Night-time waking in our senior pets is a common problem we hear from our owners. A good night’s sleep is essential for both dogs and people and when our pets wake up in the middle of the night, the disturbance can affect the entire family. Interrupted sleep in older pets can occur for many reasons including medical, behavioural and cognitive problems.
Medical problems that may cause our dogs to wake in the night are disease processes that cause pain or discomfort or increase the need for your dog to urinate or defecate. Urinary tract infections, kidney disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal upset are a few of the common problems that may cause an increase need to eliminate. This increased frequency will be present during the day as well but are often more noticeable to the pet owner in the middle of the night. Painful diseases, for example, arthritic pain or some forms of cancer, will affect your pet’s ability to lay comfortably for prolonged periods thus breaking up his sleep. Dogs that feel discomfort may pace, pant, vocalize or be restless and these signs can be most pronounced at night.
Cognitive dysfunction is a common reason for night time waking in our older dogs. This is generally a slow, progressive disorder that is similar to dementia in people. The hallmarks of the disease are increasing confusion, reversal of day-night wake sleep patterns and poor adaptability to new situations. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction will often sleep much of the day and be up a lot of the night. As the confusion and consequential anxiety progresses we see this as pacing and panting.
If your dog is starting to wake regularly at night, a visit to your veterinarian is indicated. With a thorough history and physical exam we will start to narrow down the most likely cause of the night-time waking. A basic blood test and urinalysis will determine if your pet has diabetes, kidney disease or a bladder infection. X rays or a trial of pain medication may be indicated if the most likely cause is arthritic pain.
For dogs with cognitive dysfunction, there is no cure and the treatment options are less straight forward. There are medications such as Anipryl and dietary supplements such as fatty acids and SAMe that claim to slow down the cognitive decline or lessen the symptoms, but the results are equivocal. Anxiety during the night can often be the most distressful symptom for our dogs with cognitive dysfunction so anti-anxiety medications such as Valium, Xanax or Trazadone may be recommended.
If your dog is waking regularly at night, seek veterinary attention. It may be necessary to rule out some disease processes but sometimes in the early stages all that may be needed is to establish a good night time routine. Even though this condition may be frustrating, avoid punishing or scolding your pet. They are our aging companions, whom in their twilight years, will require more TLC from their two legged family members.
Dr. Loretta Yuen D.V.M
I routinely can’t sleep because my dog is up all night. He is 13 with arthritis & senile dementia. We have tried 3 tramadol, metha carbonamol, carprofen & gabapentin 2 x day per veterinary advice. We have tried sleeping with him, comforting, frequent potty breaks which isn’t the issue. Nothing works. I am frustrated because i work fulltime & being sleep deprived night after night is seriously affecting my health. I cant shut bedroom door or put him in a room because he relentlessly barks, scratches at door or will cry. I am yelling at him & this situation is unbearable for me & unpleasant for him. Any advice?
We kennel our dog in the room with us so she can see us. She calmed easily. Bought basic wire kennel with all aides open amd a “warm cozy” bed. She also has a blanket. She now sleeps much better. Hope it helps.
My dog is also 12 but I have taken her off of all medicine and slowly changed her diet to a limited protein diet for senior dogs. I have also put down a (one side pee proof the other soft) and put attract spray on in so when she has to pee at night, she goes there. It’s like a pad a person would use if they had accidents at night. My dog sleeps with me, eats the soft food mixed with a little hard and off all medications. They can make her even more confused. Let me know if you try this and it works.
Would you share what you feed your dog?
Have you discussed with your vet about putting him down?
My dog is 17.5 years old. She has been waking up at midnight and walking around the house for hours until 4 or 5 am. Of course, I loose sleep. At one point, I caught her
circling for a couple minutes that I just picked her up and brought her to my bed.
My vet and I talked about letting her go. I don’t know if this is the right time.
Deb, what bread is your dog?
I had a nineteen or twenty year old Shih tzu. And finally made the decision to let him go. I called my vet and made an appointment for like 5 days out. The day came , but I knew in my heart it was time. My mom asked if I wanted to wait but I knew it was time. He wasn’t himself anymore. Now my 15 year old is getting up in the middle of the night and barking and pacing. Yes thanks for the article. I taking him for his check up. I pray it’s not dementia or cancer Not ready for him to go
Oh my Doxie is 16 and doing the exact same thing!!! It’s horrible.
She’s 17.5 she’s suffering why would you continue to allow her to suffer. That’s so unfair to your dog.
