Which of the following is NOT a core sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in seniors?

• A. Disorientation
• B. Altered sleep-wake cycles
• C. House-soiling
• D. Increased appetite

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing the three core signs used to identify Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome: disorientation, changes in the sleep-wake cycle, and house-soiling. Disorientation means the dog gets confused in familiar places or landmarks. Altered sleep-wake cycles show up as increased daytime sleepiness and nighttime restlessness. House-soiling appears because the dog loses awareness of previously learned routines and locations. These signs reflect the cognitive decline at the heart of CCDS.

Increased appetite isn’t part of that core group. Appetite changes can occur for many reasons and aren’t a reliable indicator of CCDS by themselves, so they aren’t considered a core sign of the syndrome.