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Sleep is essential for dogs and people. As in people disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle can occur in older pets and is a common problem, occurring for many reasons, including both medical and anxiety-related causes.

Diagnosis and Clinical Signs

old dog sleeping

There are many reasons an older dog may have difficulty sleeping at night. Just like humans, dogs  cognitive dysfunction, which is like to dementia in people.  What you might see with cognitive dysfunction is progressive confusion, reversal of day-night wake-sleep patterns and poor adaptability to new situations.

Like older people with early-stage dementia, dogs with this condition may do well in routine and familiar situations but have trouble without a routine and in new surroundings.

Waking at night may occur for reasons other than cognitive dysfunction, such as pain or discomfort. Dogs who are feeling discomfort may pace, pant, vocalize or be restless at night but may not show any physical limitations during the day. The effects of pain or sore muscles may be more noticeable to the dog at night.

The urge to eliminate may wake many dogs. Senior pets are more likely to have medical conditions that would increase the pet’s urination or defecation frequency or decrease control of these bodily functions.

Many physical and medical conditions should be considered, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, hormone imbalances, Cushing’s Syndrome, gastrointestinal (GI) upset and neurological impairments.

Anxiety can also cause sleep disturbances. Dogs may be anxious because of weather-related noises such as thunderstorms or noises in the home from people or other animals. These canines may also be anxious during the day but it gets worse at night when other sounds are quieter and everyone is asleep. 

Additionally, seizures can happen with brain lesions in older pets and may occur anytime but if they happen at night, may not be seen until the owners are awakened by a dog in a confused state, which can occur right after a seizure.

Thinking about the pattern of when the dog wakes can be helpful in figuring out the cause and at least partially correct the problem. Some dogs have difficulty settling down or falling asleep while other dogs may go to sleep easily then wake up in the middle of the night.

Some dogs go to sleep, enjoy slumber much of the night and then wake up early. A definitive diagnosis may be difficult because there are so many medical conditions to consider. Cognitive dysfunction is only diagnosed with certainty in the later stages, and there is no test for it.

Management

If you think your dog is having sleep issues at night, bring him/her to be evaluated by your veterinarian.  Your veterinarian can help look for underlying medical causes. Additionally, think about things you can do to increase sleeping comfort in an older likely arthritic pet.

An older dog may require an orthopedic bed to ease pressure on bones and joints. Warmth may also be important as the dog may not be able to regulate body temperature and cold weather may affect sensitive joints.  Establish a bedtime routine that may include a late trip outside for elimination and quiet time settling in a comfortable area.

Most dogs prefer to be with family members but some prefer to rest alone. Quiet music may obscure startling sounds and a night light may help a dog with vision problems to walk in dark hallways more easily.

Even though this condition may be frustrating, avoid punishing or scolding. After addressing your dog’s physical needs, try gently and calmly returning your dog to where he likes to sleep. Some dogs want to sleep in the bed with people; this is a matter of personal preference and family tolerances. Unless it is unsafe due to aggression, it is acceptable for dogs to sleep with people. 

Dietary and Pheromone Options

Cognitive dysfunction is a slow, degenerative and progressive disorder. Supplements are available that may ease the severity and slow its course. Ask your veterinarian about diets designed for the unique needs of senior pets.

Some of them provide antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta carotene, selenium, flavonoids and carotenoids) that may reduce the neurological damage caused by free radicals and fatty acids as well as dl-alpha-lipoic diet and l-carnitine.

Others include botanic oils such as medium chain triglycerides (MCT’s) that provide an alternative energy source. These diets are shown to improve a senior dog’s performance on cognition tests.

Dietary supplements that contain phosphatidyl serine, gingko bilboa and grape extract (resveratrol) are likely to slow and minimize cognitive impairment. S-adenosyl-l-methionine, or SAMe, may reduce anxiety and increase awareness and activity in the senior dog. Furthermore, SAMe is safe or even beneficial for patients with compromised liver function. These supplements are most beneficial in the early stages of cognitive decline.

A dog appeasing pheromone (such as Adaptil) may ease anxiety and promote a feeling of well being. The diffuser may be especially useful to create an area and support use of a desired area for resting. The collar is most useful for dogs who experience anxiety all the time.

Melatonin may help create a normal nighttime sleeping cycle. This supplement should be given at bed time on a regular basis. Combined with a predictable nighttime routine, it can help create a normal sleep pattern.

Pharmacological Treatments

Sometimes medications may be helpful to induce sleep. Benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety medications) such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), or oxazepam (Serax). Trazadone may also be helpful. These medications are relatively quick acting but don’t last long so administration must be timed carefully. Medication should be combined with other recommendations described above.

Cognitive dysfunction symptoms may be reduced with the medication selegiline (Anipryl), which when given in the morning may help to keep the dog more alert and active during the daytime. Old age onset of anxiety may reflect the additive effect of lifelong learning or be a sign of progressive decline from cognitive dysfunction.

Expected Outcome

little dog sleeping

Nighttime waking may be caused by medical or behavioral changes common in senior dogs. Often these problems may be managed and good sleeping patterns can be re-established, though many of the underlying conditions may be persistent and worsen with age. 

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