11/05/2025
Why does your senior dog seem to sleep so… loudly?
You might notice twitching, paddling, vocalizing, or even pacing at night. It’s easy to chalk it up to “just getting older,” but there’s more going on beneath the surface.
As dogs age, changes in a part of the brain called 🧠🐶 the PONS 🧠🐶 (a small but important region in the brainstem) can affect how they move, sleep, and respond to the world around them. The pons helps regulate REM sleep and motor control, which means your dog’s sleep might look more active, restless, or even noisy as they get older.
Signs to watch for:
➡️ An increase in twitching or paddling during sleep
➡️ Changes in blinking or balance
How can you support your senior pet when you see the signs?
➡️ Stick to a consistent bedtime routine
➡️ Create a quiet, cozy sleep space
➡️ Offer gentle movement and brain-healthy nutrition
If sleep changes come with mobility or behaviour shifts, call your veterinarian and take a short video of their sleep behavior. This can be incredibly helpful for your veterinary team to assess the signs more accurately.