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
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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