Checking with the COTH hivemind to see who has dealt with this before and how they successfully (or not so successfully) handled this.
Backstory: 12 year old Greyhound, have had him for 10 years. No changes in family or home. Very stable, quiet environment. No other pets or children. He’s always been a sensitive, nervous soul, but happy in the home and with his routine.
In the last six months or so, have noticed him developing Sundowners type symptoms. Anxiety that comes on only at night, restlessness, whining. Repeatedly jumping down from the bed, pacing, looking out the window, sometimes trembling.
I read up on the topic online. I started giving him melatonin, which worked like a charm. Problem solved for 5 months or so. Recently, the behaviors started again. I theorized that the melatonin is losing its efficacy - it did the same for me when I took it. I tried getting nightlights. I tried using trazadone, which we only use for long car rides when we go on vacation. Trazadone actually seemed to make it worse. I ordered him a thundershirt, and I have an appointment scheduled with the vet in 2 weeks. We (husband and I ) try to make sure that he gets adequate exercise every day, which seems to help a little.
Anyone else been through this and have any suggestions? At this point, it’s negatively impacting our sleep, as he wakes us up multiple times whining and pacing. As his go-to person, he seeks comfort from me, which means lost sleep holding him and rubbing him.
His daytime health is excellent for an older dog. No mobility issues or pain. He’s slowing down a little, and I notice a loss of overall muscle tone, but nothing overly concerning. He did go on denamarin last year for some decreased liver function.
