Sundowning in dogs presents itself much like similar symptoms from Alzheimer’s disease in humans with physiologic changes to their brains and central nervous systems as they age. This may account for behavioral changes and symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. Loss of vision and/or hearing can also cause similar symptoms, says Adrienne Pincetl, DVM.
Canine cognitive dysfunction is under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed in a lot of dogs. While we’ve made great strides in understanding how Alzheimer’s affects humans, we’re just now starting to understand how dogs are impacted by similar issues as they age.” Scott R. Sheaffer
Source: Dogster, June 6, 2019. Link.
When it comes to sundowning in dogs, experts agree the best thing to do for your dog in his later years is to continue to provide him with a healthy diet and ample exercise, a predictable routine and mental stimulation, and medication when appropriate to keep him as comfortable as possible, particularly in the evening hours.
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