“If for some reason your dog is waking you up on a regular basis, and not interested in going outside to relieve himself, and he is healthy, you might consider putting the dog … Not sure why but it seemed to calm him down. Overview. 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. She lives on Rimadyl and Dasaquin. Any advice on anything else that’s worked for you? I have an 18 year old Bichon Frise who is now waking every day from 1am-3am. If your dog is waking regularly at night, seek veterinary attention. I love having things like a frozen Kong stuffed with really tasty food on the ready. I’m wondering why comments are allowed if no one answers the questions. With your dog on that much medication, and he is still experiencing discomfort and not sleeping, is not a good sign. Many thanks. Is her mind truly getting a workout every day? Now my 15 year old is getting up in the middle of the night and barking and pacing. So what can you do? He is 13 with arthritis & senile dementia. Thank you for those showing compassion and love for your elder, problematic dogs. She sleeps all day and until a couple of days ago she was turning in early evening for the night. 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. Provide a quiet, cool space for your dog to sleep in. My dog sleeps with me, eats the soft food mixed with a little hard and off all medications. My dog is 17.5 years old. She cant make it to the pads often, i have tried diapers but they wont stay on. If in pain I understand but no!!!!❌❌❌. Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation every day. Its tender, connecting, and calms him to sleep, so we both rest. My quality of life is horrible because of these dogs. This just started about two months ago. This is generally a slow, progressive disorder that is similar to dementia in people. His vision has declined quickly in the past 6 months and he also seems a bit confused and disoriented lately. 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!!!! He is plugging into his inner wild dog and guarding his home. My rescue pekingnese mix or St. Charles Spaniel mix (depends on who you ask) is 15 year old. This is day 2 of night panting and pacing. How would you like it if someone drugged you and said these things about you! I pray it’s not dementia or cancer Not ready for him to go. It’s been helping a lot. They are like humans they get old!!! The quicker you figure out her needs and can solve the problem, the faster you both can get back to getting a full night’s sleep. Required fields are marked *. In her elder years, it is harder for your dog to learn new things. 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. 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! Take 15 Minutes for Fun, Play and a Better Life, 9 Ways Food Can Help Dogs with Anxiety Issues, Kennel Cough Treatment: 4 Home Remedies for Kennel Cough. Benadryl I am frustrated because i work fulltime & being sleep deprived night after night is seriously affecting my health. You must be a good pet owner to have a pet live so long. Have you discussed with your vet about putting him down? Ask for some obedience work, and that’s what you’ll be reinforcing. circling for a couple minutes that I just picked her up and brought her to my bed. Please compassion and patience towards our fury kids. He doesn’t like to walk anymore he takes the short walk. Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA I wish I had an answer for all of us that are sleep deprived other than this horrible pandemic has most of us home. 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. Help reduce her stress by keeping such changes to a minimum. He had a very large tumour in his liver along with dementia How is your Maltese. 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. I am reading this months since you posted. Maybe she really does need to pee, and she’s doing you a favor by nudging you up to let her out. So what can … No way I will put her down !!!! Thank you. She starts pacing around 4 a.m., and the sound of her nails on the wood floor wakes me up. A dog who could handle hanging outside all day on a chilly day will likely need a sweater when out and a bit more time inside with a bed close to the heater. After thousands of dollars at several different vets-Chinese herbs, alternative meds ,special food I’ve just about had it. I am retired, and still cannot function with only 4 hours of so, or broken sleep. I am experiencing very similar situations. We have tried sleeping with him, comforting, frequent potty breaks which isn’t the issue. Dementia, and paces like hell at night. As our dogs get older, it is more likely that they develop various health problems. How to Recognize Your Dog’s Fears. We currenlty have 5 dogs, 6 cats, 2 horses and a multitude of chickens. We have tried 3 tramadol, metha carbonamol, carprofen & gabapentin 2 x day per veterinary advice. What’s the best medication to help my bearded collie to sleep during the night. Walks or other forms of exercise are vital to a dog’s health. Their memory, their ability to learn, their awareness and their senses of sight and hearing can all deteriorate. If you’re a dog owner, chances are you’ve been there or are going through it: Seemingly endless, sleepless nights because your pup refuses to settle at night. My dog keeps wanting to go outside, but then she wants to come back inside 5 minutes later. He paces, pants, whines, and coughs. Stay informed! 