Sundowners in Dogs | Veterinarian Written Guide

Some behavioral changes emerge as our canine companions mature and enter their old age. Some dogs may wander and appear lost at times. Others may appear restless and unable to settle in the evenings. The dog’s behavior may be indicative of sundowners also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome or 'doggie dementia'.

As pet owners, it is saddening to realize that our grey-muzzled companions are getting older. Sundowners is a type of canine cognitive dysfunction that affects your dog’s quality of life. If your dog experiences sundowners, all familiar routines become confusing while peaceful night sleep becomes restless patrols.

While these changes are heartbreaking to experience, understanding sundowners in dogs is the first step in providing your canine companion comfort and support.

Sundowners in dogs have no cure. However, there are different methods to manage the condition and improve both you and your dog’s quality of life. Continue reading to learn more about sundowners and how you can support senior dogs experiencing this condition.

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome?

Sometimes referred to as dog dementia, canine cognitive dysfunction is a condition that affects your dog’s cognition and behavior. Cognition involves your dog’s ability to learn, remember, and recognize their surroundings.

However, studies have identified that canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome may not be the correct term to use with regard to dogs. Researchers acknowledge that there are other animals in the canine family, including coyotes and wolves. There is no accurate information on whether these animals suffer from the same condition. To refer specifically to dogs, studies show that the term CDS (Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome) in dogs is more accurate.

It may be difficult to identify whether your dog has canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome since it can have symptoms similar to other illnesses. For instance, just like CDS, arthritis in dogs also leads to lower activity levels. As a result, your vet needs to rule out all other potential causes when diagnosing canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

What are the Causes of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction?

Dog dementia is caused by brain changes that are linked to aging. For example, aging dogs may experience changes in the brain’s neurons. These neurons comprise the cells that relay information across the brain. Failure of these neurons to properly relay information means that the brain can’t work properly.

Studies also show that cognitive dysfunction syndrome has similar causes as human Alzheimer’s disease. Such causes include oxidative damage within the brain cells as a result of poor blood circulation, reduced availability of oxygen, and reduced oxygen metabolism in the brain cells.

Such changes can lead to an increased loss of neurons, especially where memory is stored. The result is a cognitive decline since the memory part of the brain is responsible for learning.

What are Sundowners in Dogs?

The term “sundowners” is used to refer to individuals with dementia. Such people experience an onset of symptoms late in the day as the sun goes down. In dogs, the term refers to the signs that our canine companions experience as they enter old age. Such signs are suggestive of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome and include unusual behavior and confusion.

Brain deterioration or cognitive decline can be observed in dogs 9 years and older. Studies suggest that 68 percent of aging dogs at 15 to 16 years exhibit signs of doggie dementia.

The symptoms of dog dementia worsen in the late afternoon and nighttime hours. During these hours, a dog with sundowners becomes restless, disoriented, vocal, and experiences severely disrupted sleep patterns.

Sundowners in dogs isn’t a separate disease. It is a pattern that senior dogs with cognitive decline experience.

Sundowner Syndrome in Dogs with Cognitive Dysfunction

Sundowner syndrome is part of the sleep wake cycle disruption experienced by dogs with cognitive decline. Your pet might sleep more during the day and become more agitated and restless at night.

The lack of sleep at night makes your pup wander away, pace, or even bark for no apparent reason. This behavior is why dog dementia is called sundowner syndrome in dogs.

Sundowner syndrome is not just normal aging; it is a recognized medical condition. It affects sleep wake cycles, personality, and activity levels. Affected older dogs may play less and sleep more. Dogs that were once sociable and outgoing suddenly become fearful, reserved, and sometimes aggressive.

To help manage such symptoms, studies show that pet owners can include mental and environmental enrichment exercises. These exercises can be provided based on a predictable schedule, allowing your dog to remember and expect them.

How Does Sundowners in Dogs Develop?

The signs and symptoms of sundowners in dogs develop very gradually. Many pet parents may actually fail to recognize them in the early stages of the condition. Some pet owners actually attribute early-stage symptoms, including behavioral changes, to the dog “simply getting older”.

