Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects many older dogs and causes significant welfare problems. Recognition, management and compassionate end-of-life care improve quality of life in senior dogs.
Canine cognitive dysfunction represents a significant and growing welfare challenge as companion dog longevity increases. Dogs with CDS may experience confusion, anxiety and loss of established routines that provided comfort. Night-time disorientation and vocalisation suggests genuine distress rather than habitual behaviour. The welfare priority for CDS dogs is early recognition and multimodal management: medical treatment where appropriate, environmental adaptation to reduce confusion, maintenance of cognitive stimulation and familiar routines, and careful monitoring of quality of life. The boundary between manageable CDS and welfare-compromising decline requiring euthanasia consideration requires honest assessment using validated quality of life tools. Owners who recognise CDS early and manage it proactively give their dogs significantly better quality of late life.