Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) — dementia in dogs — affects millions of senior dogs. Early recognition and management improve quality of life in an often-overlooked condition.
Canine cognitive dysfunction causes genuine suffering through confusion, anxiety, and loss of the routine and familiarity that give dogs psychological security. Dogs that cannot recognize their owners, become lost in familiar rooms, or experience sundowning anxiety at night are in genuine distress. The condition is frequently dismissed as normal aging by both owners and veterinarians, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Standardized questionnaires like the CADES or CCDR help owners and vets identify and track cognitive changes objectively. Medical management with selegiline, combined with environmental stability (predictable routines, familiar layout, night lights), cognitive enrichment, and appropriate exercise can slow progression and maintain quality of life. Understanding when CDS-related distress outweighs remaining quality of life is a critical end-of-life welfare consideration.