Why Do Senior Dogs Often Get Anxious During the Night?

Gaining a better understanding of why your senior dog is restless at night is crucial for effectively addressing the challenges that keep it awake in the dead of night. Doing so can improve both your dog’s sleep and your own, ensuring a more comfortable and uninterrupted rest. This is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for both you and your furry companion.

If you suspect a physical health issue, take your canine to the vet for advice and assistance. Once the veterinarian has conducted the necessary tests to determine the root cause of anxiousness during nighttime, it is time to explore available treatment options.

Treatments and medications can be expensive depending on the medical condition and severity. This is one reason you should consider being equipped with dog insurance NZ. The best pup insurance covers much of a furry baby’s medical care during non-routine vet visits and medical emergencies, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy.

Common reasons for restlessness in senior dogs at night

Work with your vet to gain a comprehensive understanding of your dog’s condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan to help alleviate its night time disturbances.

1.Arthritis

This is one of the most prevalent physical ailments affecting senior dogs. Canine fur babies are adept at concealing their pain, so one should not assume that they are not experiencing discomfort just by the looks of it.

Conditions like arthritis typically develop gradually and often go unnoticed by pet owners until it reaches a disrupting stage when it harms a fur kid’s routine and quality of life. It’s essential to be vigilant for signs of arthritis in your aging dog.

Difficulty in moving, stiffness, limping, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, and changes in behavior or activity levels shouldn’t be ignored. Even if these signs are subtle, they can indicate underlying joint pain that needs to be addressed.

2.Cognitive decline

Similar to humans experiencing dementia and cognitive decline, senior dogs can also face mental challenges as they age. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is a condition that can affect dogs, leading to sleep and wake cycle disruption.

This means their brain no longer follows the previous routine of settling at night. As a result, they may struggle to find restful sleep and experience increased anxiety and restlessness.

CCD can also cause memory issues and disorientation in senior dogs. They may appear unbalanced in familiar surroundings or exhibit signs of forgetfulness, like getting lost in their own home or forgetting commands they once knew well.

These significant cognitive changes can contribute to nighttime restlessness and further disrupt their sleep patterns.

Various medical explanations exist for why senior dogs struggle to settle and experience restlessness during the night. Working closely with your veterinarian will ensure a tailored approach to improve your aging pup’s sleep and overall well-being.

At the same time, consider being prepared with dog insurance in NZ so you are more prepared to handle accidental injuries and health emergencies. The best pup insurance allows you to provide your older dog the medical care it deserves during its final years of life, with minor economic burden.