I am reading this months since you posted. You must be a good pet owner to have a pet live so long. I am experiencing very similar situations. I hope your pet found peace.
I am having the same problem! My dog has diabetes, diagnosed last year, became blind about six months’ later, and then now..this not sleeping during the night stuff. She sleeps like she’s in Heaven for hours on end DURING THE DAY..sometimes until dinner time. She eats, then back to sleep. OK. 1 a.m or so, the barking starts, one hour later, again. I was advised to give her just a little food before I go to bed, doesn’t work. She still wakes up. Now I am tending to her, picking up the soiled wee wee pads, nothing seems to work. I put her in bed with me the other night, she went directly back to sleep, for about an hour. She always slept with me … her entire 13 1/2 yrs. So all of this is upsetting, and yes, we all need our sleep. I am retired, and still cannot function with only 4 hours of so, or broken sleep. I am on Google this morning to see if I can find some answers!
Hello, I am currently having this exact same situation with my 11 year old yorkie. She recently got diagnosed with diabetes and is now blind. She’s slept with me as long as i can remember, and now stays up all hours of the night barking in her room or lays awake in bed beside me. She sleeps during the day, and only barks during the day whenever she needs to go outside to use the bathroom. I ordered some relaxing gummies, which are arriving tomorrow, but i don’t know what else i can do. Any advice on anything else that’s worked for you? Thank you!
My 14 year old labrador is doing this to me 2 to 3 times per night and no sleep past 5.30 am but I do not yell at him as I know he can’t help it. Since he has already woken me I just vent by swearing under my breath and get up and feed him a bit of kibble outside in case he needs to wee, then we go back and hope he can sleep for more than 2 hours. It is hard to be patient and I’m hoping he will cross rainbow Bridge soon because sleep deprivation as you know is not good for us. Good luck to you, but try not to yell as it’s not good for either of you.
With your dog on that much medication, and he is still experiencing discomfort and not sleeping, is not a good sign. I hate to say this, but the same thing that you are experiencing, is when I make the decision to let my dog go. I read an article by a veterinarian once tbag I will never forget, she said, “I’ve never heard a patient say, I wish that I would have waited longer, it’s always I wish that I would have done it sooner”. Our dogs rely on us to make the best decision for them when they are in pain…it’s one of the most selfless thing that we can do. We keep them around for ourselves sometimes, but it is their time to go.
I am going through the same thing with my older dog. He completely calms down once I get out of bed. We’re you able to help your dog? If so, how? I am so frustrated that I am unable to help him.
Wow sounds like you have either killed the poor guy or you are well on your way! Having a dog is a big responsibility that a lot of people only think about the cute puppy stage! They are like humans they get old!!! How would you like it if someone drugged you and said these things about you! If you don’t want him there is someone in Nashville that will take him! Bretts Barn! They take senior dogs!
Thank you for this article. It’s very useful. My maltese is ten years old and has had this waking problem for some time..
My shihtzu is 12 years old and she wines all night leaving my family and I sleep deprived. We try to comfort her but I can tell we al are getting frustrated and irritated with situation. I believe the only thing we can do but put her down
Hi Margaret. My Maltese is 10 also and has been put on steroids for anemia. He’s brighter but jud5 not himself and more wakeful, thirsty and panting at night.
How is your Maltese. It’s so worrying.
Thank you… my dog is almost 14 and been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and now thinks nitetime is daytime and acting up . Benadryl
doesn’t work so will ask my vet for zanax for him
I’m so happy I saw this as it has been very helpful. My dog does all the panting during the day as well as through the nigh. He doesn’t like to walk anymore he takes the short walk. He has always walked on my left side but now he walks in front of me and walks on the right side of me.
It’s like he is being awkward, he also doesn’t react to me when I shout for him to come. Many thanks. Laraine
Thanks for all the comments and this post. My 11 year old pitty is doing the same. I have found valerian to help.i give her 2 about 2 hours before bed time. I open the capsule and mix it with soft dog food. It’s been helping a lot. But now she started this thing we’re storms really freaked her out. In the last couple weeks now if it’s even raining she gets all panicky but now she wants to go outside and she stands in the rain. She wimpers and I have Mom ears so I hear it even if I’m asleep. This is really running me down I hope you guys find a solution or some help I understand how frustrating into this
I’ve had this same issue for almost 2 years now. My rescue pekingnese mix or St. Charles Spaniel mix (depends on who you ask) is 15 year old. She lost her hearing and sight last year due to cataracts and chronic ear infections and age. She sleeps all day and until a couple of days ago she was turning in early evening for the night. This is day 2 of night panting and pacing. I attempt to comfort but it doesn’t help. My vet has retired and sold out without a notice. I found out from the workers who are my facebook friends. I don’t know what to do at this point.
