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Behaviour

Awareness and management of canine cognitive dysfunction

02 October 2022
Clinical
7 mins read
02 October 2022
Volume 13 · Issue 8
Figure 1. The author's dog Denzel, showed many signs of congnitive dysfunction syndrome. He lived to 14 years of age.

Abstract

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) affects many senior pet dogs worldwide. In addition to veterinary support, owners can be given advice on what behaviour changes may be observed, such as disorientation, a decline in response to training cues and established toilet training, an increase in anxiety and change in activity patterns. Raising awareness and providing management advice may help owners to protect their ageing dogs from stress and injury, and enjoy their final years together.

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a prevalent problem in pet dogs (Madari et al, 2015). It is estimated that over 28% of dogs aged 11–12 years and 68% of dogs aged 15–16 years suffer from CDS (Azkona et al, 2009). Females and neutered dogs were found to be at greater risk than males or intact individuals (Azkona et al, 2009). Additionally, a decrease in visual, auditory and olfactory ability has been linked to an increase in age-related behaviour changes (Szabó et al, 2018).

As with any behaviour change in dogs, it is important to rule out pain and disease as a cause (Landsberg and Araujo, 2005). While behaviour change is inevitable in senior dogs, they should be examined and treated for any signs of pain or age-related health issues (Landsberg and Ruehl, 1997).

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canine cognitive dysfuction
CDS
geriatric dogs
dogs
senior dogs