Pets A to Z

Reasons Why Sleeping Dogs Twitch

Dogs have made a significant difference to the quality of human life thus it would only be fitting to give these animals love and attention. Humans have grown to love dogs because these animals that are considered as members of the family have become invaluable helpers and companions. The affection dogs bestow on the human family is fully reciprocated as it is not uncommon for pet owners to consider the dog as the baby of the family.

Dog owners have the tendency to hug and to kiss the pet thus they always want the dog to be around. Being considered as family members, the well being of the pet is of prime importance thus a dog owner would worry if something unusual is noticed about the pet. Pet parents would worry about the well being of the pet so that a pet noticed to be under the weather will be rushed to the vet.

Being considered as the baby of the family, it would not be surprising to see the family constantly observing the pet so that any unusual movement will be noticed. A lot of dog owners may not know about twitching but because canine seizure is more common, the involuntary movement of the sleeping pet can be mistaken by the pet owner as a seizing episode. Dogs in deep sleep would twitch but because canine seizures are the concern of most pet owners, the twitching may be mistaken as seizure.

Seizing and twitching are involuntary movements that can be noticed in sleeping dogs. The difference though is that a seizing dog would have stiff movements. It will also be noticed that the seizing dog will be difficult to awaken as they will not be responsive to the voice of the owner. A twitching sleeping dog would respond to the voice of the master thus it can be roused easily. A pet owner may tap the dog or call the dog’s name. A seizing dog, especially one that is suffering from cluster seizing episodes would need medical attention.

Just like their human friends, dogs too would dream when they are sleeping deeply. A dreaming dog may pedal the legs as if running, snap the mouth at imaginary butterflies or twitch. A dog dreaming of falling would twitch to stop the fall. Twitching is basically a normal behavior but there are instances when the twitching dog has a medical concern. Constant twitching can be a sign of canine distemper. An advance stage of canine distemper will have serious effects on the dog’s neurological system so that the pet will twitch continuously.

At Sarah’s Dogs you can find out more about why dogs twitch in their sleep as well as first aid for dogs.

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