Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an age-related neurological condition similar to Alzheimer disease in humans, requiring proactive welfare management to maintain quality of life in affected dogs.
Dogs with CDS experience disorientation, anxiety, and loss of learned behaviours that significantly impair quality of life. Night-time waking, restless pacing, and loss of house training cause distress for both dog and owner. Pain from concurrent arthritis and sensory loss compounds cognitive welfare impacts. The condition is progressive and irreversible, but management with medication, diet, enrichment, and environmental adaptation can significantly improve welfare across the remaining months to years of life. Quality-of-life monitoring guides appropriate end-of-life timing.