Sundowning in dogs, also called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or doggie dementia, is caused by age-related brain changes, similar to Alzheimer's in humans, involving protein buildup (beta-amyloid), neuron loss, and disrupted circadian rhythms, leading to confusion, anxiety, and sleep-wake cycle issues, especially as darkness falls. This mental decline causes disorientation, restlessness, increased vocalization, and changes in habits, making familiar surroundings feel scary at night, notes this resource from The Grey Muzzle Organization and this article from Pet Health Network.

How do you calm a dog with sundowners?

How can you calm a dog with sundowners?

1. Maintain a calm household (or give your dog a quiet spot) ...
2. Play calming music. ...
3. Avoid bright lights, especially in the evening or at night. ...
4. Exercise and explore together. ...
5. Keep your dog's surroundings familiar and safe.

What time does sundowning usually start?

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.

Why do dogs get sundowners?

While the exact cause of sundowner syndrome in dogs is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to changes in their internal body clock. The disruption of the circadian rhythm can lead to increased confusion and anxiety during the evening hours.

What mimics sundowners in dogs?

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.

Sundowner's Syndrome in senior pets

What worsens sundowning?

Factors that may worsen late-day confusion

Increased shadows. Disruption of the body's "internal clock." Trouble separating reality from dreams. Being hungry or thirsty.

How long does sundowning last before death?

Sundowning doesn't usually start occurring until the mid to late stage of dementia. However, once it does start, it's something that can potentially happen every afternoon/evening. Additionally, while a sundowning episode is happening, it can last for many hours or through the night.

What are the first signs of sundowning?

Early signs of sundowning often appear in the late afternoon/evening and include subtle but increasing restlessness, agitation, irritability, and confusion, alongside mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and increased anxiety as daylight fades. These behaviors can worsen over time, becoming more pronounced and leading to pacing, wandering, yelling, or paranoia as symptoms progress.
 

How to stop a sundowning episode?

Encourage a regular routine of waking up, eating meals and going to bed. When possible, spend time outside in the sunlight during the day. Make notes about what happens before sundowning events and try to identify triggers. Reduce stimulation during the evening hours.

What vitamin deficiency is linked to dementia?

Our results confirm that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantially increased risk of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer disease.

What is the best medication for sundowners?

A medication approved by the FDA to treat sundowning symptoms is brexpiprazole (Rexulti). This atypical antipsychotic is FDA-approved for agitation associated with Alzheimer's dementia. It works by targeting the serotonin and dopamine chemical pathways in the brain.

What is the 7 7 7 rule for dogs?

The "7 7 7 rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, originally by Pat Hastings, suggesting exposing puppies to 7 different people, 7 different locations, and 7 different surfaces/objects/sounds/challenges (variations exist) by about 7 weeks old to build confidence, resilience, and prevent fear or anxiety as adults. Key experiences include meeting diverse individuals, visiting different places like a vet's office or friend's house, walking on various substrates (grass, tile, carpet), and encountering new objects and gentle challenges (like tunnels or boxes).
 

When to put a dog down with sundowners?

How do you know when to put a dog with dementia to sleep?

1. Does your dog still engage with you?
2. Is there still 'life' in its eyes, or do they just stare at you blankly?
3. Is the dog constantly living in fear and barking?
4. Does it have a healthy appetite, good energy levels, is it of good mental condition?

Does sundowning mean close to death?

Sundowner's Syndrome at the end of life is also common, although it can also occur during earlier stages. Sometimes referred to as “sundowning,” this symptom describes the worsening confusion, anxiety, and agitation that patients experience late in the afternoon and evening.

What medications cause sundowning?

Certain medications, such as anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, and opioids, can impair cognition, disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, or trigger agitation in people with dementia. Sundowning is not caused solely by dementia; multiple factors often contribute to it.

What are the signs dementia is getting worse?

Signs of late-stage dementia

• speech limited to single words or phrases that may not make sense.
• having a limited understanding of what is being said to them.
• needing help with most everyday activities.
• eating less and having difficulties swallowing.
• bowel and bladder incontinence.

What spirits are best in a sundowner?

A high-quality vodka or gin

Both can be served very simply; in a long glass with lots of ice, a slice and a good quality tonic - the quintessential "sundowner".

What is the best medication for agitation in dementia?

There's no single "best" medication for dementia agitation; options like SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram) and atypical antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, brexpiprazole) are used, with brexpiprazole (Rexulti) being the first FDA-approved for Alzheimer's-related agitation, but they carry risks, so doctors often try non-drug approaches first, focusing on tailored treatment considering side effects and individual needs. 

How to stop sundowning in dogs?

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.

Are dogs scared when they have dementia?

A: Activity and anxiety

Your dog may show more or less activity, for example, pacing at night but unwilling to go on walks during the day. They may resist going to new places or meeting new people and also act anxious in social situations.

What can I give my senior dog to help her sleep at night?

Prescription medications

The most common type of sleep medication given to pets is diazepam (Valium®), although longer acting benzodiazepines may be used (eg temazepam). The symptoms of cognitive dysfunction are sometimes treated with a drug called selegiline.

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