As pet parents, we often notice our dogs twitch, kick their legs, or even let out a little bark while they’re sound asleep. And this leaves us wondering what in the world is going on there.
After all, it is one of those odd little dog behaviors that can leave us both curious and concerned.
For starters, let me tell you one thing: Those twitches and whimpers are usually totally normal. In fact, more often than not they’re a sign of a healthy happy pup.
But you might still be curious why do dogs twitch in their sleep?
Being a dog keeping and care expert myself, I’ve spent years observing canine psychology. And I’ve explained in detail why dogs twitch while they sleep and what’s happening in their little doggy brains.
Also, I’ve listed instances when this quirky sleep habit might need a vet’s attention.
So, grab a little snack for yourself and your pup and let’s get to the bottom of this behavior.
Let’s first understand when your dog twitches while sleeping
Before I explain why dog twitching in sleep happens, let’s first understand when exactly it happens by having a look at different sleep stages.
You see, just like us, dogs also experience stages of sleep. Here, sleep cycles are divided into non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) stages, with each serving their own purposes.
Talking about twitching, here’s when it happens from among the two stages:
Sleep stage #1. Non-rapid eye movement (NREM)
Non-rapid eye movement or NREM is the deep restorative sleep stage where your dog’s body relaxes and recovers.
It is here that their cell repair and physical rejuvenation happens. Also this stage replenishes their body’s energy stores, which is crucial for maintaining overall health.
However, twitching doesn’t typically occur during this phase. That’s because your dog’s body is likely relaxed and calm, and there’s no brain activity that comes with dreaming.
Sleep stage #2. Rapid eye movement (REM)
Rapid eye movement or REM is that stage where the magic happens.
How?
Well, this is when your pup’s brain becomes highly active, almost like during wakefulness.
However, their body is temporarily paralyzed to prevent physical movements as their brain is processing dreams.
This is also when you’ll notice your dog twitching, paddling their legs, or making soft noises, especially when your dog is sleeping by your feet. And these are simply your dog’s body reflecting the dreams they might be having.
So, they could be about chasing their favorite ball, exploring new places, or meeting their fellow four-legged friends in the dream world.
Why do dogs twitch in their sleep?
Now that you know when your dog twitches while sleeping, let’s see in detail why they twitch.
As you might have figured out already, does twitch in the REM sleep stage when they’re dreaming. So it is simply a reflection of what they might be seeing or experiencing in the world of dreams.
But what if I told you that there’s more to dog twitching while sleeping?
Yes, that’s right.
Twitching has got to do with everything from the age of your pup to their comfort level, and more.
All in all, here’s why does dogs twitch in their sleep:
1. They are dreaming
Let’s start with the most obvious of all reasons why your dog twitches while sleeping, i.e., dreaming.
Like us, dogs also dream when they reach the REM or rapid eye movement stage of their sleep. And if pet psychology is any suggestion, they dream about things that are significant to them.
For instance, they could be like running around in the park, playing fetch, or even engaging with other animals in their dreams.
But how do these dreams make them twitch?
Well, they can be so real that their bodies react with twitches, kicks, and even soft vocalizations like whining or growling.
Picture this: Your dog is dreaming about chasing a squirrel and their little paws twitch as they run in their dreams. Also, their eyes move under their eyelids, which is nothing but pure cuteness.
And the best part is that it’s totally natural and completely harmless. In fact, such dreams are a healthy part of your dog’s mental and emotional development.
2. They are too young or old
Apart from twitching while dreaming which is common for dogs of all ages, puppies and senior dogs tend to twitch more in their sleep. So much so that compared to adult dogs this could be just double.
But why, you might be curious?
To begin with puppies, they have nervous systems that are still developing and they’re yet to master full motor control during sleep. As such, their movements can be a bit more erratic.
In simpler words, this is a sign that their brains are actively learning and growing. And as they get older, these twitches will likely decrease.
At the same time, senior dogs experience a completely different phenomenon. That’s because with aging their neurological functions start to decline and their ability to control sleep-related muscle movements weaken.
So, they twitch and even move more during REM sleep. And although these movements can seem more pronounced, it’s not something to worry about as long as they don’t indicate a serious health issue.
3. Their sleep position is making them twitch
Yet another thing that influences dog twitching while sleeping is the way they sleep and their overall environment.
How?
The dogs that sleep on their sides or with their limbs stretched out have more freedom to move during REM sleep. So, their twitching or leg paddling may be more noticeable compared to a dog curled up tightly in a ball.
Also, this is a sign of deeper and more relaxed sleep after a healthy and wholesome raw food diet for dogs.
Similarly, if your dog sleeps in an area with frequent noises, like near a busy street or with the TV on, external stimuli can influence their dreams.
The result: Their REM sleep is more active, which, in turn, causes more twitching or vocalizing.
4. They are experiencing temporary failure in muscle relaxation
When your dog is in REM sleep, a small part of their brain stem known as the pons typically prevents their body from moving too much. And it is this paralysis that ensures they don’t act out their dreams, something that’s crucial for both safety and comfort.
However, this muscle paralysis doesn’t fully engage sometimes, especially in puppies and older dogs. Meaning their muscles remain partially active, leading to twitching, paddling, or even small jerks.
