The daily routine of Bailey, a 14-year-old Labrador mix with dementia and arthritis, has left people in tears as they praise owner Tammie Tuttle for looking after the dog in their final days
The daily routine of a dog with dementia has left viewers in tears. Dog owner Tammie Tuttle, 57, took part in the trend of sharing the daily lives of pets with dementia problems which has since gone viral. Her post showcased Bailey, a 14-year-old Labrador mix struggling through the day with their memory loss and arthritis.
Bailey is still a loving dog but Tammie says getting older “has changed” her beloved pet. Members of the public have since praised Tammie and shared their love for her 14-year-old dog, with the pet adapting to a slower form of living. Tammie shares her dog’s daily life to @tammieandthedogs, with a recent post on TikTok going viral.
The video shows the daily life of Bailey, who is living a much slower life than she once did. It’s a change Tammie and the family are still adapting to, with the dog owner saying their Labrador can no longer run around.
Tammie shared: “We live out in the country, and she used to be able to run and roam our property with my husband or I just watching. That’s no longer the case, and no more chasing sticks or digging holes.
“We have to stay by her side and guide her in the direction she needs to go. If we put a stick in front of her, she will brighten up a little and grab it. Bedtime has also become a routine in that we have to make sure she is on her bed and asleep before we go to bed.”
An early nap, afternoon pacing, and forgetting she had already eaten are parts of Bailey’s routine now she has dementia and arthritis.
Tammie posted the video to TikTok and wrote: “Dog dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). Symptom. She’s our girl and it’s so hard watching her.”
Members of the public shared their heartbreaking experiences with pets in decline, though praised Tammie for continuing on with Bailey. Some suggested it may be time to put Bailey down, which was described as an “ultimate kindness” by one comment.
They wrote: “I’m sorry to say it but you need to give her the ultimate kindness. It’s time!!” Another disagreed, writing: “For everyone commenting that it’s time to let her go, just stop. It’s not your call and it’s not helpful. Even if you’ve had a dog in a similar situation, theirs is different.”
A third shared: “My lil guy had his vestibular event in 2/2024. CCD also kicked in. He just passed in 6/2025. Cherish the time you have.”
What treatments are offered to dogs with dementia
PetMD say that canine dementia can also lead to barking or howling at seemingly nothing, increased anxiety, house soiling, forgetting tricks or cues they previously knew, and getting lost in the house.
They recommend using night lights and nutritional supplements to slow the effects of dementia, as it cannot be cured.
Experts recommend: “Nutritional supplements can be helpful in slowing ageing changes in the brain. Night lights can be helpful to minimise their confusion in the dark if they have night walks. Keeping your dog in a small room that is difficult to get lost in may reduce their vocalising and confusion.”
