Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects an estimated 14-35% of dogs over 8 years old and is the canine equivalent of Alzheimer's disease. Recognising and managing CDS significantly improves quality of life in ageing dogs.
CDS causes progressive welfare deterioration that is often gradual and easily missed until symptoms are severe. Dogs in early CDS may show subtle changes in sleep patterns, reduced interaction, or occasional confusion that owners attribute to tiredness or mood. As the condition progresses, disorientation in familiar environments, inability to recognise family members, night-time restlessness, and loss of house training cause significant distress for both dog and owner. The welfare dimension is complex: cognitive impairment may reduce the dog's awareness of its own deterioration, but anxiety, confusion, and disrupted sleep cause genuine suffering. End-of-life decision making for CDS-affected dogs must weigh quality-of-life indicators carefully, as dogs with severe CDS may experience more distress than is immediately apparent.