Background: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to diagnose, as its clinical signs are similar to those of other age‐related conditions. The experience of caring for a senior dog with or without CCD is not well described. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey. Using a mixed methods design, the level of CCD and burden of care were measured using validated tools, and open‐ended questions gathered qualitative data. A general linear model showed the factors associated with guardian burden of care. Results: Sixteen percent of guardians experienced a clinically significant burden of care. Factors associated with burden of care included severity of CCD, sleep location, guardian employment, household size, dog age, guardian age and the dog taking medication. Few dogs with CCD were prescribed CCD medications to ameliorate clinical signs. Euthanasia, strong attachment mitigating burden and the complexities of caregiving were themes presented by guardians. Limitations: Measures are based on self‐reports and as such the usual limitations apply. Conclusions: The burden of caring for an older dog is greater if they have CCD. More attention to the treatment of senior dogs, including medications to reduce clinical signs of CCD, could improve the welfare of older dogs and decrease the clinical burden experienced by guardians.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a neurodegenerative disease likely to affect 14% to 35% of dogs over the age of eight years. Although it can be associated with a high burden of care in owners of affected dogs, there is a lack of knowledge of how veterinarians diagnose and manage the disease. The aim of this study was to determine how veterinary professionals (veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians) manage CCD and their attitudes towards the disease using an anonymous online survey. Chi-square tests were used to assess differences according to years of experience, and multiple correspondence analysis was used to analyze clusters according to age, gender, and experience. One hundred and four responses were obtained: 73 veterinarians and 31 veterinary nurses/technicians. Veterinarians diagnosed CCD based on their own experience or by excluding other diseases (27/73, 37% and 25/73, 34%, respectively) and mostly diagnosed a few cases/year (34/73, 47%) or a few in their career (19/73, 26%). CCD was managed using specific medication or environmental changes (57/73, 78% and 58/73, 79%, respectively). Over half of veterinarians agreed/strongly agreed that they were confident in diagnosing CCD (49/73, 67%) and in giving advice on symptom management (53/73, 71%), but only 14/31 (45%) of veterinary nurses/technicians agreed that veterinarians in their practice actively treated dogs with CCD. Participants mostly agreed that CCD is associated with a large burden of care for owners, but less than half measured this burden of care. Although veterinary professionals are aware of CCD, the low rate of diagnosis suggests many dogs are undiagnosed. Increased awareness of the disease by the veterinary profession will enhance human and dog welfare.

Sleep-wake disturbance is a commonly reported feature of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), yet its specific patterns and clinical significance remain poorly characterised. This study aimed to describe guardian-reported sleep disturbances in dogs with CCD, examine their associations with cognitive severity and sensory changes, and develop a practical screening tool to support veterinary consultations. Guardians of dogs aged ≥8 years (n = 205) completed an online survey capturing cognitive status, sleep quality, sleep duration and timing, night-time disturbances, management strategies, and observed vision and hearing changes. Poorer sleep quality, reflected by reduced ability to fall asleep and remain asleep and increased nocturnal elimination, was significantly associated with greater CCD severity (adjusted p < 0.00001). Guardian-reported sleep duration did not differ significantly by CCD level, although dogs with more severe impairment were reported to sleep less at night and more during the day. Over half of dogs were reported to be most unsettled between 02:00-05:00, with a trend toward increasing late-afternoon/early-evening restlessness observed as cognitive impairment progressed. Guardian-reported vision and hearing changes, particularly bumping into objects and reduced auditory responsiveness, were more frequently reported in dogs with severe CCD. Using sleep, sensory, and age-related variables, a decision tree model demonstrated moderate discrimination between mild and more severe cognitive impairment (AUC = 0.69). These findings highlight sleep-wake disruption as a clinically relevant, guardian-observable feature of CCD and support the use of structured, observable indicators to facilitate earlier recognition and discussion of cognitive decline in senior dogs.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition of ageing dogs, sharing pathological and clinical features with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the growing prevalence of CCD, non-pharmacological interventions for affected companion animals remain underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of structured group training classes on signs of CCD, sleep, daily activity, and caregiver burden. Forty-two dogs (≥ 8 years) with mild to moderate CCD were enrolled in either a scent-based (S; n = 21) or physical structured training (PST; n = 21) program. Each dog completed five consecutive weekly sessions, with outcomes assessed through the Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), accelerometry (FitBark), and validated caregiver burden measures at baseline, treatment, and post-treatment. CCD scores remained stable across all phases, suggesting no measurable cognitive changes. However, a significant interaction between training type and treatment phase was observed for sleep: dogs in the PST group demonstrated improved Fitbark sleep scores over time, while those in the S group declined. Daily activity followed expected bimodal patterns, with scent-trained dogs exhibiting reductions in morning and evening activity peaks. Caregiver burden decreased significantly across time in both groups, and caregivers reported high satisfaction with class participation, citing enhanced confidence and social support. These findings indicate that while structured training did not alter CCD severity scores, PST was associated with a small improvement in sleep, S was associated with reduced activity, and participation in both classes was linked to reduced caregiver burden. Further research is needed to confirm these changes and determine their effect on dog and human wellbeing. Group training classes may represent an accessible, welfare-focused intervention for managing CCD in companion dogs.