Older dogs wander because of age-related cognitive decline (dementia), causing confusion and sleep cycle changes; physical discomfort from pain (arthritis, injury); or underlying medical issues like neurological problems or anxiety, leading to restlessness, disorientation, and a change in sleep patterns, often worse at night. A vet visit is crucial to diagnose the specific cause, but managing dementia often involves nightlights, consistent routines, and a calm environment.
Aimless wandering is a classic sign of senility, but there are other reasons as well: discomfort and pain from disease (for instance liver and brain issues) and anxiety from sensory aberrations must be considered - loss of sight and hearing can be perplexing to the aged dog.
Although hard to spot, there are a few signs of dementia, or CDS, in pets:
Warning signs a dog is dying include significant lethargy, loss of appetite/thirst, difficulty breathing (labored, panting at rest), incontinence (bladder/bowel), confusion, restlessness or withdrawal, decreased mobility (weakness, stumbling), and increased signs of pain (whining, aggression) as their body systems begin to shut down. These physical and behavioral changes signal a decline, and consulting your vet is crucial for guidance on comfort and quality of life.
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.
Sleep changes
Sometimes you may notice senior dog anxiety at night, including pacing, panting, whining, or barking. Or you might wake up to a furry face breathing near yours or the sound of ceaseless tag-jingling. For dog parents, the loss of sleep seems to be one of the hardest aspects of sundowning to deal with.
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.
You know your senior dog is suffering when you see significant changes like mobility issues (limping, struggling to stand), behavior shifts (irritability, anxiety, withdrawal, restlessness, excessive vocalizing, or loss of interest), appetite/thirst changes, breathing difficulties, incontinence, or increased panting, indicating pain or declining organ function, not just normal aging, and warranting a vet visit.
Even though I've participated in these experiences, there's no way to know for certain what's going through a dog's mind in their final moments. We do know, however, that they are at least aware that death is near by sensing the changes that are happening in their bodies.
Can Dogs Pass Away in Their Sleep? Yes, some pets can peacefully and naturally pass away while sleeping.
However, CDS remains underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness – pet owners often assume the symptoms are a part of normal ageing, rather than dementia. Another issue with diagnosis is that many of the symptoms of CDS overlap with other conditions such as diabetes, deafness, and osteoarthritis.
Veterinary professionals often observe that senior dogs with neurological conditions may circle due to confusion, loss of spatial awareness, or difficulty settling down. Because of this, circling in older dogs should never be ignored.
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.
- Old age: Older dogs may suffer from joint problems or dementia, which affects their social behaviour. Dogs can also seclude themselves in response to stress or anxiety. This may be due to: - Environmental changes: Moving house, new housemates, or even a change in daily schedule can cause stress.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
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.
Recognizing Changes in Behavior and Personality
One of the earliest signs your dog is dying of old age is a noticeable change in their behavior and personality. Senior dogs may become more irritable or withdrawn. They might show less interest in activities they once loved, such as playing fetch or going for walks.
An hour for a dog feels much longer than an hour for a human because dogs perceive time more slowly due to their faster metabolism and heightened awareness of routines, so a 10-minute wait can feel like 70 minutes to them, and your hour-long absence feels like an eternity, though they don't grasp clock time but rather the intervals between events like meals, walks, and your return.
Key signs 2 weeks before death at the end-of-life stages timeline: Extreme fatigue and increased sleep. A marked decrease in appetite and fluid intake. Irregular breathing patterns (Cheyne-Stokes breathing)
Cancer causes approximately half of the deaths in dogs over the age of 10. “Cancer” is actually a blanked term for a collection of related disease, and each has a unique prognosis. Cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells which spread into the surrounding tissue.
Silent pain in dogs refers to chronic or ongoing discomfort that isn't obvious through visible signs like limping or whining, but still affects their behavior, movement, and well-being. Pain and behavior are closely connected.
Pacing or walking in circles are common in dogs with dementia. Confusion. Dogs with CCD can become easily confused, even in their own homes. They may forget where their food dishes are or find it difficult to find their way from the upper to the lower level of your home.
Sundowning in dogs is when older dogs start acting anxious, restless, or confused as evening turns to night. It's a lot like what happens to some older adults with dementia. Your dog might seem fine all day, then suddenly start pacing, whining, or barking once it gets dark.
Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are great companion dogs for seniors thanks to their low-to-moderate energy and small size. These happy-go-lucky dogs are affectionate and gentle enough to be around children and the elderly. They do well with short walks, which can help keep your loved one more active.
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.