Madison, my happy-go-lucky Labrador Retriever, used to jump 5 feet high at the sound of the phrase, “do you wanna go oouuut,” and wiggled her entire body every time I walked in the door. However, around the age of 12, those behaviors slowly disappeared, and she began wandering, seemed unsure of who I was at times, and paced and whined all night. As a veterinarian, my heart sank because I knew what was happening – canine dementia, also known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD).

Many owners notice similar changes in their dog’s brain health but chalk it up to old age and don’t mention it to their veterinarian. Many veterinarians don’t realize their patient has brain health issues because they only see the pet in the clinic setting, where behavior changes aren’t always obvious.

If you’re wondering whether your dog might have a brain health issue, or if you’re hoping to promote robust brain health in your dog, we’ll explain what causes CDS, the common symptoms, treatment, and how to protect your dog’s brain health.

What is Canine Dysfunction Syndrome?

Canine Dysfunction Syndrome is different from normal aging. A dog with age-related physical and mental changes that don’t interfere with daily functioning is aging normally. However, when these changes significantly impair the dog’s quality of life, CDS may be the cause.¹

Dogs with CDS show life-disrupting levels of disorientation, changes in interactions with people and other pets, sleep-wake cycle changes, bathroom accidents, altered activity levels, anxiety, and learning and memory problems. Veterinarians refer to these abnormal brain health symptoms with the acronym DISHAAL.

Cats also exhibit cognitive dysfunction, with different symptoms and their own acronym.¹

What Causes Canine Brain Health Problems?

CDS is similar to Alzheimer’s Disease in humans. People with Alzheimer’s Disease have physical brain changes, and so do dogs with CDS.

These physical brain changes include age-related problems such as brain shrinkage, poor blood flow, nerve cell loss, lower levels of essential brain chemicals, toxin buildup, and the development of beta-amyloid and tau proteins.¹

Like humans, signs of brain health problems in dogs occur more frequently with advanced age. A study found that CDS occurs in 28% of dogs aged 11–12 years and in 68% of dogs aged 15–16 years.²

Physical health is closely linked to brain health. Researchers found that dogs in better physical and neurological shape had better brain health than dogs with other diseases, health problems, or low levels of activity.³

How are Dog Brain Health Problems Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a brain health problem in a dog is what veterinarians call a diagnosis of exclusion – ruling out other health issues that cause similar symptoms before diagnosing CDS.

Arthritis, hormone imbalances, kidney or gastrointestinal diseases, and neurological conditions may cause symptoms that resemble CDS.

What the owner notices about their dog’s behavior at home is critical. Several pet owner questionnaires help identify CDS, including:

• The Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating (CCDR) scale
• The Canine Dementia Scale (CADES)
• The Canine Cognitive Assessment scale

Ask your veterinarian about these tools. Monitoring for brain health issues should start around the age of 7 for most breeds.³

In addition to a physical exam and neurologic evaluations, your veterinarian may run blood tests to rule out other conditions.

Prognosis

CDS cannot be cured. It often affects the human-animal bond, as dogs may stop recognizing owners, and anxious behaviors like pacing at night can be difficult for families.³ Combined with decreased quality of life, CDS can shorten a dog’s lifespan.

However, treatment options exist to improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and maintain the human-animal bond for as long as possible. Spotting CDS early and starting treatment right away gives your dog the best chance to stay healthy longer.³

Treatment

Without treatment, nearly half of dogs with one CDS symptom will develop more symptoms within 6–18 months.⁵ Treatment involves environmental, medical, and dietary changes. These interventions improve the lives of all aging dogs.¹ ³ ⁴

Home modifications for aging dogs

• Provide safety and security with non-slip surfaces, nightlights, ramps, and a cozy bed or crate.
• Use ramps for stairs, furniture, and cars.

Brain games and gentle workouts

• Daily leash walks, with varied routes for new sights and smells.
• Food puzzles, toys, dog TV, and calming music to engage the mind.

Brain-boosting nutrients

• Deficiencies in B vitamins and DHA are risk factors for brain aging.
• Nutrients that fight free radicals boost each other’s effects and protect dog brains.
• These health-promoting ingredients are included in Vetericyn ALL-IN dog supplements, recommended as part of CDS management.

Special diets

• Prescription diets such as Hill’s Prescription Diet b/d Canine and Purina Neurocare are formulated to promote brain health.

Medications

• Anipryl, FDA-approved for treating CDS, enhances dopamine and reduces free radicals.

Can CDS Be Prevented?

Probably not entirely, but owners can help support brain function for as long as possible.

Research shows that treatments for CDS can improve current memory and behavior problems, and help prevent new ones. Prevention combines close observation of changes in your pet’s activity with early treatment.⁵

Advanced testing such as MRI scans may reveal changes consistent with CDS.

Key Takeaways for Your Dog’s Brain Health

• Canine dementia (CDS) is common in older dogs but not a normal part of aging.
• Early recognition and treatment improve quality of life.
• Supportive care includes home adjustments, mental stimulation, special diets, medications, and supplements like Vetericyn ALL-IN.

Vetericyn provides a wide range of solutions for your pet’s health and well-being. We’re committed to improving animal health and supporting the bond you share with your dog.

References

1. CVPM SW RVT. Nutritional Intervention for Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. Today’s Veterinary Practice. February 19, 2020. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/nutrition/nutritional-intervention-for-canine-cognitive-dysfunction/
2. Neilson JC, Hart BL, Cliff KD, Ruehl WW. Prevalence of behavioral changes associated with age-related cognitive impairment in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2001;218(11):1787-1791. doi:10.2460/javma.2001.218.1787. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11394831/
3. Delamarter M. Updates on Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Today’s Veterinary Practice. December 10, 2024. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/updates-on-cognitive-dysfunction-syndrome/
4. Dowling ALS, Head E. Antioxidants in the Canine Model of Human Aging. Biochim Biophys Acta.2012;1822(5):685-689. doi:10.1016/j.bbadis.2011.09.020. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3291812/
5. Indoor Pet Initiative. Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. https://indoorpet.osu.edu/dogs/aging_pets/cds. Accessed September 1, 2025.