We all know that feeling when we’re just about to drift off to sleep and our leg suddenly jolts awake. But do our pets have the same experience?
Those little twitches when your dog is sleeping are CUTE but should you be worried?
The question is, why does your dog twitch when sleeping?
Dogs twitch and move around when they’re sleeping for a variety of reasons. It could be due to dreaming, a full stomach, or even an itch.
But in some cases, twitching could be a sign that something is wrong.
If your dog’s twitching is more noticeable and more frequent than usual, or they seem to be in pain when they move, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet for a checkup.
Join us to learn more about why dogs twitch when they sleep, and when it may be time to see a vet.
Why Do Animals Twitch in Their Sleep?
One likely reason that your dog twitches while sleeping is because they’re dreaming.
Like humans, dogs experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and dream during this period of rest.
Another possible reason for twitching could be an itch or pain in their muscles.
Dogs will sometimes twitch their muscles to relieve an itch or scratch an area that is bothering them.
If your dog is twitching more than usual or seems to be in pain when they move, take them to the vet for a checkup.
Dogs can suffer from a range of health problems that make them twitch, including arthritis and other joint issues, nerve damage, kidney disease, and epilepsy.
Dogs Dream Just Like Humans
Dogs also experience a few phases of sleep. Let’s take a look at them:
- NREMSM– non-rapid eye movement
- REM– rapid eye movement
- SWS – short-wave sleep
(Non-REM sleep):
This is the first stage of sleep where your dog’s brain waves begin to slow down. They may make little movements and sounds during this time as their muscles relax.
REMS (REM sleep):
The second stage of sleep is when your dog’s brain activity increases and they enter a state of deep sleep.
This is when dreams occur. You may notice your dog’s eyes moving quickly back and forth during this phase; this is because they are dreaming (adorable, right?).
SWS (short-wave sleep):
The third stage of sleep is a period of deep sleep where your dog’s brain waves are even slower than in the first two stages.
Your dog may be less responsive to outside stimuli and may snore during this time.
When Is Sleep Twitching a Cause for Concern?
If your dog is twitching more than usual or seems to be in pain when they move, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Common health problems that can cause dogs to twitch include:
- Arthritis
- Nerve Damage
- Kidney Disease
- Epilepsy
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sleep twitching, take them to the veterinarian for a checkup.
They can assess your dog’s health and recommend treatment if necessary.
Overall, it is unlikely that normal sleep twitches pose any serious threats to your pet.
However, if they become frequent or severe, it may be a sign of an underlying health problem.
Twitching vs Seizure –
If your dog is frequently twitching or seems to be experiencing other symptoms along with their sleep twitches, it may be a sign of epilepsy.
Epileptic seizures often involve convulsions and loss of consciousness, so you should contact your veterinarian if you suspect that this may be the case for your pet.
What To Do if Your Dog is Having a Seizure in Their Sleep?
Clear the area around the dog, ensuring that he or she is not in a position where they can injure themselves while having the seizure.
If you must relocate the dog, move her by her back legs; this is by far the most gentle way to move her. You should only do this as a last resort, moving the dog is never the first option.
Remain calm, so your dog doesn’t feel you panicking as well and exacerbate the situation.
Call a vet (or out of hours vet) to help with the seizure if it’s still in progress after 15 minutes or if your dog is having trouble breathing.
Your regular vet will want to know about the episode when you take your pet in for a follow-up visit, so keep a detailed account of what you saw and how your pooch behaved.
Take caution when administering medication during pet seizures until advised by your regular vet or a veterinary specialist.
Read Here: Why Do Dogs Have Hiccups When Sleeping?
Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Wake Your Dog Up During a Dream or a Nightmare?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors including your dog’s personality and sleep patterns.
If you’re concerned about your pet during their dream or nightmare, it may be best to gently wake them up or take them outside for a walk.
Are Sleep Twitches Normal in Older Dogs?
Yes, it is normal for senior dogs to experience sleep twitches as they get older.
Old age can cause a number of changes in your dog’s body, including pain and stiffness in their joints and muscles.
However, if you notice that your dog is experiencing more frequent or severe sleep twitches than usual or full body tremors, be sure to talk to your veterinarian as senior dogs tend to struggle more with twitching.
Are There Any Medications or Supplements I Can Give My Dog to Prevent Sleep Twitches?
There are no medications or supplements that can prevent sleep twitches in dogs, as the underlying cause of these involuntary muscle movements is often out of our control.
However, there are a number of treatments that your veterinarian can recommend to help reduce pain and other common symptoms associated with sleep twitches.
How Often Do Dogs Dream?
According to research, dogs experience dreaming during rest similar to humans. Healthy adult dogs are likely to experience REM (rapid eye movement) sleep several times a day.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sleeping habits or have questions about why they may be twitching in their sleep, speak to your veterinarian for additional guidance and advice.
Why Does My Dogs Face Twitch When Sleeping?
There are a number of reasons why your dog’s face may twitch when they’re sleeping. It could be due to dreaming, an itch, or even pain in their muscles.
Read Here: Why Does Dogs Sound Congested When Sleeping?
Conclusion
Twitching whilst your dog is sleeping is normal behaviour and is not usually a cause for concern.
However, if your dog is twitching more than usual or seems to be in pain when they move, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.
Dogs can suffer from a range of health problems that make them twitch, including arthritis and other joint issues, nerve damage, kidney disease, and epilepsy.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s sleep twitching, be sure to speak to your veterinarian for further guidance.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.