Some pet owners are not prepared for the changes in nighttime behaviors as their dogs age. Julia Albright, DVM, MA, DACVB, and Kevin Pflaum, DVM, address where veterinarians can help in this article.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, July 2022. Link.
Sleep/wake cycle disturbances or nighttime anxiety in geriatric dogs can be suggestive of disease, affect pet owner quality of life, lead to rapid deterioration of the human–animal bond and sometimes euthanasia.”
INSIGHTS: The authors hint at changes in schedules suggestive of factors related to owner behavior changes. We believe owner behavior must be considered as well.