Does Dog Dementia Get Worse at Night? Understanding Sundowners Syndrome

Is your older dog suddenly pacing the floors at night? Barking at nothing in the dark? Getting stuck in corners? If these behaviors sound familiar, your furry friend might be experiencing “sundowners syndrome” – a common symptom of canine cognitive dysfunction (doggie dementia) that typically worsens after the sun goes down.

As a dog parent who’s been through this with my own aging pup I understand how heartbreaking and exhausting this can be. Let me share what I’ve learned about why dog dementia often gets worse at night and what you can do to help your four-legged companion.

Why Dog Dementia Often Worsens at Night

Yes, dog dementia typically does get worse at night. This nighttime worsening of symptoms is called “sundowners syndrome” or “sundowning” – a condition that affects many dogs with cognitive dysfunction.

The Science Behind Sundowners

Sundowners syndrome is part of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) commonly called doggie dementia. Here’s why symptoms often intensify after dark

• Disrupted circadian rhythm: Dogs with dementia experience changes in their brain that affect their biological clock. Their bodies can’t properly regulate day-night cycles.

• Melatonin disruption: A key regulator of sleep-wake cycles is melatonin, which is normally released when it gets dark. In dogs with dementia, this process doesn’t work properly, leading to confusion about when to sleep.

• Brain changes Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, dogs with dementia develop protein plaques (beta-amyloid) in their brains. These plaques cause inflammation and nerve cell loss affecting mental function.

Dr. Sagi Denenberg, a veterinary behaviorist, explains that in dogs with CDS, “The most common reason is similar to human Alzheimer’s disease. It is due to oxidative damage in the brain cells… These changes lead to toxic proteins—Tau protein and Amyloid.”

Common Nighttime Symptoms of Dog Dementia

If your dog has dementia, you might notice these symptoms intensifying in the evening and overnight:

Physical Signs:

• Restless pacing or wandering
• Getting stuck in corners
• Staring at walls or into space
• Difficulty navigating familiar spaces
• Standing in odd places
• Head pressing against walls

Behavioral Signs:

• Excessive vocalization (barking, whining, howling)
• Anxiety or panic
• Panting heavily
• Trembling or shaking
• Inability to settle down
• Waking up frequently during the night

Other Concerning Signs:

• House soiling (even in previously well-trained dogs)
• Not recognizing family members
• Startling easily at normal sounds
• Increased irritability or aggression

One owner described their experience: “My 14-year-old Lab would sleep all day but come nighttime, she’d pace non-stop, pant heavily, and couldn’t settle. It was like she became a different dog after sunset.”

How Common is Sundowners in Dogs?

Sundowners syndrome is surprisingly common in older dogs. According to research, about 28% of dogs between 11-12 years old show at least one sign of cognitive dysfunction. This percentage jumps to 68% in dogs over 15 years of age.

The prevalence increases dramatically with age:

• 28% of dogs 11-12 years old
• 48% of dogs around 14 years old
• 68% of dogs 16+ years old

Diagnosing Sundowners Syndrome

Diagnosing sundowners can be tricky because many other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Your vet will likely:

1. Take a detailed history of your dog’s behavior
2. Perform a complete physical examination
3. Run blood tests and possibly urine tests
4. Consider imaging like X-rays or ultrasound
5. Have you fill out a canine cognitive dysfunction checklist

Since there’s no specific test for sundowners, it’s what veterinarians call a “diagnosis of exclusion,” meaning they must rule out other potential causes first.

Treatments for Nighttime Dog Dementia Symptoms

While there’s no cure for canine cognitive dysfunction, there are many ways to help manage the symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life, especially at night.

Medications

• Selegiline (Anipryl®): This medication increases dopamine levels in the brain and has been shown to help improve cognitive function. One study found that 77% of dogs with CDS showed improvement on selegiline.

• Anti-anxiety medications: Drugs like trazodone can help reduce anxiety and promote sleep.