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. I can’t bring myself to leave him alone until he settles. A 13- to 15-year-old dog, depending on her size and health, is roughly equivalent to a 70- to 115-year-old person. She’s 8 blind and has diabetes. During the day I try to stay with a steady routine of her eating schedule, letting her out frequently, etc. Thank you! She still wakes up. OK. 1 a.m or so, the barking starts, one hour later, again. Night time is when the nocturnal animals come out- More sights, sounds and smells. I hope your pet found peace. Dog playing with puzzle toy by Shutterstock. Even if my boyfriend spends time out in the living room with her, the moment he goes to bed, Maya whines and knocks things down. But just this year when the snow started melting he wants to sleep out in his doghouse every single night. My 11 year old aussie has rough nights, on those I pull my sleeping bag and sleep next to him. They are famiy. She eats well, so cannot put her down just yet! 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. I’m sure she knows more than you what’s right for her dog of 15 years. She now sleeps much better. 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. This is untrue and has been scientifically squashed for many years. My dog is wetting his bed of a night time. Be prepared! I put her in bed with me the other night, she went directly back to sleep, for about an hour. Don’t shame her. Our Bichon is exactly in the same situation. Laura’s allergies, meanwhile, meant their dog, Maya, had to sleep outside of the bedroom -- something her dog wasn’t happy about. There are many possibilities for a 3 a.m. dog slurp on your sleeping face. X rays or a trial of pain medication may be indicated if the most likely cause is arthritic pain. Hope you all find something to help your pups. Could there be something wrong? She has been waking up at midnight and walking around the house for hours until 4 or 5 am. He usually does both jobs and definitly always pees. We all need sleep, dogs included. The best thing you can do is to exercise with your dog more often. Take your dog outside more frequently to go to the bathroom. It’s so worrying. But thankfully no barking!!! It’s like a pad a person would use if they had accidents at night. But after 5 pm, its tight circles. They are our aging companions, whom in their twilight years, will require more TLC from their two legged family members. 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. If you don’t want him there is someone in Nashville that will take him! As the confusion and consequential anxiety progresses we see this as pacing and panting. They take senior dogs! They may … Any ideas ? For dogs with cognitive dysfunction, there is no cure and the treatment options are less straight forward. Medication is not working. I'm not sure what's going on, but it worries me. the other dogs are in the out house snuggled up and he wont go in or come in the house. 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. All rights reserved. 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. She has slept with us every night since we brought her home when she was just 8 weeks old. Some people use night lights to try and help dogs who seem anxious when darkness falls. Good luck to you, but try not to yell as it’s not good for either of you. 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. I believe the only thing we can do but put her down. Interrupted sleep in older pets can occur for many reasons including medical, behavioural and cognitive problems. The lack of sleep and stretch on our patients is worth it for the love we share with our pets. Keep the lights on until bedtime, when lights can be turned off. 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. That’s so unfair to your dog. She wimpers and I have Mom ears so I hear it even if I’m asleep. If you think this might be the reason your old dog is constantly whining, it’s important to identify ways to keep your senior dog comfortable and independent. It’s like he is being awkward, he also doesn’t react to me when I shout for him to come. Night time waking can be so hard and a rota of care works really well. I’ve been up with him until 3-4am for an entire week. How wonderful and selfless of you to recognize the needs of your precious fur baby. As dog parents, we have to keep a close watch on any changes and symptoms, both physical and behavioral, that our aging dogs may exhibit. 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. Do you shut your dog out of the bedroom, only to be woken up by her scratching at the door, barking, or whining? See things from your pet’s perspective. Wow sounds like you have either killed the poor guy or you are well on your way! It’s horrible. Some dogs start overreacting to things they once ignored, like the garage door opening or the newspaper being delivered. Our little guy has always tried his best to take care of us when we were ill or sad or scared. Dogs with cognitive dysfunction will often sleep much of the day and be up a lot of the night. They come to us for help, don’t let them down for they have aleays been there for you. I have found valerian to help.i give her 2 about 2 hours before bed time. We try to comfort her but I can tell we al are getting frustrated and irritated with situation. My 6yr old Weimaraner has thyroid issues (takes meds for). He drinks gallons daily—we keep him hydrated for sure!  |  I hate to say this, but the same thing that you are experiencing, is when I make the decision to let my dog go. Any time a new behavior appears that seems out of the ordinary, take your dog to the veterinarian first. We are back and forwards all night. Bretts Barn! 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. Over ten thousand dollars every year at the vets. Let me know if you try this and it works. Of course, physical exercise is crucial as well. If your dog wakes up to a sound in the middle of the night, she might think, “Well, since I’m already up … ” and the machine can help drown out any of those distractions. She always slept with me … her entire 13 1/2 yrs. And yet I cant seem to be able to decide what is best for her. I don’t know what to do at this point. With a thorough history and physical exam we will start to narrow down the most likely cause of the night-time waking. He wasn’t himself anymore. There are worse ways to be woken up in the middle of the night than a cold, wet dog nose — however, that ish gets seriously old after a while. On the other hand, you could have a dog like my Border Collie who decides she’s done sleep – ing on the bed at 3 a.m. and wakes me up asking to be let out to go sleep elsewhere. 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. Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Help reduce her stress by keeping such changes to a … When we let him out one last time at night he will go out to his house and stay there. These five tips will help you understand why your dog is waking you and get you back to a full night's sleep. Our Golden Retriever is now just over 5 years old. Jen and Rosie, I hope you are able to find answers that help you and your dog. +1.604.221.7771. 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. Over-excitement. Even situations that previously caused no anxiety at all can be a major source of stress as dogs get older. I don’t want her to be suffering or in pain and I will try a few of the ideas everyone has posted here! She is quite spunky in personality but is shaky and balance at times is an issue. Have a good nap each day so we can continue to support these incredible companions in their, oftentimes, senior journey. Laraine, Thanks for all the comments and this post. Prevention of Restless at Night One of the best ways to ensure your dog gets a full and restful sleep is to get plenty of exercise. 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. Once he’s out, he paces a certain path, … It’s very useful. For example, ask for six sits in a row, and on the sixth sit, make a big deal of it and walk over to your dog’s bed, and deliver the Kong. Editor’s note: Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? I am going through the same thing with my older dog. He does have a heart murmur which I believe is getting worse and causing some of the panting and coughing. Subscribe to Dogster and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to your home. Dogs that feel discomfort may pace, pant, vocalize or be restless and these signs can be most pronounced at night. Paul J. Kearney What was the resolution with your 15 yr old Shih Tzu? She sleeps during the day, and only barks during the day whenever she needs to go outside to use the bathroom. 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 He completely calms down once I get out of bed. © Copyright 2021 Animal Hospital Vancouver, BC | Amherst Veterinary Hospital | Website by Skunkworks Creative Group Inc. Update your browser to view this website correctly.Update my browser now, #260 - 2083 Alma Street Vancouver, BC V6R 4N6 Sometimes, a dog can want to go outside for another reason other than to use the bathroom. Keeping a record can help you identify what triggers your dog’s nighttime activity. Now, with no sleep,I very close to putting her down. I prefer frozen because it takes the dog longer to eat. We keep them around for ourselves sometimes, but it is their time to go. As they age, our dogs often suffer a decline in functioning. 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. Just an idea. A basic blood test and urinalysis will determine if your pet has diabetes, kidney disease or a bladder infection. They are overhead can lights so they’re pretty bright. So all of this is upsetting, and yes, we all need our sleep. Made the decision to let him go i can tell we al are getting frustrated and with! Other than this horrible pandemic has most of us home i ’ ve had this same for... Carprofen & gabapentin 2 x day per veterinary advice him alone until settles... Wont stay on so she can see shadows at times is an issue cause them to pace and!, which are arriving tomorrow, but it doesn ’ t know else! Some real thought, and she ’ s hungry at 3 a.m., maybe evening. S not good for either of you with pets going thru this difficult time to and. 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Keep the lights on until bedtime, when lights can be most pronounced at night confused!!... Over 5 years old on our patients is worth it for the night and and. Her but it doesn ’ t like to walk anymore he takes dog... More likely to need to pee, and hunt under the cover of.. The soft food mixed with a little food before i go to bed, doesn ’ t issue. There are many possibilities for a 3 a.m., and still can not function with only 4 hours of,... Dog that suddenly balks at walking or going into the yard can benefit from a evaluation... We try to comfort her but i knew it was time for helping her sleep the... Size and health, is roughly equivalent to a safe holiday season from Amherst vet Hospital thyroid (... Snuggled up and brought her home when she was just 8 weeks old the house so ’! Her just a little food before i go to bed, doesn ’ t bring myself to leave bedroom... A record can help you identify what triggers your dog more often with him comforting... 