What is sundowners syndrome in dogs? A complete guide

What is sundowners syndrome in dogs, and why does your older dog act so strange when the sun goes down?

It's 2am and you were looking forward to a good night's sleep.

Your senior dog is pacing the hallway. They're whining at shadows. Or staring at the wall like they've never seen it before.

You're shattered. You're worried. And you're wondering what's wrong with your Fluffy Friend.

Here's the truth: you're not doing anything wrong.

This is a real medical problem that happens to many older dogs.

It's called sundowners syndrome.

Vets also call it canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or CCD (that's just a fancy way of saying your dog's brain is getting older and confused).

This guide will help you understand what's happening.

You'll learn how to spot the signs.

And most importantly, you'll learn how to help your ageing dog feel better.

What is sundowners syndrome in dogs?

Sundowners syndrome is when older dogs get confused and upset in the evening and at night.

It's a type of canine cognitive dysfunction. That means their brain doesn't work as well as it used to.

Think of it like this: you know how some older adults get Alzheimer's disease and forget things?

Dogs can get something similar. Their brain cells get damaged.

They forget where they are. They don't remember their normal routines.

Why is it called "sundowning?" Because it gets worse when the sun goes down.

Many pet owners notice their old dog starts acting strange in late afternoon or early evening.

The problems continue through the night hours.

This is NOT just "getting old." Yes, all dogs slow down as they age.

But sundowners syndrome is different. It's actual changes happening in your dog's brain.

Your dog needs help, not just patience.

Which dogs get sundowners syndrome?

• Older dogs get it most: this usually happens to dogs who are 8 years of age or older. As dogs enter their golden years, their chance of brain problems goes up.

• Any dog can get it: big dogs, small dogs, mixed breeds, purebreds – it doesn't matter. All senior dogs are at risk.

• It's pretty common: studies show that 14-35% of senior dogs have at least one sign of this problem. If your dog is over 11 years old, the chances are even higher.

• Bigger dogs might show signs earlier: large dogs don't live as long. So they might act confused at 6-7 years old. Smaller dogs might not show signs until they're 10 or older.

Why does this happen? What's going on in your dog's brain?

Brain changes in older dogs

Here's what happens as your dog ages:

• Bad proteins build up: junk proteins collect between brain cells (just like in people with dementia)

• Brain cells die: the cells that help your dog think and remember slowly die off

• Less blood flow: not enough oxygen gets to the dog's brain

• Damage from free radicals: these are like rust in the brain – they cause oxidative stress and hurt brain cells

• Broken connections: the pathways between brain cells break down

All of this equals cognitive decline. That means your dog's brain just doesn't work as well anymore.

Why night-time makes it worse

Other things that make it worse

Several age-related changes can make the confusion even worse:

• Can't see or hear well: if your dog's eyes or ears don't work right, everything is scarier in the dark

• Body hurts: pain from arthritis makes dogs restless

• Not sleeping during the day: if they don't sleep well during the day, they're extra tired and confused at night

• Other health problems: things like thyroid issues or diabetes can affect how your dog acts

Related: What is dog boarding? Stress-free New Year pet care

Warning signs: how to tell if your dog has sundowners

What you'll see at night

• Pacing back and forth: your dog walks the same path over and over. They can't seem to stop.

• Can't settle down: they keep getting up and lying down. They're restless all night.

• Barking or whining for no reason: there's no apparent reason. They just make noise through the middle of the night.

• Waking up a lot: they wake up confused over and over again.

• Wandering around: they walk around with no clear goal. Just wandering.

Signs your dog is confused

Behavioural Changes

• Extra clingy: Following you everywhere. They show signs of anxiety when you leave the room.
• Mood changes: Getting snappy or grumpy when they used to be sweet.
• Not wanting pets: Pulling away from family members they used to love.
• Bathroom accidents: Weeing or pooing inside, even though they've been house trained for years.
• Sleeping all day, awake all night: Their sleep patterns are totally backwards.

These are the common symptoms of sundowners syndrome.

Some days will be better than others.

Is It Sundowners or Something Else?

Many health problems look like sundowners. This chart helps you tell the difference:

Many senior dogs have more than one problem at the same time. Always take your dog to the vet to find out what's really wrong.

Important: brain tumours, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems can all make your dog act weird. Your vet needs to check for these underlying medical conditions first.

What you can do tonight to help

Keep your dog safe first

Before anything else, make sure your confused dog can't get hurt:

• Block the stairs: use baby gates so they can't fall down stairs

• Clear the floor: move toys, shoes, and furniture out of walking paths

• Lock up dangerous areas: keep them away from pools, balconies, or rooms with sharp things

• Make a safe zone: set up one quiet room or area where they can't get into trouble at night

Changes that help right away

Tools that calm anxious dogs

• Calming sprays: products like Adaptil release special dog smells that calm them down. Just plug it into the wall.

• Comfy support: the MrFluffyFriend Orthopaedic Pillow gives extra cushioning for older dogs. Remember that senior dogs with neck pain sleep better with good support.

