Dementia in Dogs – Dylan & Rainey – Dogs can get sundowners

We took Dylan to the vet recently as he has been acting strangely at night. I thought it was because of his arthritis but the vet thinks that it’s the start of dementia and specifically sundowners. Dementia, also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), is a progressive neurological disorder that affects dogs, particularly in their senior years. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans, dementia in dogs can lead to a decline in cognitive function, memory loss, and behavioral changes. One specific aspect of dementia that often affects both dogs and their owners is known as sundowners syndrome. So, after leaving the vet, I wanted to learn everything that I could about this and thought I would share. We will delve into the details of dementia in dogs, explore sundowners syndrome, and discuss its impact on both dogs and their owners.

Understanding dementia in dogs

Dementia is a complex condition that affects the proper functioning of the brain. While it is commonly observed in older dogs, typically over the age of 10 (Dylan just turned 10), it can also occur in younger dogs. The exact cause of dementia in dogs is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related factors.

One of the key features of dementia in dogs is cognitive decline. Dogs with dementia experience a gradual deterioration in their cognitive abilities. This means that they may struggle with learning new tasks, solving problems, or remembering familiar people, places, or objects.

Memory loss is another significant aspect of dementia in dogs. They may exhibit signs of forgetting familiar routes during walks, getting lost in familiar surroundings, or even failing to recognize their own family members or other pets.

In addition to cognitive and memory decline, dementia can also lead to notable behavioral changes in dogs. They may become disoriented, restless, or anxious. Some dogs may even develop repetitive behaviors. It’s not uncommon for dogs with dementia to experience increased aggression or exhibit signs of confusion. Although, our vet said that sometimes dogs with aggressive issues (Dylan is fear aggressive) in their younger years, may get more docile and/or more clingy.

Furthermore, dogs with dementia often experience disturbances in their sleep-wake cycle. This means that they may become more active and restless during the night, which can result in sleep disturbances for both the dog and their owners.

Sundowners syndrome in dogs

Sundowners syndrome, also known as sundowning, is a specific manifestation of dementia in dogs. It refers to a condition where dogs with dementia experience increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation during the late afternoon and evening hours.

The exact cause of sundowners syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to disruptions in the dog’s internal body clock and changes in the brain’s neurotransmitter levels.

There are several common signs and symptoms associated with sundowners syndrome in dogs. Firstly, dogs may exhibit increased restlessness. They may become more agitated, pacing back and forth, or wandering aimlessly during the evening hours. Confusion and disorientation are also prevalent in dogs with sundowners syndrome. They may appear disoriented, have difficulty recognizing familiar people or places, or exhibit signs of confusion.

Vocalization is another notable sign of sundowners syndrome. Some dogs may vocalize more frequently during the evening hours, such as barking, howling, or whining. In our case, Dylan whines a lot in the evenings.

Furthermore, sundowners syndrome often leads to disruptions in the dog’s sleep patterns. They may have difficulty settling down or experience frequent awakenings during the night.

Impact on dogs and dog owners

Dementia, including sundowners syndrome, can have a significant impact on both dogs and their owners.

Impact on dogs

When it comes to dogs with dementia, including sundowners syndrome, their lives can be affected in several ways:

Quality of life: Dogs with dementia may experience a reduced quality of life due to cognitive decline, confusion, and behavioral changes. This can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and fear, ultimately impacting their overall well-being.
Physical health: Dogs with dementia may forget to take care of their physical health. They may neglect eating, drinking, or going outside for bathroom breaks. As a result, they can experience weight loss, dehydration, and an increased risk of urinary tract infections.
Safety concerns: Dogs with dementia may become disoriented and wander away from home, putting themselves at risk of accidents, injuries, or getting lost. Additionally, changes in behavior, such as increased aggression, can pose safety concerns for both the dog and their owners.

