Dogs · by Rachel Tan · 2026-09-29
senior dog pacing at 3am... dementia, pain, or just old guy weirdness?
My 13-year-old beagle has started getting up around 3ish, wandering the hall, then standing in the kitchen like he forgot why he came in. Appetite good, walks slower but still wants them. Vet appointment already made. I'm trying not to internet myself into a hole tonight.
7 sparks · 6 comments
Comments
Hugo Sánchez · 8 likes
Definitely worth the vet visit. Pain, hearing changes, needing to pee more, cognitive stuff... old dogs collect possibilities.
Siti Lestari · 3 likes
The night wandering made me more emotional than the big stuff somehow.
Rachel Tan · 2 likes
Same. It's such a small thing but it feels huge when you've known their routines forever.
Salma Idrissi · 1 likes
If you can, jot down times and what happens. My vet liked having a little log.
Mara Fischer · 1 likes
Mine started sundowning around 14. The blank kitchen stare was the part that got me.
Irene López · 1 likes
Could be a bunch of things, which is annoying but true. My old dog did this when arthritis got worse at night.