Companion Animals

Senior Dog Cognitive Dysfunction Welfare

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is the equivalent of dementia in dogs, affecting over 60% of dogs over 15 years old and significantly reducing quality of life without appropriate management.

Key Facts

CDS affects around 14% of dogs over 8 years and 60% of dogs over 15 years
Signs include disorientation, altered sleep patterns, house-soiling, and reduced interaction
Diagnosis requires ruling out other medical causes of similar signs
Dietary supplements, environmental enrichment, and drug treatment can slow progression
Quality of life assessment tools help owners recognise when welfare is compromised

Welfare Considerations

CDS welfare requires early recognition, appropriate veterinary investigation, and proactive management to maintain quality of life. Owner education about CDS signs prevents late diagnosis. Quality of life monitoring helps owners make welfare-conscious decisions about treatment intensity and euthanasia timing.

What You Can Do

Monitor your senior dog for CDS signs and seek veterinary assessment
Provide environmental enrichment and stable routines to support cognitively impaired dogs
Use quality of life scales to monitor CDS progression and welfare