My 15 year old westie paces and pants during the early evening. If I try and fuss her she just gets worse. I find putting a damp cool coat on her and putting her in a crate calms her down. After about 20 minutes she settles with her chin on the mat and I let her out of the crate and remove the coat. It is very distressing to see her so unsettled and I’d already suspected she was starting with dementia but it has helped to know it is a recognised condition.
What’s the best medication to help my bearded collie to sleep during the night. She’s 8 blind and has diabetes. She pants paces and scratches at door all night.
May I ask how did it go using the Sam easy to continue to get better or eventually go back to the same?
It’s so awful dealing with dog dementia. The constant pacing and barking from 5pm onwards are so difficult to deal with. Medication is not working. I try and contain my anger with the constant barking etc. But I now feel I may have to deal with it and face up to euthanasia. Any ideas ?
Jeez lady have some compassion
Don’t shame her. I’m sure she knows more than you what’s right for her dog of 15 years.
✅
My doxie is 16. Dementia, and paces like hell at night. But thankfully no barking!!!
Sleeps great all day.
No way I will put her down !!!! She’s not in pain she’s just confused!!! If in pain I understand but no!!!!❌❌❌
I have a 15 yr old Shih Tzu who is blind, deaf and has dementia.
She has slept with us every night since we brought her home when she was just 8 weeks old. Within the past week, she paces, whines and trembles at night time and I have done what every other person has done: let her out, bring her back in, stayed up with her and finally called the vet. They suggested Sam E 100mg that they have seen help with calming down and sleep.
I’m on day 2. I now have noticed that her not sleeping with me on my bed and on the 1st floor where her dog beds are she is more relaxed and sleeps. Again this is only day 2. Not sure why all of a sudden she prefers her dog beds at night but at this point if I can get some sleep, I’m thankful. I do have night lights on in several areas, a fan on for white noise and you are probably asking yourself “why” if she is deaf and blind? I still think she can see shadows at times and the occasional noise.
During the day I try to stay with a steady routine of her eating schedule, letting her out frequently, etc. She can’t walk steady so the walking days are over but I try to keep her outside for at least 15-20 minutes each time I let her out just to get the fresh air and move around which at times is just standing. I’m not sure what “quality of life” this is for her but it is for now.
Our Bichon is exactly in the same situation. She had a stroke in October of 19’ and it is progressively getting so much worse now. And yet I cant seem to be able to decide what is best for her.
What was the resolution with your 15 yr old Shih Tzu? Ours is 16.5 yr old, also deaf and blind, and the nighttime barking is driving us crazy.
My 14 year old Maltipoo is up at night pacing from room to room sitting in the dark. I need to sleep. She’s refusing to take her pills today which she has always taken with no problem. After thousands of dollars at several different vets-Chinese herbs, alternative meds ,special food I’ve just about had it. I don’t want to put her down when I’m so upset with her. She has been a darling, perfect dog-so sweet,obedient and very smart. I have another dog and between the both of them I am always at the vets. Over ten thousand dollars every year at the vets. My quality of life is horrible because of these dogs. Now, with no sleep,I very close to putting her down.
Did you ever find out what was wrong with her I am having the same issue with my 14 year old Pomeranian mix she will be 15 in August I also have spent thousands of dollars and still no answer
I’m wondering why comments are allowed if no one answers the questions. Jen and Rosie, I hope you are able to find answers that help you and your dog.
Please compassion and patience towards our fury kids. They have plenty for us. Aging is a process for us all, so if medical protocols don’t work, it’s a matter of letting things flow and be , and give them as much comfort as possible. My 11 year old aussie has rough nights, on those I pull my sleeping bag and sleep next to him. Its tender, connecting, and calms him to sleep, so we both rest.
I feel absolutely honoured that I was there through the night to help in his old age, it’s been 1 month since he had to be put to sleep at the grand age of 22yrs old
He had a very large tumour in his liver along with dementia
He cared and loved us all his life
Old age didn’t really hit him until he was around 19 and it was a very different routine over the past few years, just to be extra caring at such a confusing time for him, loved and missed every single day
Night time waking can be so hard and a rota of care works really well
Thank you Lisa for showing us your patience, kindness love and understanding with your furbaby. I’m on here because my 15 year old Shih tzu paces the floors at night and after reading the comments it’s time to take her to her Vet and have her checked out for illness and what sounds like dementia at night. I don’t want her to be suffering or in pain and I will try a few of the ideas everyone has posted here!
