This free dog dementia test walks you through the six DISHAA signs vets use to screen for canine cognitive dysfunction: disorientation, interaction changes, sleep changes, house soiling, activity changes, and anxiety. Answer 18 quick questions about your dog's recent behavior and you'll get an instant score from 0 to 54, a breakdown of which categories stand out, and clear next steps. It takes about two minutes. This is an educational screening tool, not a diagnosis, and a high score is a reason to talk to your vet, not to panic.
Please answer every question to get an accurate score.
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See NeuroChew on Furever Active →Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dog dementia test a diagnosis?
No. This is an educational screening tool based on the DISHAA framework that vets use to flag cognitive decline. It tells you how many warning signs your dog is showing and how strong they are, so you can have a more specific conversation with your veterinarian. Only a vet can diagnose canine cognitive dysfunction after ruling out other medical causes.
How does the dog dementia self-assessment work?
You answer 18 questions across the six DISHAA categories: disorientation, interaction changes, sleep changes, house soiling, activity changes, and anxiety. Each answer scores from 0 (never) to 3 (always). The tool adds your answers into a 0 to 54 score and sorts the result into minimal, early, moderate, or significant signs, with next steps for each band.
What score means I should see a vet?
Any score in the moderate range (21 or higher) is worth a veterinary visit, and a score of 37 or higher suggests booking a prompt evaluation. But the number matters less than the pattern: if your dog shows three or more distinct DISHAA signs at any score, schedule an appointment rather than waiting for the signs to worsen.
What age do dogs get dementia?
Canine cognitive dysfunction is most common in dogs over age nine, and the likelihood rises with each additional year. Signs can appear earlier in some dogs, which is why annual senior screening from age seven and a baseline assessment like this one help you catch changes while there is the most you can do about them.