Recognising Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Dr. med. vet. Gaby Wyss, Dipl. ECVN
31.08.2025
Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome – Recognise, Understand, Support
A dog often accompanies us for many years with joy, curiosity, and unmatched loyalty. It is all the more difficult when, with age, changes appear: familiar routines are forgotten, the dog seems disoriented, or behaves unusually. One possible cause of these symptoms is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a common condition in dogs that resembles many aspects of dementia in humans.
The good news: recognising the first signs and acting early can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life.
What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome?
CDS is an age-related, progressive change in the brain that mainly occurs in dogs over the age of 8. Due to the natural ageing process, nerve cells change, and the amount of important neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin decreases. The result: orientation, learning ability, and behaviour may slowly but steadily change.
Typical signs of CDS include:
- Disorientation: stopping without obvious reason, walking in circles, or difficulty navigating familiar surroundings
- Disturbed day-night rhythm: restlessness at night, wandering, or increased daytime sleep
- Loss of house training: sudden accidents indoors despite past reliability
- Changed social behaviour: withdrawal, less interest in play or affection
- Reduced response to commands: not due to disobedience, but often due to altered perception
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may first be noticed only in small, everyday moments. Observe your dog closely. If several of these signs occur over an extended period, they should be taken seriously.
What to do if you notice early signs?
If your senior dog shows changes in behaviour or habits, visiting a specialist is the right step. Veterinarians diagnose CDS based on clinical signs and perform thorough examinations to rule out other causes such as pain, vision or hearing loss, or metabolic diseases.
If CDS is diagnosed, our specialists will work with you to develop a personalised plan to best support your pet.
Support and treatment
Unfortunately, CDS is not curable, but the progression of the disease can be positively influenced by targeted measures, such as:
- Special diets with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that can have a supportive effect
- Medication to promote blood flow to the brain and stabilise neurotransmitter balance
- Adjustments in daily life: fixed routines, a safe and structured environment, mental stimulation through light training or scent games
Although CDS is an incurable, slowly progressive disease, early diagnosis and supportive treatment can positively influence its course.
Do you have questions or want to have your dog examined?
Book your appointment now with the Neurology and Behavioural Medicine Department at VetTrust Tierklinik Basel.