Short answer: see your vet. Confusion in an older dog can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and other problems such as pain can look similar.
What Cornell and the ASPCA say
Cornell describes cognitive dysfunction syndrome as a common age-related disease that affects the brain, similar to Alzheimer's disease in people. It says the vet will do a physical exam and may recommend blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions with similar signs, such as pain and arthritis. The ASPCA says to report all changes to your vet and not to assume your dog is just getting old. It lists the signs with the acronym CRASH.
What to do
Write down what you have seen and when. Keep life predictable. See an older dog who is confused at home and restless at night.
Do not
The ASPCA warns that shutting a senior dog in a crate when you are out can raise their anxiety.
Get the right help
Your vet can check and talk about treatment options.
This article is general education, not veterinary advice. If your dog seems unwell, is in pain, or something changed suddenly, call your vet. If it could be an emergency, do not wait.
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Frequently asked questions
What is going on?
Confusion can be a sign of cognitive dysfunction syndrome, an age-related brain condition, and other problems such as pain can look similar.
What will the vet do?
A physical exam, and they may recommend further checks to separate the possible causes.
What helps at home?
Keep life predictable, write down what you see and when, and keep routines steady.
What should I not do?
The ASPCA warns that shutting a senior dog in a crate when you are out can raise their anxiety.
