Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative condition analogous to human dementia, affecting a significant proportion of older dogs. Recognition, compassionate management, and quality of life assessment are central to welfare in affected dogs.
Dogs with CCD experience a progressive loss of cognitive function that affects their ability to navigate their environment, maintain normal social relationships, and regulate basic functions. The confusion, disorientation, and disrupted sleep cycles that characterise advanced CCD are associated with anxiety and distress. Many owners are unaware that their dog's changing behaviour has a medical basis rather than being a natural aspect of ageing. This misattribution delays treatment that could improve quality of life and delays honest assessment of when welfare has deteriorated beyond acceptable bounds. The welfare obligation to dogs with CCD includes active management to slow progression, anxiety reduction, and compassionate euthanasia when quality of life cannot be maintained.