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Is Your Dog Twitching in Sleep? Vet Shares What's Normal and What's Not
Ah, the joys of being a new puppy parent! Everything is adorable, exciting, yet sometimes things may be just a tad bit terrifying! Sort of like when being parents for the very first time.
It's therefore not unheard of for new puppy owners to become alarmed over their fluffy pups twitching in their sleep.
The spastic, almost, out-of-control twitching may have some alarmed first-time puppy owners speed-dial their veterinarian faster than a Labrador can scarf down a slice of pizza.
It's the classic case of "Why in the world is my dog auditioning for a Broadway show in their sleep?"
In this article, we asked veterinarian Dr. Ivana what causes dogs to twitch, what's normal and what's not and whether you should wake up a dog who is twitching a lot during sleep.
Her insights were quite fascinating!
Is It Normal For Dogs to Twitch in Their Sleep?
The behavior of dogs twitching during sleep is considered a curious night-time behavior that can be baffling for concerned pup owners, especially when they experience it for the very first time.
Knowing the different sleep stages in dogs is vital for understanding why dogs twitch while sleeping. Here's a little rundown on the stages of a dog sleep.
The Four Stages of Dog Sleep
The main stages of sleep in dogs are short-wave sleep (SWS), rapid eye movement (REM), and non- rapid eye movement (NREM).
The Short Wave Sleep Stage(SWS)
SWS is the earliest phase in which the dog is falling asleep. In this stage, the brain waves are slow and undulating, hence quieting mental processes. However, the muscles are still active, not fully relaxed, and the dog wakes up easily.
The Rapid Eye Movement Stage (REM)
REM is a deeper stage in which the brain waves are fast and irregular. The dog is relaxed, and its muscles are turned off. However, the increased brain activity causes the dog’s eyes to dart behind the eyelids and it enables vivid dreams.
The Non-Rapid Eye Movement Stage (NREM)
This is the deepest and most restful sleep stage of all. During this stage the brain waves are large and slow, the dog’s muscles are fully relaxed, and its breathing and heart rates slow down. Dogs spend a lot of time in NREM. Dogs spend a lot of time in NREM.
Is Dreaming a "Thing" for Dogs?
Yes, dreaming is a thing for dogs. Interestingly, puppies dream more than adult dogs. According to the psychology professor Stanley Coren, dogs’ dreams are breed-specific.
For example, German Pointers dream about pointing birds in the field, Dobermans dream about chasing burglars, and Labrador Retrievers dream about fetching sticks from ponds.
Small breed dogs have frequent but short dreams, while large dogs have fewer, longer dreams. VCA Hospitals reports that tiny dogs dream every 10 minutes, while big dogs dream every 60 to 90 minutes.
The exact reason dreaming frequency is associated with the dog’s size is unknown. Scientists believe it is because small breeds experience more brain activity outbursts during sleep.
Yes, dogs dream just like humans do!
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Why Is My Dog Twitching in Its Sleep?
Dreaming is the most common reason your dog is twitching in its sleep. Other possible reasons are startling, muscle spasms, pain, medical conditions, and medication side effects.
Dreaming
The top reason dogs twitch during their sleep, is because they're dreaming. As mentioned, dreaming occurs when dogs are in their REM stage of sleep.
Dogs, like all mammals, have a brain stem area that is called the pons. This area is responsible for regulating autonomic functions, including the sleep-wake cycle and muscle control. During sleep, the pons temporarily turns off large muscles to prevent dogs from acting out their dreams.
When dogs dream, brain impulses instructing movement override the pons’ muscle blockage, resulting in twitching episodes.
Startling
Startling is another common cause of dogs twitching while sleeping. Dogs are usually startled by outside stimulations, such as fireworks, sirens, thunders, or strange voices.
Outside stimulations cause twitching by partially waking the dog and causing an imbalance between the brain’s movement impulses and the pons’ muscle paralysis.
Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms are a possible cause of sleep twitching in dogs. Muscle spasms associated with growth and development are commonly seen in young puppies.
Spasms of the muscles are sometimes triggered by physical injuries and diseases. Talk to a vet if the spasms are ongoing.
Remember that spasms differ from twitching in timing - they can occur at all times, regardless of whether the dog is sleeping or awake.
Pain
In some dogs, sleep twitching is caused by pain. Joint inflammation or arthritis is a top cause of pain in dogs.
Arthritic dogs have mobility issues and do not exercise enough, which has an additional effect on poor sleep quality.
According to Canine Arthritis Management, the condition “affects 80 percent of dogs over the age of 8 years old, and potentially up to 35 percent of dogs of all ages.”
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions affecting the dog’s muscles or nervous system can sometimes result in twitching during sleep.
For example, myokymia causes uncontrollable muscle twitches. The twitches are characteristic and occur in waves.
Studies suggest that facial myokymia is commonly seen in dogs with underlying brain problems. The faces of dogs with facial myokymia twitch when they are both awake and asleep.
Medication Side Effects
Sometimes, twitching or tremors (while awake or asleep) develop as a side effect of certain drugs or medications.
