Sundowning in dogs, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or "doggie dementia," is a decline in brain function in senior dogs, causing confusion, anxiety, restlessness, and disrupted sleep patterns, especially in the late afternoon or evening, similar to human Alzheimer's symptoms. It's marked by pacing, disorientation, increased vocalization, and behavioral changes like irritability or inappropriate urination, stemming from age-related brain changes, reduced light, or internal clock disruptions. Management involves routine, safe environments, brain stimulation, and sometimes veterinary-prescribed medication to ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
How long do dogs live with sundowners? The medications, supplements, and strategies we just discussed can improve the quality of life for dogs with sundowners. And since sundowners syndrome doesn't directly impact the dog's physical health, some dogs can live for several years after the diagnosis.
Sundowning syndrome is technically a form of dementia in dogs, with disorientation, restlessness, vocalization, and affected sleep patterns. It is important to note that sundowners isn't a disease by itself, but a pattern of symptoms experienced in older dogs with cognitive decline.
Signs and symptoms of dementia may include:
Treatment involves medications like trazodone or gabapentin to reduce anxiety without excessive sedation. Calming supplements such as hemp or melatonin may help but monitor for drowsiness. Environmental enrichment, consistent routines, and minimizing stressors are essential care tips.
Dog dementia symptoms are grouped into three stages—mild, moderate, and severe. There are typical patterns that appear within each stage. However, it's important to note that not every dog follows these exact patterns or stages.
Also called "sundowner's syndrome," it is not a disease but a set of symptoms or dementia-related behaviors that may include difficulty sleeping, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, pacing and disorientation.
There are no specific dog breeds prone to dementia—any dog could develop it. However, smaller dog breeds can have a higher risk of developing dementia, but this can partially be attributed to the fact that they, on average, live longer than larger breed dogs.
The exact reason for sundowners in dogs is unknown, but it is thought that the body's normal degenerative and age-related changes contribute to the cognitive dysfunction. These changes include central nervous system deterioration, oxidative stress, accumulation of free radicals, and cell death.
How to calm a dog with dementia at night
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
Medications to help with circadian rhythms – dogs with cognitive dysfunction often will pant, pace, and sometimes vocalize at night then be exhausted and sleep all day. It is thought to be similar to sundowning in humans where the circadian rhythms become dysregulated. It can lead to a vicious cycle.
Sleep-Wake Cycle Changes
When affected by “sundowning” dogs will reverse their normal schedule and sleep more during the day. Then they remain awake, disoriented, and agitated during the night. The dog may pace or wander throughout the home.
It is a difficult decision to make, but some signs that it may be time to consider euthanasia for a dog with dementia include a decline in quality of life, loss of appetite, inability to control bodily functions, and increased confusion and anxiety.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Sudden changes in your dog's behavior can indicate serious health issues. If your dog is in pain, has a limp, or is unable to rise, these symptoms require further investigation. Difficulty breathing, refusing food or water, or being unable to get up to eliminate are major signs. Loss of balance is also important.
Make a routine.
Dogs with cognitive dysfunction like knowing what is going to happen next and having a routine helps them feel calmer. Keeping your dog active during the day and having a consistent bedtime will also help to keep your dog on a normal sleep schedule.
Common Signs of Neurological Issues in Pets
The symptoms of sundowning typically occur between the hours of 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and may be worse during the fall and winter months when the daylight hours are shorter. As a caregiver, some signs to look out for include: Signs of fatigue or unmet needs, pain or discomfort. Agitation, anger or irritability.
Dementia can cause dogs to not recognize their owners or other pets in the home, leading to confusion, fear, and even aggression. Dogs may start to shrink away from interacting with owners or conversely, become more needy and clingy.
Popular Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy Owners
Dementia itself does not usually cause pain. But many dogs with dementia also suffer painful conditions such as arthritis in later life, and dementia can aggravate these. Compulsive pacing will hurt arthritic joints.
The "2-finger test" for dementia involves an examiner showing a hand gesture (like interlocking index and middle fingers) and asking the patient to copy it, testing motor skills, visual memory, and coordination, as difficulties can signal early cognitive decline, but it's a screening tool, not a definitive diagnosis, prompting further medical evaluation. Other related tests include finger-tapping and finger-to-nose, looking for hesitation or misjudgment in movement.
Researchers have identified certain triggers that are related to sundowning episodes, including: Alcohol and caffeine: Drinking these types of beverages, especially in the afternoon, has been known to make episodes worse by causing restlessness.
Try to help your loved one get plenty of sunlight during the day by sitting by a window or going out for walks. Exercise every day. If a nap is necessary, make it short and early in the day. Plan some activities throughout the day but not too many.