Why Do Dogs Shiver or Twitch While Sleeping?

Why Dogs Shiver While Sleeping

1. Dreaming Induced Shivers

Many pet owners have experienced a sudden jolt in their sleep, causing them to wake up abruptly. Dogs can experience this too. They dream during deep sleep, and in their dreams, they might be running, chasing, and playing, which can lead to twitching as their muscles move. It's more accurate to say that it's just the muscles at play, and this won't harm the dog's health. Additionally, dogs can have nightmares that might trigger shivers. If a dog is scared during a nightmare, it might cry and kick its legs. If you notice your dog acting this way, you can gently call it out of sleep or play some soothing music to wake it up.

2. Seizure Disorder

Seizures are a clear symptom of epilepsy, and if a dog's twitching is severe and prolonged, rather than a brief spasm, it may be indicative of epilepsy. Excessive excitement in the brain and sudden, brief abnormalities in brain function are direct causes of seizures. During a seizure, a dog may lose consciousness and exhibit twitching, muscle stiffness, and other symptoms. There are two types of epilepsy in dogs: primary and secondary. Primary epilepsy is often believed to be caused by genetic factors and is more common in breeds like Beagles and Miniature Schnauzers.

During a mild seizure, the duration is usually less than 5 minutes. During this time, the owner should avoid touching the dog. If there are obstacles nearby, they should be removed to prevent injury. After a seizure, the owner should comfort the dog and clean its mouth, as some dogs may vomit foam. If a seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, the owner should wrap the dog in a large towel and take it to the vet immediately, as this could be lifethreatening. For pets with epilepsy, it's advisable to have a supply of phenobarbital at home, as it is a common epilepsy medication. However, it should only be used under a vet's guidance due to potential side effects.

3. Calcium Deficiency

Just like humans, dogs can experience twitching due to calcium deficiency. Puppies, especially during their first year of growth, require a significant amount of calcium. If a dog is fed puppyspecific food, it's unlikely to be calciumdeficient. If a dog is lacking in calcium, the owner should consider whether the dog's diet is low in calcium or if there are issues with digestion and absorption. Even if the food contains enough calcium, if the dog can't absorb it, it's ineffective. In such cases, the owner should pay attention and consider supplementing with highenergy calcium tablets. If there are digestive issues, probiotics can be used to regulate and repair the digestive function.

4. External Stimuli

Dogs can shiver due to cold or being startled. If a dog shivers due to the cold, the owner should ensure proper warmth to prevent illness. Additionally, owners should avoid startling their dogs and try to minimize external disturbances that could scare the dog. Excessive fear can easily affect a dog's brain nerves and trigger twitching. The owner should be more vigilant in these situations.

Pet Doctor's Tip: The most common reason for a dog to twitch while sleeping is due to dreaming. This type of twitching is usually brief and harmless. There's no need to worry excessively. If a dog twitches frequently and the twitching lasts for a long time, it's important to have the dog checked by a vet promptly to rule out any potential issues.