, “I’m here, buddy.”