As a rule, senior dogs tend to sleep for longer and slow things down in comparison to their younger or middle-aged years. But some older dogs can also start displaying changes in their behaviour that appear abnormal. Until recently such changes had been attributed to the aging process, for which little could be done. More recent thinking, however, attributes these changes to a disorder called Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS).

CDS can be identified from a number of clinical signs. The diagnosis is made when dogs exhibit multiple signs which develop in old age, and which are not completely due to other medical or physical problems.

For example, dogs with CDS may appear disoriented in familiar surroundings such as their own homes, wandering around aimlessly and perhaps appearing to 'forget' to back out of corners.

Those that were flawlessly housetrained throughout their lives may start to have 'accidents'. They may no longer greet their owners at the door, bring them balls to throw, or appear to care about being petted. And while they may sleep throughout the day, the night may bring restlessness and increased wandering, as though their biological clocks were reversed.

Because older dogs are increasingly susceptible to medical problems, regular examinations by a vet are important. Only a vet can determine whether your dog's behaviour changes are due to CDS rather than another condition such as liver, heart, or kidney disease. If a diagnosis of CDS is made, your vet may recommend treatment.

Behaviour changes in aging dogs can be responsive to treatment. But whatever happens, after a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship, our older dogs deserve all the care and consideration we can give them.