Hi. I have a Chow Chow dog, who is 12 years old. I have noticed that when he is sleeping, his fore legs twitch for a while, then it stops. It only happens when he is sleeping, never in any other moment. His fore legs muscles never twitch when he is awake, or eating, or walking, never, ever. Just when he sleeps, and it only happens sometimes, not always. And when it happens, its just for some minutes, then it stops, it seems it happens only when he is in a state of deep slumber...or dreaming.
He can walk, run, normally, doesnt has a problem with that. He has some arthritis in his left fore leg because of his age, but has medication for that. In some occasion, I covered him with a blanket because it was cold, and the twitch stopped, but sometimes happens when its not too cold.
So this twitch seems strange, because it happens only for some minutes when he sleeps, only at sleep, and then it stops, and it doesnt happen everytime he sleeps, just occasionally.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance
2006-11-28 06:30:27 · 16 answers · asked by Hokuto 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
He's dreaming...
Read this article for more info.
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/do-dogs-dream/page1.aspx
2006-11-28 06:36:17 · answer #1 · answered by BenZ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know a lot of animals do this when they sleep and it is perfectly normal. My dog and cat do it all the time. People even do it sometimes when their body is just on the verge of sleep. I've always heard that they were dreaming but I think I remember from psychology class that it is really because their body is about to go into REM sleep. I wouldn't worry about it though unless it is all over the body, really violent, or urination happens during it. This could be signs of a seizure.
2006-11-28 06:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by Lou Anna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You dog is simply dreaming. It's very natural and I've seen it many times and read about it. Likely he is dreaming about running and jumping and playing like when he was a puppy. Like people, he probably doesn't remember these dreams unless he wakes up right after. Let him enjoy the dreams, and if you see it happening, know that he's happy and let him be. Only if you feel he's in distress (whimpering more violent shaking) then maybe wake him by voice. Waking by touch can be risky because coming out of (bad) dream, he could snap, not knowing it is you.
2006-11-28 06:45:01 · answer #3 · answered by Robert_of_Brentwood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my chow did the same dream twitch thing if he could have communicated just a tiny bit better I am sure he would have mentioned almost catching whatever it was he was dreaming about chasing . Enjoy it with him and remember it well, I still see him in my mind and on my screen as a wallpaper as he was the best being that I have every had the privilege to know
2006-11-28 06:51:23 · answer #4 · answered by doc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say 99.9% of dogs have twitches at night because they are dreaming. If it makes u feel better, gently touch him as he is twitching and see how he reacts. He might jump (because it scared him) or he might not wake that second (deep sleep), but if u have to SHAKE him.... c a vet.
Hope this helps a little.
2006-11-28 07:06:22 · answer #5 · answered by Krystle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a Chow Chow that did the same thing. He used to grunt in his sleep too. I think he was dreaming of running and barking, it was cute.
2006-11-28 06:39:21 · answer #6 · answered by mom of 2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may simply be running or walking when he dreams. If you're concerned, ask a vet about it during your next appointment. But to me, it just seems like he's moving in a dream.
2006-11-28 06:33:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is dreaming, and when dog's dream they are most likely dreaming of the things they love to do, like running and playing.
2006-11-28 06:33:13 · answer #8 · answered by destroypower17 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's dreaming. I know this sounds strange but I have 2 dalmations that do the same thing and I spoke with my vet about it and he explained to me that they are dreaming does he also let off light barks? Talk to your vet he will tell you the same thing. Good luck
2006-11-28 06:39:18 · answer #9 · answered by scokeman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is definitely just dreaming, could be running or chasing something.......sometimes their legs will go crazy , especially if they have had a bad experience that day...
2006-11-28 06:40:45 · answer #10 · answered by Jill C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very common in dogs to do this when they are sleeping - it just means that he is dreaming. If you're still concerned about it ask your vet.
2006-11-28 06:34:58 · answer #11 · answered by GingerGirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