Dogs twitch in their sleep for many reasons. Although twitching can seem alarming, it does not necessarily mean your dog is sick or uncomfortable. As dog owners, we often wonder what causes twitching in dogs and what it means for our pups’ health.
Do you have a dog that always twitches in his sleep? If so, you’re probably curious about what’s going on. Is he dreaming? Is he uncomfortable? What’s causing those spasms? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why dogs twitch in their sleep and what it means for your pup. Stay tuned!
Why Do Dogs Twitch in Their Sleep?
Dogs twitch in their sleep for various reasons. One reason may be due to a dream. Dreams in dogs are actually quite similar to dreams in humans. Canine dreams often include sights, smells, and emotions that bring up past experiences or re-enact recent events. During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when most dreaming occurs, dogs’ brains activity is similar to ours. Their eyelids may move, their heads may jerk, and their limbs may twitch as they “chase” cats or other animals in their dreams.
Other experts believe that twitching may be a way for dogs to release pent-up energy. Dogs are constantly storing energy throughout the day, and although they may look relaxed when they’re sleeping, their body may still be buzzing with energy. Twitching could help release some of this excess energy and help them relax even further. It’s also possible that twitching is simply a sign of relaxation.
Should You Wake Your Dog Up If They Twitch in Their Sleep?
There is no simple answer to this question. Dogs can have seizures, and so if your dog is twitching in their sleep, it’s important to take them to the vet to rule out a seizure disorder. However, not all twitching is indicative of a seizure. Dogs will sometimes twitch in their sleep due to dreams or muscle spasms, so in most cases, it’s not necessary to wake them up.
If you are concerned about your dog’s health or if the twitching is accompanied by other symptoms such as paddling movements of the legs, drooling, loss of consciousness, or urination/defecation accidents, then it’s best to err on the side of caution and wake your dog up. Otherwise, let the poor baby sleep.
When Should You Be Concerned About a Dog Twitching in Their Sleep?
There are a few instances when you should be concerned about your dog twitching in their sleep. If your dog is having seizures, this is definitely a concern and you should seek veterinary care immediately. If your dog is not displaying any other abnormal behavior and is otherwise healthy, then twitching during sleep may just be caused by muscle spasms and is nothing to worry about. However, if you notice that your dog’s twitching is accompanied by whining or crying, this could be a sign of pain or discomfort and you should take them to the vet to get checked out.
Why Do Dogs Twitch in Their Sleep? Result
Your dog’s twitching may just be quite innocent and caused by muscle spasms, but if you notice that your dog is crying or whining as they twitch, this could be a sign of pain or discomfort. If this is the case, take them to the vet to get them checked out. You may be able to treat their discomfort at home with some rest or gentle petting and massaging.
F.A.Q
Is it OK if my dog twitches in its sleep?
Dogs twitch in their sleep for a few different reasons. Typically, it’s because your dog has a happy dream maybe of chasing a cat or eating his favorite treat. Other times, your pup might be running through an anxiety dream. Look at his tail and his ears and his facial expression when he twitches. If his tail is wagging, then he’s probably dreaming of playing with you or with another dog and that’s awesome. But if he’s snarling or baring his teeth, then he’s probably having a night terror he might even growl or bark while doing it and those are bad dreams that require professional help. Because if your dog is having bad dreams, that’s stressful for him, which can be harmful to his mental health over time.
Should I wake my dog up from a dream?
Maybe if you have a solid reason and approach the situation carefully. But remember, waking your dog from a dream might alter its sleep cycle and cause other issues than just the dream itself. So while it’s true that dogs don’t need as much sleep as we do, it’s probably not healthy to wake them.
