Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, the dog equivalent of dementia, causes significant welfare harm in aging dogs, and environmental modification and medical management can substantially improve quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction represents a significant and growing welfare challenge as dogs live longer with improved veterinary care. Dogs with moderate to severe CDS may appear confused and anxious, wake repeatedly at night, fail to recognize familiar people, and lose the housetraining that formed the foundation of their life in a human home. These changes cause genuine psychological distress in affected animals and can be misinterpreted by owners as willfulness rather than illness. Environmental modifications that maintain predictability and orientation, including consistent routines, night lights, and accessible sleeping areas, reduce the disorientation-related anxiety component of CDS. Medical treatment with selegiline combined with environmental enrichment and nutritional support produces the best welfare outcomes for affected dogs.