Restless dog in evenings

[Penny Less]

Spaniel doesnt have an off switch generally, but does settle in her bed during the day. However every evening she wanders ceaselessly round, gets in and out of her bed, and is a bit of a pain. I know this can be a sign of dementia but she doesnt show any other signs, she is 12. And why would approaching dementia make a dog like this in the evenings only ? Shes asleep at the mo in her bed and sleeps all night without wandering. any ideas ?

 

[AmyMay]

Is she on pain medication?

 

[CorvusCorax]

I think we discussed this before, tell her to get back in her bed and/or give her something to do/entertain herself with.

 

[Penny Less]

No she isnt on any pain meds and cant find her anything to do, she doesnt do any sort of toys and is scared of things like food puzzles.
I could try to teach her to knit I suppose

 

[Esmae]

Is she anxious to get in the garden or something like that? One of mine is obsessed by getting out in the garden when it's dark. I think he's trying to find a hedgehog to play with which is not allowed but he thinks it's his absolute right to do it. I had to put him in his overnight crate for a while to break the habit.

 

[AmyMay]

What time is her last walk?

 

[blackcob]

'Sundowning' is a thing in canine as well as human dementia. You might also consider a trial of pain meds.

 

[Penny Less]

I think we discussed this before, tell her to get back in her bed and/or give her something to do/entertain herself with.

You are right I have had to go back on my history , I dont remember posting!

 

[Penny Less]

What time is her last walk?

Its usually about 2 now the dark evenings are here, but she goes out for a last wee about 7

 

[AmyMay]

Its usually about 2 now the dark evenings are here, but she goes out for a last wee about 7

What time is the ‘wandering’?

 

[Penny Less]

from about 5 onwards

 

[AmyMay]

from about 5 onwards

Can you do a half hour walk at 5.30?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Its usually about 2 now the dark evenings are here, but she goes out for a last wee about 7

Good heavens! Does she not need a wee after that? How many hours does she last until her first morning wee?

 

[Sandstone1]

Mine would never last from 7pm for a last wee! She must need to go out after that. I would let her out about 10pm or later.

 

[Clodagh]

Mine have their last wee at about 7. They get an option to go out again at bedtime but all just glare at me, except Brandy and the dogs going out to kennels.
Brandy paces on the evenings. She worries about her bedtime biscuit but only from about 8. I’d try pain relief as well, just to rule it out.

 

[CorvusCorax]

I start my last walks/toilet breaks at 10.30 to 11pm.