In dogs, sundowners syndrome is part of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which can also be called doggie dementia. All of these terms describe a slow process of cognitive decline which occurs in older dogs. It is a recognized medical condition, not just “normal aging” or “slowing down.”
Help burn off nervous energy with an afternoon walk or other form of exercise that your dog enjoys. Incorporate massage into your evening ritual to help your dog feel more relaxed and less anxious. Leave music playing overnight to mask any frightening sounds that may make your dog feel nervous or afraid.
Sundowning Safety
Dogs and people with dementia often suffer from disturbances in their sleep-wake cycles. Those affected by "sundowning" sleep more during the day and remain awake, disoriented, and agitated throughout the night.
It may also be the byproduct of chemical imbalances in the brain, which may become more pronounced with age. There is no cure for sundowners syndrome, and unfortunately, it is almost always progressive, meaning that your dog's condition will deteriorate over time.
He says while people are aware of dementia in humans, the problem with identifying it in animals is that it can happen quickly. "With dogs and cats, everything is in fast forward.
While no specific breeds appear to be more affected by canine dementia than others, spayed female dogs are the most likely to develop the disease. Dementia/cognitive dysfunction most often develops in older dogs, typically over nine years of age.
Dogs with canine dementia often show strange behaviors. They may become less responsive to commands, lose their house-training, or find it difficult to eat and drink. Dogs suffering from CCD also often bark more when they feel anxious. It's vital that you're patient with your dog through these changes.
Activity may also change because anxiety can become worse once dementia sets in. Sometimes, dogs can sense the changes happening. They are scared and confused because they don't remember how to follow commands or they keep getting lost around the house.
Signs of Sundowning
Interaction changes refers to behaviors such as your pet no longer greeting family members, dislikes or avoids petting, is not as interested in getting attention, and displays interaction changes with other pets.
Vocalization Without Reason. Vocalizations, including barking, whining, and crying for no apparent reason, are also common in dogs with senior dementia.
How long can a dog live with dementia? On average, a dog can live for around two years after an official diagnosis. That said, it depends on the dog's overall physical and mental health, how fast the disease progresses, and how early the signs of dementia were picked up.
While medication can help to calm a dog with dementia at night, it is still important to give them some exercise. Walking will reduce their anxiety and agitation. Keep them on a leash in a secure area where they won't get lost. Allow them to smell and explore as much as they want.
According to Dr. Becky Lundgren, a schooled veterinarian and partner for Veterinarian Information Network—in her research article Senility in Dogs—a recent study reveals that out of 69 dogs, 32% averaging the 11-year mark, had Sundowners, whereas 100% at 16 years or older suffered from this deteriorating condition.
Make early evening a quiet time of day. You might play soothing music, read, or go for a walk. You could also have a family member or friend call during this time. Adjust lighting, letting in natural light during the day, if possible, and try softer room lighting in the evening.
When to Consider Euthanasia for your Dog with Dementia? 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.
Once other health issues have been ruled out, your vet might determine that your dog has canine cognitive dysfunction. While a diagnosis of dementia can be difficult to handle, many dogs go on to live happy, healthy lives when given proper care and attention.
Older dogs developing dementia gradually begin to behave differently, such as forgetting commands, sleeping more in the day, and being restless and vocal during the night. Although dementia isn't curable, there are things you can do to slow its progression.
Two studies offer new data about the precise amounts of walking that best protect brains — both canine and human. Whether you walk on two legs — or gambol happily on four and happen to bark — being physically active lowers the risk of developing dementia with age, according to two new studies involving people and dogs.
Your dog will hardly know what happened and will simply start to feel pleasantly drowsy. You will notice that I said “Your vet will hopefully prepare an anaesthetic or sedative injection for your dog”. Some do not. Having seen it done both ways, the “two injection” method is definitely my preference.
5. Not Recognizing Familiar People. This is often the most heartbreaking sign of canine dementia. No longer recognizing owners is likely due to the changes in brain function that happen with this condition.
Your veterinarian may suggest the prescription medication selegilene (Anipryl). Selegiline works to protect nerve cells and enhances dopamine in the brain. Some owners may notice improvement in three weeks or less, but many dogs can take six weeks before showing changes.
A dog's breed predicts its susceptibility to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction with terriers, toys, and non-sporting dogs being the most vulnerable. Dogs with a low-activity lifestyle are more than six times as likely to show declines in mental ability with age than more active cohorts.
Pain and Mobility
Signs of pain in dogs tend to be very subtle. It usually starts as reluctance to do what they have done easily in the past, like jumping up on furniture or in the car, that then progresses to inability to do these things at all. Walks become shorter, or their gait changes during the walks.
Since the intensity of some illnesses—such as dog dementia—may be painful for the dog, euthanasia may be the best way to help your dog. It is also worth mentioning that animal euthanasia may be very emotional for the pet owner, who may not be willing to put their pet down.