Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects a significant proportion of older dogs, causing disorientation, anxiety, and sleep disruption that profoundly affects quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is a geriatric welfare challenge that mirrors human Alzheimer's disease in many respects. Affected dogs experience confusion, anxiety, and disrupted sleep that significantly impairs their quality of life and can cause significant secondary problems including elimination accidents, nocturnal vocalization, and altered social relationships. Early recognition and intervention — through dietary management, environmental modification, and medication where appropriate — can meaningfully extend good quality of life. Owner and veterinary awareness of CDS as a welfare condition, not simply normal aging, is the most important step toward better outcomes.