Understanding cognitive dysfunction syndrome in older dogs, its welfare impact, and evidence-based management strategies that maintain quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a significant and growing welfare concern as companion dog populations age. Dogs experiencing cognitive decline may show profound disorientation, anxiety, and distress that owners often misread as stubborn or difficult behaviour rather than neurological disease. Early diagnosis enables earlier management — including selegiline, dietary antioxidants, and structured enrichment — that can slow progression and maintain quality of life for longer. The welfare priority is recognising that cognitive change in older dogs deserves the same medical attention as any other age-related condition rather than being dismissed as inevitable decline.