• Your smell: put an old t-shirt you've worn near their bed. Your scent is comforting.

• Brain games: puzzle toys during the day give their brain a workout. This environmental enrichment helps keep their mind sharp.

Sleep helpers (ask your vet first!)

Some things can help your dog sleep better.

But ALWAYS talk to your vet before giving your dog anything new:

• Melatonin: this is a natural sleep hormone. It might help reset their internal clock. Your vet will tell you the right amount.

• CBD oil: some pet owners say this helps with anxiety. But we need more research.

• Prescription medications: your vet might give anti-anxiety medications for really bad cases.

Daily habits that make nights better

What to do during the day

What happens during the day affects how your dog acts at night.

Here's what helps:

Exercise:

• Move every day: Take your senior pet for slow walks. Do this earlier in the day, not right before bed. Regular physical exercise helps blood flow to the brain and keeps them healthy.

Keep Their Brain Active

Using your dog's brain during the day is one of the best ways to slow down cognitive decline:

Food and Supplements for Brain Health

The right food can help your dog's brain work better:

Bedtime Routine

Do the same things before bed to avoid a restless night:

Related: Senior Dog Sleeps All Day: Should You Be Worried?

When to take your dog to the vet

Don't guess! It's always a good idea to get help

Lots of medical issues can make your dog act confused.

Your vet needs to check for:

• Bladder infections: these make dogs have accidents and feel uncomfortable

• Arthritis: joint pain makes it hard to lie down and stay still

• Can't see or hear: vision and hearing loss make everything scarier

• Thyroid problems: this affects mood, energy, and sleep

• Diabetes: makes them thirsty and need to wee more at night

• Brain tumours: these are serious and need treatment right away

• Kidney or liver disease: these change how your dog acts and feels

What the vet will do

A good check-up includes:

• Full body exam: checking for chronic pain, lumps, and general health

• Blood tests: making sure organs are working right

• Urine test: checking for infections

• Behaviour questions: the vet will ask detailed questions about what your dog does and when

• Brain and nerve tests: checking how your dog moves and responds

Medicines that can help

Your vet might suggest:

• Anipryl® (selegiline): a prescription medication commonly used by vets to help manage canine cognitive dysfunction.

• Calming medicines: things like trazodone or gabapentin for really bad night-time anxiety.

• SAMe tablets: these support the brain.

• Special prescription food: veterinary diets made just for older dogs with brain problems.

• Pain tablets: if arthritis is making things worse, pain relief helps a lot.

Why going early matters

Don't wait until symptoms are really bad:

• Medicine works better when you start it early

• You can slow down how fast the problem gets worse

• Early help means more good years for your furry friend

• The right care keeps your bond strong

Taking the first step and ringing your vet is important. Timely intervention makes a real difference.

What will happen over time?

The problem gets worse slowly

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome is what doctors call "progressive."

That means it gets worse bit by bit over months or years:

• Early on: a little confused sometimes. Occasional weird behaviour. Small changes in sleep patterns.

• Middle stage: more frequent symptoms of sundowners. More anxiety. Clear memory loss.

• Late stage: very confused a lot of the time. Big behaviour issues. Might not know family members.

But there's still hope

Even though there's no cure, many dogs live happy lives for years:

• Every dog is different: some get worse slowly over many years. Others change faster.

• Good days and bad days: some weeks are better than others.

• Comfort matters most: focus on making your dog comfortable and safe, not on how long they live.

• You really can help: good care makes every day better.

What "good care" looks like

With the right help, many senior dogs do pretty well:

• They know their family

• They have more calm nights than bad ones

• They still enjoy food, walks, and love

• Their anxiety isn't too bad

• They're comfortable, even if a little confused

Taking care of yourself too

This is hard on you

Watching your dog struggle is heartbreaking:

• You get tired too: lack of sleep and worry hurt your health

• You might feel sad: it's normal to miss the dog they used to be, even whilst they're still here

• You might feel guilty: feeling frustrated is normal. It doesn't mean you're a bad pet owner.

• You're doing great: even on terrible nights, being there helps your dog

Ways to help yourself

Taking care of you helps you take care of your dog:

• Share the work: take turns with family members so everyone gets sleep

• Ask for help: friends or pet sitters can give you breaks

• Be realistic: you can't fix every confused moment

• Notice the good stuff: a peaceful hour matters. A good walk matters. A tail wag matters.

• Find other dog owners: support groups help. Other people get it.

When it might be time to say goodbye

This is the hardest part. Eventually, you might need to think about your dog's quality of life:

• Are the bad days winning? Is your dog upset or uncomfortable most of the time?

• Do they still have joy? Do they like anything anymore – food, walks, your touch?

• Is anything working? Have you tried medicine and changes without much help?

• Is it safe? Are they getting hurt during their confused times?

• What does the vet think? Your vet can help you understand if your dog is suffering.

There's no perfect answer.

