Sundowners in dogs is a type of canine cognitive dysfunction, where Familiar routines become confusing, and peaceful nights turn into restless pacing. While there’s no cure, there are ways to manage this condition and improve your dog’s quality of life (and yours!).

What is sundowners in dogs?

Sundowners syndrome is a form of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCD) specifically referring to a worsening of symptoms in the late afternoon, evening, and nighttime hours.

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. Doggie dementia, a term often used to describe cognitive dysfunction in senior dogs, can manifest in similar ways.

What causes sundowners syndrome in dogs?

We don't exactly know what causes sundowners syndrome in dogs, but it's generally linked to age-related cognitive decline. As dogs get older, their brains naturally change, which can affect their cognitive function and lead to behaviours we see in sundowning syndrome.

This form of cognitive dysfunction can result from changes in brain functions, reduced production of sleep hormones such as melatonin, and/or reduced sensory perception.

Factors such as confusion, anxiety, or altered circadian rhythms can worsen symptoms, especially during the evening or nighttime. Additionally, concurrent health issues such as pain, vision or hearing loss can also contribute.

Health issues like arthritis, vision loss, or hearing problems may also contribute to the clinical signs.

How is sundowners syndrome diagnosed?

Because sundowner syndrome is a symptom pattern within canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), diagnosing it involves a multifaceted approach.

  1. Your observations are incredibly important! Make sure to notify your vet of the exact details of your dog's day-to-day routine. This may include when symptoms started, if they're getting worse, and anything that seems to trigger them.
  2. Your vet will do a full physical exam and likely blood tests. There are medical conditions that can cause similar symptoms to sundowners but require different treatments. For example, dogs with pain might experience nighttime restlessness that can be mistaken for cognitive decline.
  3. In some complex cases, veterinary neurologists may recommend advanced imaging like an MRI.

Spotting the subtle signs of sundowners in dogs

Sundowner syndrome in dogs is often talked about as pacing, nighttime barking, or extreme disorientation. While these are important symptoms, they often signal later stages of canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) or dog dementia.

Here is a list of criteria I often review with clients when discussing the possibility of sundowning syndrome:

  • Does your dog seem hesitant at the top of the stairs they've used for years? Do they get "lost" in the corners of your home or yard? Confusion with familiar layouts can be an early clue.
  • Shifting sleep-wake cycles are common with sundowners in dogs. Your dog might sleep more during the day, then become restless at night.
  • CCD can alter how your dog interacts. They might become unusually clingy and anxious, or conversely, seem less interested in usual playtime or interactions.
  • Has your dog seemingly unlearned housetraining and soiling in the house? Does your dog stare at their food bowl as if unsure what to do? Difficulty with routine tasks can signal cognitive decline.

Helping your dog (and yourself) navigate the nights

While there's sadly no cure for cognitive decline that causes sundowners, we focus on managing the condition with the goal of improving overall quality of life.

  • Set a routine: Maintain consistent schedules for meals, walks (adjusting intensity for your dog's ability), playtime, and bedtime. This helps reduce anxiety triggered by confusion.
  • Increase daytime activity: Mental and gentle physical stimulation during the day can help tire your dog in healthy ways. Short training sessions, puzzle toys, and safe neighbourhood walks are great options here.
  • Create a comfortable atmosphere: As evening approaches, create a calm atmosphere. Dim lighting and having a comfortable, familiar sleep space can ease anxiety.
  • Nighttime adjustments: Consider leaving a dim nightlight on to help with disorientation.

Treatments your veterinarian can prescribe to help your dog with sundowners

If I am concerned about sundowners in one of my patients, here is what I like to discuss with the client:

  • Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., fluoxetine, clomipramine, trazodone, or gabapentin) can help reduce the restlessness and agitation associated with sundowners.
  • I often prescribe melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles.
  • There's a specific medication called selegiline (Anipryl®) that's approved for canine cognitive dysfunction. I find it works well in some dogs, not so much in others.
  • Omega fatty acids (e.g. fish oil) and antioxidants are what I routinely recommend to dog owners. There are prescription diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet b/d that have high levels of omega-3s and antioxidants built right in.

With all these options, none of which are so-called quick fixes. Treatments can take many weeks before we see any benefits, so please be patient. It is also not unusual to have to use multiple therapies that work differently, but for the same benefits.