When Familiar Behaviours Start to Shift
As pets grow older, their needs change in ways that aren’t always visible. A stiff gait or cloudy eyes are easy to spot, but what about the quiet moments of confusion, the restless pacing at night, or the sudden hesitation in a once-familiar hallway?
These subtle shifts can be unsettling. Owners often wonder whether it’s simply ageing or something more. That uncertainty, not knowing when to act or how to help, can leave even the most attentive pet parent feeling adrift.
Could It Be Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)?
One possible cause of these changes is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), a progressive condition seen in senior dogs and cats. It’s linked to age-related changes in the brain, including oxidative stress and the build-up of amyloid proteins, which can reduce neurotransmitter activity.
You may notice some of the following changes in your pet’s behaviour:
- Disorientation: Getting lost in familiar places, getting stuck in corners, or staring into space
- Interaction changes: Becoming suddenly clingy or avoidant, or not recognising familiar people
- Sleep pattern changes: Wandering the house at night, sleeping more during the day
- House-soiling: Urinating or defecating indoors when previously house-trained
- Activity changes: Less interest in play, more restlessness or pacing
- Anxiety: New phobias, irritability, or aggression
- Learning changes: Forgetting known commands or struggling to learn new ones
Diagnosis: Ruling Out Other Causes
Because these changes can mimic other medical issues, it’s important not to assume it’s “just old age.”
There is currently no specific test for CDS in pets. However, our vets will carry out a thorough physical examination and may recommend blood and urine tests to rule out other conditions with similar signs, e.g. pain, arthritis, seizure disorders, systemic illnesses (e.g. hyperthyroidism or hypertension), or vision and hearing loss, which can mimic signs of cognitive decline.
Supporting Pets with Cognitive Decline
While there’s no cure, early recognition and management can make a big difference to supporting pets with cognitive decline. Treatment focuses on supporting brain function and maintaining quality of life, often through a combination of the following:
- Diet & Supplements – Certain prescription diets are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids and other nutrients that help support the brain and can slow the progression of CDS.
- Enrichment – Regular play, interactive toys, and gentle exercise all help stimulate the brain. For dogs with mobility issues, strollers can be a wonderful way to enjoy new sights and smells.
- Medications – In some cases, medication may be prescribed to increase blood flow to the brain or to reduce anxiety and restlessness.
Helping Them Feel Safe, Loved and Understood
Most importantly, we help you preserve what matters most: your pet’s comfort, confidence and connection with you. Because ageing doesn’t have to mean fading away. With the right support, senior pets can continue to feel safe, loved and understood.
If your pet seems “not quite themselves,” trust your instincts. We’re here to listen, assess and guide you forward, so you can keep showing up for them, just as they’ve always done for you.
Concerned about changes in your senior pet?
Book a health check with our team to discuss age-related behavioural changes. We’ll help you decide what’s normal, and what we can to give a little extra support. You can have extra peace of mind with the Priory Pet Club – our Complete Plan offers more than routine care…. it gives you peace of mind, with unlimited consults included whenever you need advice.
As pets age, it’s easy to feel uncertain or overwhelmed by conflicting information online. With the Priory team just a message or call away, you’ll always have clear, reliable guidance from people who know you and your pet..