Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is an underdiagnosed age-related neurodegenerative condition causing disorientation, sleep disturbance and anxiety in older dogs.

Key Facts

CDS affects an estimated 14-35% of dogs over eight years old
Signs include house soiling, disrupted sleep, reduced interaction and apparent confusion
Only about 2% of CDS cases are identified and treated in veterinary practice
Selegiline, diets enriched with antioxidants and behavioural enrichment slow progression
Early diagnosis enables intervention before severe cognitive decline occurs

Welfare Considerations

CDS causes significant suffering in millions of older dogs who go undiagnosed and untreated. Raising owner and veterinary awareness of this common condition is a welfare priority.

What You Can Do

Learn to recognise early signs of CDS in dogs over eight years old
Discuss cognitive changes in your older dog with your veterinarian proactively
Provide cognitive enrichment and environmental stability for senior dogs