The exact reason for the development and progression of sundowners is unknown. However, research shows that age-related and degenerative changes may contribute to canine cognitive dysfunction. Such changes include loss of cells, oxidative stress, deterioration of the central nervous system, and accumulation of free radicals.

The loss of cells may disrupt your canine companion’s biological clock. One of the main regulators of your dog’s body is a hormone known as melatonin. The pineal gland is a small gland in the brain that releases melatonin when the sun goes down (or when the body senses night light). As a result, a normal dog becomes tired and resets the body for another day.

However, the normal body process doesn’t always work right for senior dogs with doggie dementia. Problems such as abnormal sleep cycles and reduced activity develop due to a drop in melatonin levels and structural changes in the brain. These changes explain why sundowning dogs develop signs in the evening and night hours.

The signs of sundowners in dogs are, unfortunately, progressive. Any available treatment is aimed at slowing down the disease's progression. Therefore, treatment for sundowners in dogs means lifelong therapy is necessary after diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Sundowners in Dogs

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome affects aging pets, with symptoms beginning at around 9 years of age. The condition progresses slowly, starting with only one or two clinical signs before progressing into full-blown signs. The main symptoms of sundowners in dogs (dog dementia) include the following:

Sleep Wake Cycle

Instead of staying asleep at night, your dog’s sleep patterns change. The pup might sleep more during the day and become restless during the night.

For dog owners, the loss of normal sleep patterns is one of the hardest things to deal with. When your canine companion wakes you and the rest of your family, it can be difficult to get back to sleep. Coping with this behavior every night can feel both discouraging and overwhelming.

Activity Changes

The activity levels may also shift. Your dog may become more active and restless. A once energetic dog may also become more inactive. The dogs sleep more during the day instead of playing.

Disorientation

A disoriented dog looks confused or zoned out. The dog may experience difficulties navigating their surroundings. For instance, they might wander aimlessly, get stuck in a corner, or wait to be let out while standing on the hinge side of the door rather than the side that opens.

The dog may also stare into a wall, gaze into space, or pace without stopping. Sometimes, the dog may even fail to recognize family members.

House Soiling

Pups that are potty-trained rarely have accidents in the house. However, dogs with sundowners become forgetful and confused. Your dog might all of sudden start peeing and pooping in the house. Studies show that this is as a result of the forgetfulness caused by cognitive changes.

Pet owners sometimes fail to notice when the dog forgets known signals or sometimes forgets to eat in time. However, they will definitely notice when the dog forgets to notify them it needs to go out.

Reduced Interactions

Your canine companion’s relationships with humans and other pets are affected. The dog may become detached when they were once friendly or become clingy when they were once independent.

The dog may not even greet their owners like they used to before. Others may even go to great lengths to avoid interacting with anyone entirely. Such behaviors may include becoming upset when someone touches them or hiding from humans and other pets.

Anxiety

Senior dogs with sundowners become increasingly fearful. A dog that was once at the center of every activity now spends more time hiding and shaking. The dog may also be more reactive to fast activity and loud sounds. Such behaviors explain why some a senior dog manifests signs of anxiety around children or other excited pets.

Aside from anxiety due to noise and visual sensitivity, your dog may develop separation anxiety. Dogs with sundowners who once acted normal when the family members were away may begin to develop separation anxiety as they get into old age. As a result, you may need to develop lifestyle adjustments to navigate their world more happily and healthily.

Diagnosing Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome in Dogs

Some health problems can be identified with a physical exam, special imaging, or routine blood testing. However, cognitive problems such as sundowners in dogs tend to be harder to identify. Diagnosing cognitive decline isn’t always straightforward since there isn’t an easy diagnostic test with obvious results.

To make matters worse, there are other conditions with symptoms similar to those of sundowners in dogs. As a result, your vet needs to use their skills in veterinary medicine to rule out other conditions before diagnosing your dog with sundowner syndrome.

