How to Get a Geriatric Dog to Settle Down at Night

It's difficult to look into the trusting brown eyes of an old friend and see confusion and terror where love and affection once showed so clearly. We cannot begin to truly understand what they are going through but we have an idea. As a dog ages, his body begins to break down in much the same way as a human̵7;s body does. In people, this aging process can sometimes lead to dementia or senility. When it happens in dogs, it is called Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, and it can lead to a host of problems, including the inability for your dog to get comfortable and settle in at night.

  1. Visit the Vet

    • Have patience and be gentle with your elderly dog.

      Take your dog to the veterinarian to rule out any pathological processes, that is, diseases or illnesses that can be causing symptoms like those caused by dementia. There may be a simple explanation -- and a simple fix -- for the problems you are experiencing. Seizure disorders, for example, as well as vestibulitis, can cause disorientation and confusion. These maladies can be treated with medication. Once your vet has ruled out any diseases that will go away with treatment, you are left with a dog that is probably suffering from old age.

    Understanding your Dog's Condition

    • Most likely, your dog is symptomatic all day. You only notice it more at night because the house is quiet.

      Understand the reasons behind your dog̵7;s behavior. There is a protein called beta amyloid that is associated with nerve damage. As the brain ages, this protein builds up and accumulates. It forms plaque on the arteries. This hardening of the arteries is responsible for symptoms of dementia and senility. In short, it causes disorientation and confusion. Dogs have been known to get lost in their own backyards, according to Foster & Smith's Pet Education website. They may not recognize their own family members, and some will stare into space as if lost in their own world. This must be very scary for your dog.

    Try a Little Tenderness

    • Getting your dog to settle in at night can be challenging.

      Ask your vet about medications specifically formulated for cognitive dysfunction. There are a number of prescription-only medications such as Anipryl or Valium which help with some of the symptoms of senility. Additionally, there are diets formulated for senior dogs to help keep their bodies healthy. These diets are especially formulated to be non-stressful to the dog's system. They support healthy weight, kidney and cardiac function and liver disease.

    Tactical Manuevers

    • Try performing your bedtime routine a little earlier than you intend to actually go to sleep. Turn the lights out (read with an e-reader if you like to read in bed) and show your dog that it is time to settle in for the night. If he is wandering the house, gently bring him back, telling him that everything is fine in a low, soothing voice. Make sure he has had all his toilet needs met -- you may want to take up the water earlier in the evening to ensure he does not need to empty his bladder later at night. Put an unwashed article of your clothing in his bed with him. Move his bed closer to yours so you can put your hand on his body as you fall asleep, reassuring him that you are there. Keep in mind that this is no picnic for him either, so exercise patience with your old friend.