Why Does My Dog Twitch In His Sleep

As it turns out almost every animal scientists have studied experiences this phenomenon which is known as myoclonic twitches.

Why does my dog twitch in his sleep. It would be normal for you. During rem cycle your dog s deepest sleep is achieved. Veterinary behaviorists and neurologists believe these dogs suffer from a true sleep disturbance that occurs during rem sleep. Most people think their dog is just having a dream but in fact the dog may be having a seizure.

Know the difference between benign dreamland twitching and a seizure. Twitches and tremors can originate from muscle or nerves and can happen at any time. Dips in temperature can cause cold dogs to twitch while sleeping in the body s attempt to stay warm. If you suspect that this is the case turn up the heat or provide your dog with a blanket.

Some dogs however have true sleep disturbances and exhibit extreme behaviors during deep sleep such as growling screaming as if in pain and even exhibiting aggressive behavior. Your dog is not the only one that twitches in his sleep. Sleep twitching is ok twitches are involuntary muscle contractions. If you notice your dog having jolts spasms and other sudden and unexplained movements there may be a physical condition that needs to be addressed.

Stanley coren a former psychology professor at the university of british columbia and neuropsychological researcher the main reason that dogs twitch in their sleep is that they are dreaming. If you call out your dog s name they will wake up. It s also during this time that the. The twitching that you see in a sleeping dog is usually a normal behavior and is not anything to worry about he says.

If these jolts happen while your dog is sleeping it may only be a physical manifestation of a dream. If your dog is having a dream they will twitch a bit and go back to sleep. If you ve ever had a dog before you may have witnessed him sound asleep and periodically making twitching movements or even vocalizing little yelping or crying noises. When your dog is asleep chances are that any twitching is related to rem just as it is in people.

While the jury is still out on whether dogs actually dream of chasing critters or playing with others their involuntary sleep movements mirror those of their human counterparts. If you observe muscle twitching while your dog is asleep there s likely nothing to be concerned about.