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Is my dog's night confusion sundowners? What helps dog dementia?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 13 years and 2 months old | 45 lbs

Can dogs get sundowners syndrome as a form of dementia, and if so, what can be done about it? My dog gets agitated and confused at night, paces, scratches the carpet, manically changes between playing and relaxing, and generally seems unsure of herself.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 29th, 2019

Hello. Actually, we do see a type of sundowners in elderly dogs. We call the canine cognitive dysfunction. Some dogs do quite well on a medication called selegemine, others do well on Trazodone, while others need Xanax & melatonin. You will need to visit with your veterinarian who can recommend the best options for Cinnamon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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