Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects an estimated 60% of dogs over 15 years but is diagnosed in only a fraction of cases. Recognizing the signs and implementing treatment can maintain quality of life in affected senior dogs.
CDS represents significant welfare concern because disoriented dogs experience confusion and anxiety, and disrupted sleep-wake cycles cause nighttime distress for both dogs and owners. The low diagnosis rate means many dogs spend their final years experiencing preventable suffering while owners attribute signs to 'just getting old.' The welfare intervention is early detection and treatment - selegiline's cognitive benefits are greatest when started in early CDS before significant neurological change. The management of nighttime disorientation - providing night lights, limiting access to stairs where falls could occur, and consistent routines - reduces anxiety for affected dogs. Quality of life assessment in CDS dogs should explicitly include cognitive function alongside physical health. End-of-life decision timing is complicated by the gradual nature of decline.