There is no cure for CDS but a selection of management strategies and treatments are available can help alleviate the symptoms and slow disease progression.

• Environmental management and enrichment. Strategies to allow easy access to resources are of benefit to all elderly pets but especially to those suffering CDS.
  • Resting places, providing soft comfortable bedding which is easily accessible and in the pets preferred location, this may be close to the owner or somewhere quiet and isolated. When a cat or dog prefers to sleep on a chair, bed or higher location accessibility can be improved by providing steps or ramps to avoid the need for jumping.
  • Food and water bowels should be made easily accessible, this may involve raising the bowl to reduce the need for the pet to bend down or providing ramps to ensure easy access. Use of food toys can help promote physical and mental stimulation. NB food and water bowls should be provided in separate locations for cats.
  • Toileting, elderly dogs will often need to be taken out more frequently to allow them to toilet or it may be appropriate to provide indoor toileting area/s. For cats low sided, large, open topped litter trays that are easily accessible can help avoid many issues of inappropriate soiling, sandy type litter may be more comfortable to use but remember cats can have a preference for the type of litter they are happy to use.
  • Daily routine, pets with CDS are less able to cope with change which can result in increased anxiety, which in turn can lead onto a disturbed sleep pattern. Finding a daily routine can help manage a pet with CDS, regular times for food, exercise, toileting and human interaction. Easy, guaranteed access to resources as they need especially in multi-pet households, the ability to get away from other animals/find a quiet area when needed, the ability to get outside when needed (elderly cats may not be comfortable using a cat flap). For elderly cats providing a horizontal as opposed to a vertical scratch post, which is easier to use can be an aid to their environmental enrichment.
  • Companionship CDS dogs typically crave an increase in human interaction, finding more time in the day to interact with your dog, including exercise which is a particularly important form of positive stimulation, can significantly improve their wellbeing. Cats can have an increased or decreased desire for human and/or animal companionship and identifying the needs of your individual cat is key.
  • Calming pheromones such as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (D.A.P.) and Feliway by Ceva can be used to help create a more calming environment reducing anxiety for some individuals.