Medications that are know to play a role in triggering twitching or tremors in dogs include antibiotics, some natural and traditional anti-anxiety medications, insulin, and flea and tick preventatives.
Are all Dogs Prone to Twitching in Their Sleep?
Yes, all dogs are prone to twitching in their sleep. However, puppies and seniors, compared to adult dogs, are susceptible to more intense movements during REM sleep.
The reason is simple - the pons part of the brain is not completely developed in puppies, while in senior dogs it does not work as effectively as it once did.
The dog’s sleeping position affects twitching, too. Dogs that sleep curled up keep their muscles tense and are less likely to twitch compared to super relaxed dogs that sleep in a stretched-out position.
Did you know? All the muscle twitching seen in young puppies ultimately exercises their muscles and helps increase their muscle tone so that those puppy's legs gain sufficient strength to allow them to stand, explain veterinarians Liz Palika and Debra Eldredge in the book:" Your Yorkshire Terrier Puppy Month-by-Month."
Is Twitching During Sleep in Dogs Normal?
Yes, twitching during sleep in dogs is normal. The movements are part of the dog’s sleeping cycle and are not concerning unless they are violent or excessively long.
You can always videotape your dog’s sleep-twitching behavior if you are unsure what it means. The vet can help you determine if it is normal twitching or something else!
How Does Normal Sleep Twitching in Dogs Look Like?
Leg movements are the classical representation of twitching in dogs. However, twitching can be unique in different dogs and includes:
Leg Movements
Kicking with the back legs, reaching with the front legs, or paddling with all four limbs is typical for dogs twitching while sleeping.
Facial Changes
The dog’s face is relaxed, but facial expression changes are possible. The dog’s eyes can be seen moving behind its closed eyelids.
Tail Wagging
Some dogs wag their tails while sleep twitching. Tail wagging is almost always associated with dreaming.
Vocalization
Some dogs vocalize when sleep twitching. Common vocalizations include low growling, soft barking, and high-pitched whimpering. Some dogs may even howl during their sleep.
Most dogs look adorable during sleep and their twitches make them look sometimes silly!
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When Should I Be Worried if My Dog Twitches While Sleeping?
Normal twitching as described above is nothing to worry about! You should be worried instead if your dog's twitching while sleeping becomes too long, excessively violent, or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Very Long Twitching
Twitching in dogs should last around 30 seconds or no more than one minute. Normal twitching occurs in intervals and is intermittent.
Violent Twitching
Violent twitching refers to forceful movements that affect the dog’s entire body, whereas regular twitching is localized to the legs, head, and tail.
Twitching Along with Other Symptoms
If the dog's twitching is accompanied by foaming at the mouth, drooling, fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy, consider that these are some potentially worrisome signs that require vet attention.
Should I Wake My Dog Up If He's Twitching?
No, you should not wake your dog if sleep twitching. Waking a dog up is inadvisable unless the dog is in clear distress, and leaving it twitching puts it at risk of physical injury.
Be careful if waking the dog up. Twitching can be caused by nightmares in which case the dog will wake up scared, increasing the risk of scratching or even biting out of fear!
Differences Between Sleep Twitching and Seizures?
Differentiate between sleep twitching and seizures by knowing several hallmark differences, such as:
Intensity and Duration
Twitches are gentle, sporadic, and last less than a minute (usually around 30 seconds). Seizures are more violent and can last up to several minutes.
Stiffness
A main difference between a dog's normal twitching behavior during sleep and a seizure is the level of muscle tone. A dog twitching during sleep has a normal muscle tone and an overall relaxed facial expression; whereas a seizing dog will manifest stiff muscles and a rigid face.
Type of Breathing
The dog’s breathing pattern remains normal during twitching while it becomes rapid during seizures.
Involuntary Actions
Involuntary urination and defecation are typical for seizing dogs, while loss of bladder and bowel control is not associated with twitching.
Altered Behavior
Dogs are normal after twitching, but show altered behavior following seizure episodes, such as confusion, disorientation, or even temporary blindness.
What Can I Do To Improve My Dog’s Sleep?
Follow the instructions below to improve your dog’s sleep.
- Get a Comfortable Dog Bed. Yes, a comfy bed is important for dogs too! Look for a bed that is suitable for your dog’s age, size, and favorite sleeping position.
- Provide a Calm Sleeping Area. Place the bed in a calm and dark area where there is not much traffic or disturbance sources.
- Create a Bedtime Routine. Set up a bedtime routine in accordance with the dog’s meal schedule. Do not let the dog go to sleep hungry or too full on food.
- Exercise the Dog Regularly. Exercise includes physical activity and mental stimulation, which are important for challenging the dog and ensuring quality sleep at night.
- Try Pet CBD Products. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural hemp extract with great calming properties that indirectly improve sleep. CBD oil and treats are popular product options.
Quality sleep is important since it allows the dog to rest, grow, and process daily experiences. Improving its sleep has a positive effect on energy, behavior, and the dog-owner bond.
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
