What do you do when the dog that once greeted you with so much joy now shies away from your touch after sundown? This was a painfully real question for Desiree Broomer of Charlotte, North Carolina, as her 14-year-old dog Lulu started to develop symptoms of canine cognitive dysfunction, or dog dementia. The resilient soul, rescued from abandonment at a pound, lived contentedly for many years with Broomer. But about a year ago, changes began manifesting themselves: she’d get agitated in the evenings, pacing around the house without rest. These quickly escalated into night-time episodes of shivering even with soft touch and trying to bite on occasion behaviors never seen in her during the daytime hours.
Veterinarians say such nighttime confusion and agitation are part of a phenomenon known as “sundowning,” a disruption in the sleep-wake cycle linked to age-related changes in the brain. In dogs with dementia, proteins called beta-amyloid can build up, forming plaques that destroy neurons and disrupt memory, learning and spatial awareness. That can also affect the pineal gland’s release of melatonin, disrupting circadian rhythms and leaving a dog restless or anxious at night. One study found that up to 68% of dogs aged 15-16 years showed signs of cognitive dysfunction, and the symptoms tended to worsen after dark.
These can be heart-wrenching signs, ranging from disorientation and wandering aimlessly to getting stuck in corners, barking at nothing, and forgetting long-learned cues. Some dogs turn withdrawn; others become clingy, anxious, or testy. In Lulu’s case, the nighttime shivering and flinching is indeed very consistent with such a pattern, possibly compounded by a sensory decline in either vision or hearing.
There is no cure, but veterinarians emphasize that the condition can be managed to improve quality of life. Broomer worked at keeping Lulu calm and comfortable, sticking to routines, and using calming supplements in the evenings. Among recommended environmental modifications are maintaining the same furniture configurations, using nightlights to reduce confusion, and creating a quiet space with minimal disturbances for resting. Gentle, predictable routines meals, walks, and bedtime at the same time each day can help reduce anxiety. Nutritional support plays a role, too. Diets formulated with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and medium-chain triglycerides have been reported to support brain function in senior dogs.
Other supplements including phosphatidylserine, S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe), and apoaequorin may provide additional benefit and help slow the progression of cognitive decline. Certain drugs, such as selegiline, may benefit some dogs by improving sleep patterns, reducing house-soiling, and increasing activity levels. Of equal importance, say veterinary behaviorists, are mental enrichments-simple puzzle toys, scent games, or light training sessions adjusted to the dog’s capabilities.
Brief, strolling walks during daylight hours may help regulate sleep patterns and provide new sensations. If anxiety is particularly overwhelming, compression garments, pheromone diffusers, or anxiolytic agents prescribed by your veterinarian may be helpful. Support from the community has been a lifeline for Broomer. After posting about Lulu on social media, she received hundreds of messages from owners in similar circumstances. Some suggested practical changes she might make, such as investigating dental pain, accommodating mobility issues, or accounting for sensory loss, while others simply expressed empathy.
One commenter wrote, “Enjoy the time you have and please have lots of patience. My heart goes out to you and your little one.” For pet owners, these shared experiences ease the isolation that can so often come with caring for a cognitively impaired animal. They remind caregivers that although sundowning may change the cadence, it does not erase the bond. Many dogs with dementia through patience, adaptation, and at the behest of a veterinarian can still enjoy comfort, companionship, and moments of joy in twilight years.
