Cognitive dysfunction syndrome in senior dogs causes significant welfare impacts that are often misattributed to normal aging. Recognition and management can substantially improve quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction causes profound welfare impacts including confusion, anxiety, disrupted sleep, and loss of learned behaviors. Dogs with CDS may appear anxious or distressed, becoming lost in familiar environments and failing to recognize family members. Many are untreated because owners and sometimes veterinarians do not recognize the condition. Recognition enables intervention: cognitive-supportive diets, omega-3 supplementation, environmental enrichment, and medications including selegiline can improve quality of life and slow progression. Maintaining routine, familiar environments, and social connection is particularly important for cognitively affected dogs.