The Toll of Sleepless Nights

There’s a particular kind of exhaustion that settles deep in your bones when you’re jolted awake—again—by the sound of paws pacing across the floorboards. Maybe it’s the soft, restless panting at 2 a.m., or the gentle click-click as your old friend wanders from room to room. In those moments, it can feel like you’re the only one awake in a world that’s supposed to be sleeping.

If you’ve found yourself lying there, heart aching and mind racing with worry for your dog, please know this: You are not alone. The heartbreak and the frustration are real.

It’s not just about the lost sleep—it’s about watching someone you love slip into confusion and anxiety as night falls. This is often how Canine Cognitive Dysfunction—what I simply call “doggie dementia”—begins to show itself.

It creeps in quietly at first, but those small changes add up until they start stealing precious hours from both your nights and your peace of mind. It is okay to feel overwhelmed. This demanding part of the messy middle is one of the most challenging jobs we take on.

These changes aren’t anyone’s fault—not yours, not theirs. Let’s take a deep breath together and talk honestly about how we can find comfort amid this uncertainty.

The “Why”: Understanding Sundowning

If you’ve ever watched your sweet gray muzzle start pacing restlessly as dusk settles in, you know how unsettling it can be. Maybe your old friend circles the living room, panting and wide-eyed, just as the world outside is quieting down. You might be asking: “What changed?”

This nighttime confusion isn’t a choice or a sign of stubbornness. It’s a real thing called sundowning.

Just like in humans, sundowning in dogs means their brain is having trouble sorting out day from night as the sun goes down. It’s a neurological shift, not a behavioral one. Your senior dog isn’t trying to keep you up or misbehave; their mind is struggling to make sense of the fading light and changing shadows. They are not giving you a hard time; they are HAVING a hard time.

You’re not alone if you feel helpless watching your beloved companion pace or whine after dark. Those long evenings are tough on everyone. But please know: this anxiety is not your fault, nor is it theirs.

Setting the Stage: Building a Sanctuary of Sleep

Let’s take a moment to imagine your pet’s world after sunset. The house quiets, shadows stretch across the floor, and familiar shapes blur into uncertainty. For our aging companions—especially those with cloudy eyes or anxious hearts—nighttime can feel daunting. That’s why creating a true sanctuary for sleep isn’t just an act of comfort; it’s an act of love.

Start by choosing a designated sleeping spot that feels safe and predictable. What matters most is easy access. Avoid stairs or slippery floors on the path to bed; think about laying down simple runners or non-slip mats so each step feels secure under tired paws.

One of the biggest culprits for pacing is pain. If their hips or joints ache, they move constantly, desperately trying to find a comfortable spot. This is where your investment should go: A high-quality orthopedic bed is non-negotiable now. I’ve found that a good orthopedic bed helps their body feel cradled and safe, which reduces the need to pace to relieve pressure.

If your friend still likes to get onto the couch or your bed, consider a small, sturdy ramp (like the ones from PetStep, which are so easy to clean!). It removes the stress of jumping and saves their joints from unnecessary impact. We want to make every movement easy.

Consider how the space feels at night: Is it too dark? A gentle nightlight can transform scary shadows into soft shapes, guiding your pet back to bed if they wander. Familiar smells—a favorite blanket worn with years of naps—offer reassurance.

The Calming Toolkit: What Actually Works Tonight

Pacing at night is stressful, and often what we need are simple, practical steps we can take tonight. Our senior dogs, especially those showing signs of dementia, thrive on predictability.

Remember that while supplements can offer significant support, they are not a cure. Always view them as a tool in your larger toolkit. Before introducing any new supplement or change, even a natural one, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. They can ensure the product is safe and will not interact poorly with any existing medications your senior dog is taking. Your vet is your partner in this journey.