Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a degenerative brain disease that affects many older dogs and cats. Currently, there is no standard effective treatment. Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) is being used much more commonly now as a sole or integrative modality in veterinary medicine and can offer potential benefits and safety for the treatment of CDS. Clinical evidence indicates that acupuncture and Chinese herbals may recover cognitive impairment, improve memory, ameliorate anxiety, and provide calming effects. This paper describes the background, etiology and treatment strategy of TCVM for CDS.