The vet should begin by asking about the dog’s behavior at home. They should also provide you with a canine cognitive dysfunction checklist to help you identify how many symptoms of sundowners syndrome your dog experiences. The checklist is a helpful way to identify the most problematic symptoms and symptoms potentially indicating cognitive decline.

The vet should also conduct a complete physical exam and other routing tests to rule out other medical issues. The exam may include urine testing, blood tests, and imaging like ultrasound or –X-ray. If the symptoms don’t come from a medical ailment, your veterinarian may confirm that your dog has sundowner’s syndrome.

The diagnosis of sundowner's syndrome indicates that it’s time to help your dog keep calm and manage the sundowning symptoms.

Managing Sundowners in Dogs

Although sundowners in dogs progressively worsen and there’s no cure, there are multiple ways to slow down and manage the symptoms. The main focus is improving brain health by slowing down the progression of brain degeneration.

You can also help your dog by keeping them calm and relaxed.  You can provide them with their own quiet room in the house, avoid bright lights, play calming music, stick to a regular exercise routine, and keep their surroundings safe and familiar.

Using Supplements and Holistic Options to Manage Cognitive Decline

You can include the following supplements when managing sundowner syndrome. Ensure that you involve your vet in the process so that they can integrate any other necessary medications.

CBD Oil

Many pet owners have used CBD oil for their senior dogs with age-related health issues and seen positive results. 

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

You can also use omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty acids may help maintain cognitive function and overall brain health. As a result, it can help a senior dog cope with external stresses while maintaining a normal and relaxed disposition.

Melatonin

Melatonin may support normal sleep patterns in dogs experiencing sleep-wake cycle disturbances. Melatonin is a hormone supplement that supports sleep and behavioral disorders. It reduces hyperactivity and promotes relaxation. Additionally, you can also use medium-chain triglycerides. Using medium-chain triglycerides allows you to promote your dog's relaxation and support cognitive function.

Using Prescription Diets to Manage Cognitive Decline

You can use prescription diets to support dogs with sundowner syndrome. These diets include fatty fish, coconut, olive oil, and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins B,C, and E, which may promote brain health. Contact your vet for guidance on your diet selection and promoting a good appetite for your dog.

Modifying Routines to Manage Cognitive Decline

It’s important to maintain a safe and familiar environment for your pet. In case you are away, you can confine them in a space where they won't potentially get stuck or lost.

If your senior dog has forgotten house training, you can offer more bathroom breaks throughout the day.

Always remember that patience is key when caring for a dog suffering from sundowner syndrome.

How to Calm a Senior Dog with Sundowner Syndrome?

When caring for a senior dog, focusing on management can make a big difference on both you and your dog’s comfort. Set a routine for meals, walks, playtime, and bedtime. Focus on predictability and consistency. The routine can help promote relaxation.

Also, focus on creating a calm atmosphere. Consider leaving dim lights to help with sleep disorientation.

Closing Remarks

Sundowners can be tough to face when it's happening to your senior dog. However, remember that your goal isn’t to cure but to manage the symptoms and make your pet as comfortable as possible. Work closely with your vet as they’ll guide you through this journey. Simple routines and a calm environment are key points that can make a huge difference.

References:

1. Learn more about medium-chain triglycerides.

2. Learn more about canine cognitive dysfunction in aging dogs.

3. Learn more about the relationship between cognitive decline in dogs and Alzheimer's disease in humans.

4. Learn more about the biological clock or the circadian rhythm.

5. Learn more about caring for aging dogs with dementia.

6. Learn more about the pineal gland in dogs.

7. Learn more about the effect of arthritis on your dog’s physical activity.

8. Learn more about the effect of CBD supplements on your dog’s health.

9. Learn more about the relationship between CBD Oil and oxidative stress.

10. Learn more about the treatment of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

11. Learn more about how melatonin supports dogs with sundowners syndrome.

12. Learn more about how dog dementia relates to Alzheimer’s disease.

13. Learn more about the signs of cognitive decline in senior dogs.