Now, this temporary failure in muscle relaxation is mostly harmless and there’s no need to be alarmed. You can think of it as how a person talks in their sleep or makes involuntary movements.
Is it normal for dogs to twitch in their sleep or is it a seizure?
One of the questions that I am often asked is whether or not dog twitching while sleeping could indeed be a seizure.
For starters, although twitching is usually harmless, there are situations where it could be a sign of a more serious condition like seizure.
So how do you differentiate between normal sleep twitching and a potential seizure?
Let me walk you through both the situations.
As you know, sleep twitching happens during the REM or rapid eye movement stage of your dog’s sleep. Here, brief rhythmic movements like leg paddling or ear twitching out of dreaming are common and completely harmless.
On the other hand, seizures are more severe and involve rigid, jerky, or violent movements. And they might occur whether your dog is awake or asleep.
Moreover, seizures are often accompanied by other symptoms like drooling, loss of bladder control, and disorientation when they wake.
So, if you notice that your dog’s twitching lasts more than two minutes, seems violent, or is followed by some abnormal behaviors, I suggest you seek veterinary care immediately.
Dog twitches while sleeping: Should you wake them up?
As a pet parent, the very idea that your dog might be experiencing a seizure can be alarming. And you might want to wake them and, if needed, go see a veterinarian.
But in most cases, it’s best not to wake a twitching dog; more so when they’re in REM sleep.
Why?
Well, this sleep stage is crucial for their mental and physical recovery as their brain processes memories, consolidates learning, and experiences dreams.
So, abruptly waking your dog from sleep can lead to confusion, stress, and even disorientation. And this, in turn, can trigger anxiety, fear, or worse trauma.
Nevertheless, if there’s an emergency or if you think they might be having a nightmare, you should gently wake them.
The idea is to stay calm and avoid physical contact as this could startle them. Instead, you can use a soothing voice to rouse them from their sleep.
What are the other reasons for dog twitching while sleeping?
Apart from the above reasons why do dogs twitch in their sleep, there could be other things triggering this behavior too.
For instance, there are some rare cases where underlying health conditions can contribute to excessive or unusual movements during sleep. And that includes:
1. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions that could cause twitching or seizures in dogs.
Here, a dog with epilepsy is actually experiencing seizure but it resembles twitching. And in these cases. movements are more severe and prolonged.
2. Hypoglycemia
Another possible cause of twitching could be hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. This is more common in small breeds or diabetic dogs and causes trembling or spasms, especially during sleep.
3. Infections or toxins
Lastly, infections or toxins, like those caused by tick-borne diseases or poisoning, can also lead to abnormal sleep behaviors.
So, if you observe any sudden behavioral changes in your dog or notice an increase in twitching episodes, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet.
How to minimize excess twitching in dogs?
Let’s face it: There’s no way you can control your dog’s dreams.
But you can certainly create an environment that promotes healthy restful sleep. And this will also minimize excessive twitching, among other benefits.
To that end, here’s what you can do:
1. Give them a comfortable bed
A comfortable bed is essential for sound and deep sleep. That’s exactly why I suggest pet parents get a high-quality orthopedic dog bed, especially for senior dogs or pups with joint issues.
A bed with proper support ensures your dog sleeps more soundly and with lesser restless movements.
2. Create a warm and quiet ambiance
Another thing to pay attention to is the temperature and noise levels in your dog’s sleep area.
Here, I suggest you keep the space warm and quiet for a deep restorative sleep. Also, during colder months, you can get them to wear comfortable dog apparel for winter even during sleep time.
And if your dog is anxious or easily startled, you can use a calming diffuser with essential oils like lavender.
3. Provide adequate physical and mental stimulation
Finally, make sure your dog is getting adequate physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.
You can take them for regular walks and play sessions to tire them out and ensure better sleep at night.
Frequently asked questions about dog twitching while sleeping
Why do puppies twitch more than adult dogs?
Puppies have undeveloped nervous systems which makes it harder for their brain to fully inhibit movement during the REM sleep stage. This is completely normal and they’ll grow out of it over time.
Can dogs have nightmares?
Yes, dogs can have bad dreams just like us.
For instance, if your dog wakes up suddenly from twitching or whimpering, they might have been having a nightmare.
Is it okay to record your dog when they twitch?
Absolutely.
In fact, if you’re concerned about abnormal movements, a video can help your vet assess what’s going on.
Should you be worried if your dog twitches every night?
Not necessarily.
Nightly twitching is very common and usually just a sign of active dreaming. And if they’re otherwise healthy and not showing any red flags, it’s nothing to worry about.
To sum up, here’s what I tell pet parents
By now, you already know why do dogs twitch in their sleep and when exactly should you be worried about it.
Twitching is one of those things that’s more fascinating than frightening as long as you know what to look for. In fact, it’s a beautiful reminder that dogs dream, feel, and process the world in deeply emotional ways.
But that said, if your gut says something is off, do trust it. After all, you know your dog better than anyone.
Got more questions about dog twitches while sleeping or looking to buy healthy dog food for their nighttime snacking?
You can get in touch with us and check our dog store online!
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