Thank you for those showing compassion and love for your elder, problematic dogs. They really do give us everything all of their lives, it really is up to us to care for them and love them in their elder years, no matter how problematic, or even how much they keep us up at night. Thank you.
I guess the aging process for our best, 4- legged friends, can be both physically and emotionally draining.
I have an 18 year old Bichon Frise who is now waking every day from 1am-3am. She sleeps with me and then like clockwork frantically wants to get down from the bed. She has a drink, a pee on the wee pad and then barks and barks and barks.
I made the mistake of offering her food or a cookie and now she eats several cookies before considering going back to bed, every day!
She lives on Rimadyl and Dasaquin. She has what looks like a neuro-muscular disorder which is not being treated due to her age.
She is quite spunky in personality but is shaky and balance at times is an issue.
I wish I had an answer for all of us that are sleep deprived other than this horrible pandemic has most of us home. Have a good nap each day so we can continue to support these incredible companions in their, oftentimes, senior journey.
Lisa you are a true animal saint. How wonderful and selfless of you to recognize the needs of your precious fur baby.
We currenlty have 5 dogs, 6 cats, 2 horses and a multitude of chickens. Many of our pets have been rescues and have not had our love all of thier lives but thankfully have known and felt unconditional love at least for the last part of their precious lives.
Over the past few years we have suffered the loss of a number of our pets and each one of them regardless of their species gets the love, respect and care they should in thier times of need.
Just as we currently have the privilege of caring for my father in law with dementia during the last past of his life.
We also have a 16 1/2 year old Chi/Corgi who also has dementia and he gets the same love and care as though he were our biological child.
Our little guy has always tried his best to take care of us when we were ill or sad or scared.
So as difficult as it is the honor of caring for and loving him thru his most critical time of need does take a toll on us (mostly me as my dear post stroke husband seems to sleep thru most things) and like you I know when he is gone just how much we will continue to love him and miss him every day.
I am not a religious person but have faith and the hope that one day we will reunite and be with all our loved ones and that includes our furbabies.
The best of luck to all of you with pets going thru this difficult time. Please try to see it as when your time comes that you too have the love and patience of someone as wonderful as yourself to care for and be patient with you.
The lack of sleep and stretch on our patients is worth it for the love we share with our pets.
my dog is 17 years old and has lived to pass her age-limite and is pacing, peeing a lot in the house and outside she wines has anxiety, eats more, and does not like to be cuddled she is also blind I don’t know what to do
They are famiy. We took them in and they love us through it all. We owe it to them to help them all the way through life as we are all they have when things go wrong and they don’t understand. They come to us for help, don’t let them down for they have aleays been there for you.
My 16-year-old Shih Tzu just started not sleeping through the night. He paces, pants, whines, and coughs. He does have a heart murmur which I believe is getting worse and causing some of the panting and coughing. His vision has declined quickly in the past 6 months and he also seems a bit confused and disoriented lately. I’ve been up with him until 3-4am for an entire week. I can’t bring myself to leave him alone until he settles. Last night I decided to turn a light on in the room and it seemed to help. In only took a few minutes after I turned the light on for him to go to his bed and lie down. Not sure why but it seemed to calm him down. They are overhead can lights so they’re pretty bright. Not sure if lamp light would have the same affect for him. Just an idea. Hope you all find something to help your pups.
I have a 15 year chihuahua and she awakes at night start walking and then falls down – she has been diagnosed with a collapsed trachea – but the vet gave her a hydracodone syrup which helped with her cough then later after informed him of sleep walking – he gave her steroids – she already takes meds for liver troubles – well after a few nights of no sleep – I have decided to take her off all meds for a few nights just to see but I guess I am back to vet on Monday – it is so strange cause she just jumps up and starts running and sometimes screaming- HELP!!!!
My dog is wetting his bed of a night time. He is up and down during the night. His bed is wet in the morning. We are back and forwards all night. He sleeps outside covered with blankets but his bed is soaked.
Helpfully advice thought my elderly dog was the only one, he wakes in the early hours walking around the landing have to leave the bathroom light on so he’s aware of the stairs.
I have a Min Pin/Dachshund mix who has dementia and cataracts. She does pretty well in the daytime, paces but not in circles. But after 5 pm, its tight circles. She gets up several times a night and I am up until about 2 when she finally goes to sleep well. She cant make it to the pads often, i have tried diapers but they wont stay on. Any tips for helping her sleep thru the night. She eats well, so cannot put her down just yet!