Understanding & Managing Old Dog Pacing

Is your old dog pacing, and you don’t know how to entertain them to stop their constant pacing?

Why is your old dog restless? Your old dog pacing in circles is worrisome. The good news is that we have answers about why your old dog is constantly pacing and the best next steps senior dog parents like you can take to support your dog’s health and well-being.

Our experts provide the information needed by pet owners like you who may be attempting to manage an old dog pacing and whining. We answer the question, Why is my senior dog pacing at night? by sharing the potential causes of old dog pacing, offering guidance on how to help your pets, and advising when professional veterinary intervention may be necessary for an elderly dog panting and restless.

We discuss pacing and how a senior dog pacing in circles differs from regular dog activity. We then discuss the medical and behavioral causes of an elderly dog pacing and panting and provide advice for helping a pacing dog feel more comfortable and secure.

Recognizing Pacing in Older Dogs

You might find yourself furiously searching in your web browser the following:  

• Help! My old dog won’t lay down and get comfortable!
• My senior dog is pacing and won't lie down. What do I do?
• My old dog is restless and won't lay down. Do I need to take my dog to the vet?
• How do I help an old dog lay down? 

Regardless of whether you know the spelling difference between lay and lie, don’t fret. We can help. Though some adult dogs may be naturally more active at night than others, domesticated dogs generally aren’t nocturnal. That’s why they’ll typically take up all the space in your bed if you let them.

As dogs grow into seniors (as young as age seven), their behavior changes. You may start noticing that your old dog has trouble lying down. They may begin restlessly pacing, most likely at night.

Is your old dog barking and pacing at night? Taking good care of your senior dog means watching for behavioral changes like your elderly dog pacing at night. There are a few varying reasons why older dogs may start pacing a lot. Read on to learn what some of them are.

Old Dog Pacing at Night

Suppose you have an elderly dog, restless at night. In that case, usually, it’s an age-related behavioral change which may link to other greater cognitive or physical problems. Something worth noting is that this is particularly true if this is a change from your dog’s normal behavior. You’ll need to consult your veterinarian to determine the cause of your senior dog pacing at night; the older your senior dog becomes, the more likely there’s a cause for concern.

Common Causes of Senior Dog Pacing

Suppose you’re dealing with an old dog up all night pacing. They might suffer from various physical or cognitive problems linked to their recent pacing back and forth. Whether you are dealing with a senior dog restless and panting or an elderly dog pacing in circles, here are some of the most common senior health causes to answer the question of, Why is my old dog pacing at night?

• Neurological conditions
• Age-related cognitive decline
• Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (colloquially referred to as dog Alzheimer’s or “dog dementia”)
• Stroke
• Brain tumor
• Vestibular syndrome
• Blindness
• Stress or anxiety
• Itchy skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis
• Other pain from a wound, injury or illness 

How to Help Your Pacing Dog

Before you can bring your dog to the veterinarian to address your old dog panting and pacing at night, the best way to help is to give them a calm and safe environment. Ensure your dog has a well-sized and comfortable designated canine sleeping spot, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.

It’s also a good idea to clear any obstacles if your old dog won't stop pacing, and put a barrier against any places they may trip and fall, like staircases and steps.

Do not attempt to stop your dog from pacing through confinement or restraint. Doing so will not tackle the underlying cause and will typically only cause your elderly pup to panic.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

As soon as you notice your old dog pacing, take them to the veterinarian for an assessment. A veterinarian can find the cause and either cure or manage the symptoms, ensuring your dog has the best quality of life possible.

For more expert tips on the behavior of your senior dog, explore our other senior dog behavior articles.