subject: Why Do Dogs Twitch In Their Sleep [print this page] Dogs have made a significant difference to the quality of human life thus it would only be fitting to give these animals love and attention. Humans have grown to love dogs because these animals that are considered as members of the family have become invaluable helpers and companions. The affection dogs bestow on the human family is fully reciprocated as it is not uncommon for pet owners to consider the dog as the baby of the family.
Dogs are kissed and cuddled and allowed to share the bed of the master. Dogs are treated as babies therefore, an owner would constantly worry about the well being of the pet. Similar to a parent of a baby, a dog owner would immediately take the pet to a vet if something unusual is noticed in the pet.
Every little movement of the pet will be noticed by a loving pet parent because similar to a toddler, the dog will be constantly watched as well. A lot of dog owners may not know about twitching but because canine seizure is more common, the involuntary movement of the sleeping pet can be mistaken by the pet owner as a seizing episode. Twitching is a normal involuntary movement of a sleeping dog but because dog owners are more aware of canine seizure, the perfectly harmless movement would cause dog owners to worry.
Seizure and twitching are both involuntary movements. Seizure can be differentiated from switching because the involuntary movements during a seizure are stiffer. It will also be noticed that the seizing dog will be difficult to awaken as they will not be responsive to the voice of the owner. A twitching dog on the other hand can be easily roused from sleep. The owner can simply tap the dog or call the dog's name. A seizing dog, especially one that is suffering from cluster seizing episodes would need medical attention.
Humans would dream when they are sleeping deeply. This is true with dogs too. A dreaming dog may pedal the legs as if running, snap the mouth at imaginary butterflies or twitch. The twitching dog may be dreaming of falling from heights. Twitching is normal in sleeping dogs but there are instances when a dog owner has to give attention to the twitching of the pet as it can be a symptom of a medical concern. Distemper will cause a dog to twitch. An advanced stage of distemper is one of the causes of twitching as the neurological system of the dog is severely affected.
