Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects a significant proportion of senior dogs and causes progressive welfare deterioration that is frequently misattributed to normal aging.
Canine CDS welfare impact is significant and frequently unrecognized. Dogs with dementia experience genuine suffering — disorientation is distressing, night-time waking causes anxiety, and loss of housetraining creates confusion. Owners often attribute these signs to 'normal aging' and delay seeking veterinary help. Early intervention with environmental enrichment (puzzle feeders, new toys, maintained social engagement), dietary supplements (antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids), and medication (selegiline) can slow progression and improve quality of life. End-of-life decisions for dogs with advanced CDS are among the most difficult welfare judgments companion animal owners face — quality of life assessment tools help guide these decisions.