Supplements

Several supplements may help with doggie dementia symptoms:

• Melatonin: Can help regulate sleep-wake cycles
• MCT oil: Medium-chain triglycerides provide alternative fuel for the brain
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Have anti-inflammatory effects that benefit brain health
• Antioxidants: Products containing vitamin E, resveratrol, or SAMe may reduce harmful free radicals
• CBD oil: May have calming and anti-inflammatory effects (consult your vet first)

Diet

Special brain-health diets can make a difference:

• Prescription diets rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
• Foods containing MCT oil

Environmental Management

Making changes to your home environment can significantly help a dog with sundowners:

• Maintain a consistent daily routine: Predictability helps reduce anxiety
• Create a calm environment: Minimize noise and chaos, especially in the evening
• Use night lights: Dim lighting can help dogs navigate without bumping into things
• Secure the sleeping area: Consider using baby gates to create a safe space
• Play calming music: Classical or soft music may help soothe anxiety

One surprise I discovered with my own dog: Despite the advice to keep lights low at night, she actually did better with some lights on! As one owner mentioned in Dr. Buzby’s blog, “We found out leaving a light on helped her stay calm. I was surprised to read that you should avoid lights at night. For our dog it’s the opposite.”

When to Talk to Your Vet About Nighttime Symptoms

You should contact your veterinarian if:

• Your dog’s nighttime behaviors are new or suddenly worse
• The symptoms are affecting your dog’s quality of life
• Your dog seems distressed or in pain
• Your dog’s sleep disturbances are affecting the household
• You’re concerned about your dog’s safety due to nighttime wandering

Remember, early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Don’t wait until the symptoms become severe to seek help.

Quality of Life Considerations

It’s important to think about quality of life when dealing with a dog with severe sundowners syndrome. If medications and management techniques aren’t helping, you may need to have difficult conversations with your veterinarian.

Dr. Julie Buzby states, “I always feel like it is better to let go one day too early rather than one day too late.” Mental suffering can be just as painful as physical suffering, even though it’s harder to see.

Consider these factors:

• Is your dog still finding joy in daily activities?
• Can your dog rest comfortably for reasonable periods?
• Is your dog recognizing and interacting with family members?
• Is the anxiety manageable with treatment?
• Are you able to manage the care needs without excessive stress?

My Personal Experience

When my 15-year-old shepherd mix started developing sundowners, I was completely unprepared. She would sleep all day, then pace, pant, and cry from about 8 PM until 3 AM. We tried everything – special diets, supplements, even medications – but nothing completely eliminated the symptoms.

What helped most was a combination approach: melatonin an hour before bedtime, a secure “safe zone” in our living room with her favorite bed, a white noise machine, and nightlights in the hallways. We also started taking her for a longer walk in the evening to help tire her out physically.

Some nights were better than others, but managing our expectations helped us cope. We knew we wouldn’t get perfect nights, but we celebrated the good ones.

Final Thoughts

Dog dementia does indeed get worse at night for many pets. Understanding this condition and implementing a multi-faceted approach to management can help both you and your dog cope with these challenging behaviors.

Remember that each dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient with your furry friend and with yourself as you navigate this difficult journey together.

Most importantly, cherish the good moments and remember that your presence is comforting to your dog, even when they seem confused or anxious. Your loyal companion has given you years of love and joy – now it’s your turn to help them through this challenging time with compassion and care.

Have you experienced sundowners syndrome with your dog? What strategies have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below to help other pet parents facing similar challenges.

To calm a dog with dementia at night, you can establish a predictable routine, provide a dim nightlight and a comfortable, familiar sleep space, and offer gentle reassurance with your presence.

Sundown Syndrome (also known as sundowners) in dogs appears as late-afternoon/evening behavioral changes including disorientation (getting lost, pacing), anxiety (restlessness, increased barking), altered sleep patterns (daytime sleeping, nighttime agitation), and house soiling. It is often a sign of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, and is more common in senior dogs. Other symptoms can include irritability, clinginess, or avoidance of interaction.