Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is a progressive neurological condition in senior dogs analogous to dementia, causing disorientation, sleep disruption, and anxiety that significantly impairs quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction represents a significant and underdiagnosed welfare problem in the ageing dog population. Like dementia in humans, CDS causes progressive loss of familiar associations and normal behaviour patterns, leaving dogs in states of confusion, anxiety, and disrupted sleep that are distressing for both the animal and their family. Because the signs overlap with normal ageing, and because many owners are unfamiliar with CDS, many affected dogs go undiagnosed and untreated for extended periods. The welfare imperative is early identification using validated behavioural rating tools, prompt veterinary assessment to rule out other causes, and initiation of multimodal management including pharmaceutical, dietary, and environmental components. End-of-life planning in CDS requires ongoing quality of life assessment as the condition progresses.