Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects a significant proportion of older dogs, causing disorientation, sleep disruption and personality changes. Early recognition and management can significantly improve quality of life.
Canine cognitive dysfunction causes real suffering: dogs with CDS are confused, anxious and often distressed by their own disorientation. The welfare impact extends to disrupted sleep (affecting both dog and owner), loss of confidence and social withdrawal. The tragedy of under-diagnosis means many dogs spend their final years suffering unnecessarily when management could improve their quality of life. Veterinary professionals should routinely screen older dogs for CDS using validated tools like the CADES questionnaire. Owners need better information about the condition to distinguish it from normal ageing and seek appropriate help.