Impact on dog owners

Dog owners also face various challenges when caring for a dog with dementia, particularly sundowners syndrome:

Emotional distress: Watching a beloved pet experience dementia can be emotionally challenging for dog owners. Witnessing their dog’s cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and confusion can evoke feelings of sadness, helplessness, and grief.
Increased caregiving responsibilities: Dog owners of dogs with dementia, especially sundowners syndrome, may need to take on additional caregiving responsibilities. This can include managing medication schedules, implementing behavioral management strategies, and ensuring a safe environment for the dog. Dylan is getting more clingy at night, so it’s hard to leave him along at night, which may impact our social interactions.
Sleep disruptions: Sundowners syndrome often leads to disturbances in the dog’s sleep patterns, which can also affect the sleep of dog owners. The increased restlessness, vocalization, and nighttime awakenings can disrupt the owner’s sleep, leading to fatigue and decreased well-being.
Financial considerations: Providing care for a dog with dementia, including veterinary visits, medications, and potential modifications to the home environment, can result in increased financial expenses for dog owners.

Treatment and management of dementia in dogs

While there is no cure for dementia in dogs, there are several treatment options and management strategies that can help slow down the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for both dogs and their owners.

When it comes to managing the symptoms of dementia in dogs, veterinarians may prescribe certain medications. These medications can help alleviate the effects of dementia and improve the dog’s quality of life.

One medication that is often used is called Anipryl, also known as selegiline. Anipryl works by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can help improve cognitive function and reduce behavioral changes in dogs with dementia.

Another medication that may be beneficial is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, and it plays a role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. It can be helpful in managing sleep disturbances that dogs with dementia may experience.

In certain cases, veterinarians may also prescribe sedatives to help manage anxiety and restlessness in dogs with dementia.

It’s important to remember that all medications should be prescribed and monitored by a veterinarian. They have the expertise to determine the appropriate dosage and monitor for any potential side effects or interactions with other medications.

Environmental modifications

Making modifications to your dog’s environment can play a significant role in managing the symptoms of dementia and enhancing their overall well-being.

One important modification is establishing a routine and structure. By creating a consistent schedule for feeding, exercise, and medication, you can help reduce confusion and anxiety in dogs with dementia.

Ensuring a safe and secure environment is also crucial. Take steps to prevent accidents and injuries by using baby gates to block off stairs or hazardous areas. Additionally, consider providing non-slip surfaces and removing any potential hazards that could pose a risk to your dog.

Providing mental and physical stimulation is another key aspect. Engaging your dog with puzzle toys, interactive games, and short walks can help improve their cognitive function and alleviate boredom and anxiety. We have started practicing nosework and learning new commands.

Remember, the goal of these modifications is to enhance your dog’s comfort and quality of life. By implementing routine, safety measures, and stimulation, you can create an environment that supports their well-being as they navigate through the challenges of dementia.

Diet and nutrition to help with dementia in dogs

The diet and nutrition of your dog can also play a significant role in managing the symptoms of dementia.

One important addition to their diet is omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can potentially improve cognitive function in dogs with dementia.

Including antioxidants in their diet is also beneficial. Vitamins E and C are examples of antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain, which are factors contributing to cognitive decline.

Our vet suggested that we start giving Dylan SAMe. S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) is a natural compound that can be really helpful for dogs with dementia or sundowners. When dogs have dementia or sundowners, SAMe can improve their thinking and memory, make them less anxious or depressed, and generally make them feel better. It does this by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are really important for thinking and feeling good. SAMe also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help reduce swelling in the brain that can make dementia worse. Overall, SAMe is a safe and effective supplement that can make a big difference for dogs with dementia or sundowners. Just make sure to talk to your vet before giving it to your dog, because it might not be safe for all dogs or might interact with other medications they’re taking.

In certain cases, a low-protein diet may be beneficial for dogs with dementia. This is because high levels of protein can contribute to the buildup of toxins in the brain, exacerbating the symptoms.

By incorporating these dietary changes, you can provide your dog with the necessary nutrients to support their brain health and potentially slow down the progression of dementia. However, it’s always important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable dietary plan for your furry companion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding sundowners and its impact on dogs and dog owners is crucial when dealing with dementia in dogs. Sundowners syndrome can bring about challenging symptoms, but with the right knowledge and strategies, we can help manage and improve the quality of life for our furry companions. Medications, environmental modifications, and dietary changes all play a significant role in alleviating symptoms and providing comfort. By working closely with veterinarians, we can develop personalized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each dog. Remember, patience, love, and understanding are key when navigating through the complexities of dementia in dogs. With proper care and support, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our beloved pets, ensuring they live their golden years with dignity and happiness.