What's wrong with my dog?

Question

This has been happening for the last month or so...
My dog will be sleeping soundly, and then she suddenly wakes up and runs to another room with her tail between her legs. This just now happened and I know that nothing could have made her scared because I was in the room with her, and nothing happened. She just suddenly got all freaked out.

What could possibly be causing this? I don't think it's just bad dreams, because when it happens, she seems to be scared of the actual room that it happened in. But then about 30 seconds later she is fine again and she returns to the same room and falls right back asleep. I've seen her do this about 3 or 4 times now, and I need to know if anyone has any idea as to why this is happening. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think she has nightmares, she is scared of the room because she doesn't realize immediately she is out of the nightmare. It's happened to my cat once. I don't know why she is having them so often though. Maybe give her a lighter meal before she goes to sleep. Also, when my cat has nightmares (makes sounds inhis sleep and moves a little), I go pet him and he feels better.

Answer 2

I agree with what the other posters have said, I think your dog is just having nightmares. Dogs can have some really odd behaviors, especially when they're dreaming, so I can understand why some of the things your dog was doing was making you think it was something more complex than just a dream.

What I would suggest, just to be safe is to record your dog doing this- either with a video camera, or if you have a digital camera that takes videos that would be best. On your next vet visit, show your vet the recording and see what they think. Having a video of this will be better than just trying to explain it to your vet as there may be the off chance that your dog is showing subtle signs of there being another problem than just nightmares and if you can't see it or notice it, and you don't explain it to the vet, they won't be aware of it either and will also assume it's dreams.

If it's really bothering you, make a special appointment and see your vet right away, but it just sounds like either dreams or that your dog is being woken up startled by a sound that she can hear but you can't, and if that's the case waiting until your next vet appointment is probably okay. Do what you feel most comfortable with. I can see why that would scare you though- dogs can be strange sometimes can't they. :)

Answer 3

Well may be some thing must have happened in ur house with her so she gets the memories of that all the time when she is asleep
try making her sleep with u whenever she is sleeping atleast for a few days or weeks untill u realize she is no more getting scared out of sleep
dogs need support when some thing bad happens to them
u need to assure them u r there to protect :)

Answer 4

Her own bed AND blanket. HER domain with a blanket gives that extra security feeling plus feeling safe. We had a towel we used to toss on top of the dog. Most of her life she couldn't sleep soundly without something on her. In her case I think it was just the warmth & not a security thing.

Otherwise, I don't know except nightmares.

Answer 5

Maybe she had a bad dream, and is a bit scared, and just decides to escape her fear until she realizes nothing is wrong..

Why not try letting her sleep in your lap, or pet her while she is asleep, really gently though, and that will be enough to make her relax...

Answer 6

Sounds like a night mare and she just ran because she was scared. You might want to ask your vet though because she shouldn't be having them that often. And, remember that they can hear a lot better then we can, she also could of heard something that startled her so she ran. I don't know what else it could be. Keep us updated.

Answer 7

maybe you should talk to the vet. Maybe it a seizure of some kind?

Answer 8

prob having nightmares