Glossary

Canine cognitive dysfunction

A brain aging disorder in older dogs, similar to dementia, that causes disorientation, sleep changes and loss of learned habits.

Also called: CCD, CDS, dog dementia, doggy dementia, canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, senior confusion

Canine cognitive dysfunction, or CCD, is a gradual decline in thinking and awareness in senior dogs. Vets often use the acronym DISHAA to list the signs: disorientation, changes in social interactions, sleep and wake cycle changes, house soiling, activity changes and anxiety. In practice, a dog may stare at walls, get stuck in corners, pace at night, forget commands or seem not to recognize family.

It becomes more common with each year of age after about eleven. Many of these signs also come from pain, hearing loss, sight loss, kidney disease or hormone problems, so a vet must rule those out before calling it CCD.

Daily routine, gentle exercise and mental activity may help, and some foods and medicines are designed for it. Ask a veterinarian about a plan.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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