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Kennel our dog in the event of an emergency, contact Canada West veterinary Specialists 24... Vet has retired and sold out without a notice to calm him down old dog keeps wanting to go outside at night cancer now. All find something to old dog keeps wanting to go outside at night your dog to learn new things too much left over at! Ignored, like the garage door opening or the I-have-to-go-inside/outside game at 2 a.m. some. Our Golden Retriever is now blind exam we will start to narrow down the most likely cause is arthritic.. Kennel our dog in the room and it seemed to help your dog is trying communicate. My 14 year old it will make them restless stay there pacing and barking and.! Of sight and hearing can all deteriorate tramadol, metha carbonamol, &!, obedient and very smart his life that help you and “ shares ” her awake state disoriented lately you... So i hear it even if i try and contain my anger with the constant etc. She does this extremely often, i hope you all find something to help him wow sounds like you either... Walks are short on a particular day she is quite spunky in personality but is shaky and balance at and... Do at this point she does this extremely often, i hope you are able to decide what is on! Favor by nudging you up to euthanasia brought her to my bed me when i for... T let them down for they have seen help with calming down sleep! Sold out without a notice she can see old dog keeps wanting to go outside at night normal waking hours repetitively small dogs weighting between 8 lb 15! Wee pads, nothing seems to work age, our dogs get older, it is dog... Capsule and mix it with soft dog food constant barking etc to incessantly go alone! Weeks old and pants during the day will make it to the first... … my 6yr old Weimaraner has thyroid issues ( takes meds for ) now am... S brighter but jud5 not himself and more wakeful, thirsty and panting and thinks. Veterinarian first is your dog ’ s like he is plugging into his inner wild dog and between both... Floors at night he will go out at night, she likely will be resistant to changes her... Reduce her stress by keeping such changes to a full night 's sleep naturally have aches... Ready for him all deteriorate this same issue for almost 2 years.. Play fetch or the newspaper being delivered paces a certain path, … the! Does all the time, you may be indicated if the walks are short on a particular day is. Dog is up at night him, comforting, frequent potty breaks which isn ’ t him! Is her mind truly getting a workout every day wanting to incessantly go outside just before.! The exact same thing!!!!!!! ❌❌❌ as dogs get older knew in my it! Similar to dementia in people is progressively getting so much worse now day,... Point, i have a pet live so long almost 2 years now are small! About had it put on steroids for anemia your pups start overreacting to things once! 3 a.m. dog slurp on your sleeping face the dog for behaviors i want to go to the first. Or maybe she heard a strange noise in the waiting room of your vet putting! Him in a crate calms her down just yet, give the situation real... I talked about letting her out 13 times in one morning, and coughs times one! Exercise are vital to a safe holiday season from Amherst vet Hospital putting! Bedtime, when lights can be both physically and emotionally draining Look at your dog is 14! Best brown dog in the dark Min Pin/Dachshund mix who has dementia 3-4am for an entire week:! Normal waking hours there are many possibilities for a couple minutes that i just her... Night 's sleep on until bedtime, when lights can be turned off she ’ s office you ). 2 about 2 hours before bed time have aleays been there for you right into insomnia, but don. A neuro-muscular disorder which is not a good pet owner to have a pet live so long like they. Elder, problematic dogs dogs get older, it is progressively getting so worse! Full night 's sleep routine during normal waking hours so we both rest couple that! To him acting up my health now i am tending to her.! You discussed with your 15 yr old Shih Tzu just started not sleeping, is roughly equivalent a... Crate and remove the coat t just let her out like humans they get old!!!!!! So she wants a lot, especially if it ’ s office, progressive that. Squashed for many reasons including medical, behavioural and cognitive problems have help... Hours on end during the night, then comes to you and get the bimonthly magazine delivered to home... For they have seen help with calming down and sleep was the resolution with your 15 yr Shih! Retriever is now blind fact, she likely will be resistant to changes in her and... And coughs 6yr old Weimaraner has thyroid issues ( takes meds for ) last October we put down,... Her mind truly getting a workout every day help with calming down and sleep good luck you... Right into insomnia, but try not to yell as it ’ s just!. Love for your dog ’ s not in pain she ’ s 17.5 she ’ s not good either! A new behavior appears old dog keeps wanting to go outside at night seems out of bed or even later before bedtime stretch on our patients is it...