Should I be concerned if my dog twitches while sleeping?
Is your dog snoring and twitching? Most likely, they're just having some unusual dreams. There are, however, a few additional possibilities for a twitching dog. Twitching is usually just typical dog behavior, but it can also be caused by stress, old age, or an underlying health condition.
Here's everything you need to know about your dog's twitching, including when you should take him to the vet.
What's the Deal With My Dog's Twitching?
Twitching in dogs is an involuntary muscular spasm that can occur in practically any portion of the pup's body. Twitching frequently occurs in your dog's back legs while he or she is sleeping.
The following are some of the most common causes of dog twitching:
Dreaming that is active
development of growth
Anxiety disorders are a type of anxiety condition.
Fireworks, thunderstorms, or interactions with strangers provide external stimulation.
Epilepsy and diabetes are two examples of medical diseases.
Muscle tenseness
Arthritis
If your dog has been exposed to specific poisons, such as chocolate or laundry detergent, the poisoning from those toxins may cause your dog to twitch as well, according to Labrador Training HQ. A twitching dog could also be due to old age. According to PetHelpful, puppies, especially newborns, twitch frequently as part of their "healthy growth." Puppies are exceptionally active dreamers because their muscles and brains are being strengthened.
Do Dogs Dream of Twitching?
When a dog twitches when sleeping, it's a positive sign that they're fast asleep. Short-wave sleep and rapid eye movement are common in dogs, just as they are in people. When your dog is dreaming, he or she may appear to be kicking the air.
Dogs sleep about 12 to 14 hours per day on average. A dog's tail or complete body twitch during the sleep stages is typical and normal, and they may even bark. Consider it like your dog speaking with you while you're sleeping.
According to Tufts University, dogs twitch during nightmares or night terrors. They recommend not awakening your dog until it's evident that they're in distress, which might be tough to observe. If you need to wake them up, speak their name softly until they respond. If you touch a dog who is experiencing night terrors, you risk being bitten.
Do Dogs Watch Streams When They're Awake?
Rapid muscle spasms can happen to a dog both at night and during the day. A twitch every now and then in a healthy dog is nothing to be concerned about, especially if it's a senior dog. Thunder or strangers in the house can trigger a dog to twitch while they're awake due to environmental or situational stimuli. If the twitching stops when the stimulus is removed, your dog was most likely reacting to the current condition.
Some dogs, like their human counterparts, twitch as a nervous habit or when they're feeling separation anxiety. Your dog may twitch or tremble if they are anxious in general. You can learn how to better manage these illnesses and make your dog more comfortable by discussing it with your veterinarian.
When Is It Time to Call the Vet?
Your dog may be having a seizure if they have full-body tremors that persist longer than a short spasm or make their body rigid. In these situations, you should contact an emergency veterinarian right away. Other seizure symptoms include:
Vomiting
The mouth is foaming.
Having a bowel movement is a common occurrence.
Urinating
Your dog may appear agitated or restless before suffering a seizure. Your dog may keep their eyes wide open during a seizure, whether asleep or awake, and exhibit a "deer in headlights" appearance, according to Pads & Paws, and they may often act confused or dazed afterward. It's also crucial to remember that seizures don't always present themselves in the same way. Because seizures can appear as localized tics or tremors, checking for other signs of seizure activity, such as the behavioral changes outlined above, might help you determine if your dog has had a seizure or just a normal muscle twitch. If you suspect seizure activity, you should contact your veterinarian right once for advice.
According to vet, Justine A. Lee of Pet Health Network, significant and prolonged twitching can be a sign of diabetes, hypothermia, renal and liver problems, or poison ingestion, all of which would necessitate veterinary treatment. Rodent poisons, pharmaceuticals, and human foods that aren't appropriate for pets are all common toxins that your dog may consume. If you think you've been poisoned, contact an emergency veterinarian right once.
Your furry pal is most likely twitching in their sleep because they're having a wonderful dream. However, if you're ever in question, it's always a good idea to contact your veterinarian.
Comments