But when the bad times outnumber the good times by a lot, it might be time.

When confusion causes constant pain instead of just occasional episodes, you might need to let them go peacefully.

This is the hardest decision. But sometimes it's the kindest thing you can do.

Your vet will help you through this.

The first step is always the hardest – but you don't have to do it alone.

Related: Best dog bed for senior dogs with arthritis: complete guide

Questions People Ask About Sundowners

Can you cure sundowners syndrome in dogs?+

No, you can't cure it or make it go away completely. The brain changes are permanent. But you CAN help your dog feel better. Medicine, supplements, schedule changes, and a calm home can reduce symptoms a lot. Starting a treatment plan at the first signs gives you the best chance of keeping your dog's quality of life good for longer.

Does sundowning hurt my dog?+

The sundowners syndrome itself doesn't cause physical pain. But the confusion and worry DO upset your furry friend. Also, other problems like arthritis often feel worse at night. This can make them pace more. A vet visit can find and treat pain, which often makes night-time symptoms much better.

How long does the pacing last each night?+

It's different for every dog and every night. Some senior dogs pace for 30 minutes to a few hours. Others are restless most of the night. Usually it gets worse and lasts longer as time goes on. But good care can make it less bad. Most dog owners find that with help, their ageing dog eventually calms down, even if it takes a while.

When should I think about giving my dog medicine?+

Talk to your vet about medicine when:

• The behaviour changes make your dog really upset for hours
• They're wandering in dangerous ways
• Nobody in your house can sleep
• Signs of anxiety don't get better with schedule changes and nightlights

Your vet can tell you if prescription medications like Anipryl or calming medicines would help your canine companion.

How do I help my dog sleep all night?+

The best ways to help night-time sleep:

• Do the same calming routine every single night at the same time
• Make sure they're comfortable and don't hurt (good orthopaedic bedding helps)
• Use warm nightlights to make shadows less scary
• Keep the same schedule every day for food, walks, and play
• Give them brain games and have enough exercise during the day
• Try white noise to cover up scary sounds
• Ask your vet about safe sleep helpers like melatonin if other things don't work enough

What's the difference between normal old age and sundowners?+

Normal old age: Slowing down, sleeping more, mild trouble with eyes or ears, taking longer to learn things. These are normal age-related changes.

Sundowners syndrome: Really confused, personality changes, forgetting people or places, bathroom accidents inside, bad anxiety (especially at night), doing things over and over for no reason, major sleep pattern changes. These are clinical signs of real brain changes. They're NOT normal old age. Your dog needs vet help.

Does food really help?+

Yes! The right canine diet can help brain health. Special veterinary diets for senior pets often have:

• Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) that feed brain cells in a special way
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish that keep brain cells healthy
• Antioxidants like vitamin E that fight free radicals and oxidative stress
• B vitamins that help normal brain function

Studies show dogs who eat these special foods often think better and have fewer symptoms of dog dementia than dogs on regular food.

Will my dog still know who I am?+

In the early and middle stages, most dogs still know their family. They might be confused about other things, but they know you. In late stages, some dogs might have moments where they don't seem to recognise you. But this is different for every dog. Even when cognitive decline is really bad, dogs often respond to you! Even if they can't fully remember who you are, they'll always respond to your voice, touch, and gentleness.

How do I know when it's time to let go?+

Think about these things:

• More bad days than good? Is your dog upset or uncomfortable most of the time?
• No more happiness? Do they still like anything – food, walks, pets?
• Nothing helps? Have you tried medicines and changes without improvement?
• Safety problems? Are they hurting themselves when confused?
• Vet's opinion? What does your veterinary surgeon think about how much they're suffering?

There's no perfect answer. But when your dog has lost more than they still have, when confusion causes constant upset instead of just sometimes, it might be time to think about letting them cross the rainbow bridge peacefully. Trust what you know about your companion and lean on your vet for help through this painful choice.

Important Things to Remember

Keep these points in mind:

1. This is a real medical problem: It's canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, not your dog being bad or you being a bad owner.
2. Get help early: The first step is noticing signs of sundowners syndrome and taking your dog to the vet quickly.
3. Use multiple strategies: Routines, home adjustments, proper diet, supplements, and medication as needed.
4. Focus on comfort: You can't cure cognitive decline. But you CAN make your dog's quality of life way better.
5. Many dogs go through this: You're not alone. Lots of senior dogs have these symptoms. Many dog owners are dealing with the same things.
6. Small things help a lot: Nightlights, comfy beds (like MrFluffyFriend's orthopaedic beds), same routine – these simple things really work.
7. Take care of you too: When you take care of yourself, you can take better care of your ageing dog.
8. Comfort matters more than time: Focus on making your furry friend's remaining years comfortable, safe, and full of love.

Final Thoughts: Your Love Still Matters

Your calm voice when they're lost.

Being there when they're scared.

All of this reaches them.

You're giving your canine companion exactly what they need: safety, comfort, and knowing they're not alone.

That's what real love looks like.

---