Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the dog equivalent of dementia, affects millions of senior dogs and significantly reduces quality of life when unrecognised.
Cognitive dysfunction causes genuine confusion, anxiety and distress in affected dogs. Disorientation — getting stuck in corners, failing to recognise familiar people, vocalising at night — indicates a dog struggling to make sense of its environment. Because signs are often gradual and attributed to "just getting old," diagnosis is frequently delayed. Early veterinary assessment when behavioural changes appear, followed by environmental adaptations (nightlights, consistent routines, calming supplements) and licensed medication where appropriate, substantially improves quality of life. Recognising cognitive dysfunction as a treatable condition rather than an inevitable endpoint of aging is itself a welfare advance.