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What it actually means when your dog is twitching and squeaking in their sleep
If you have a dog, you will have noticed them twitching and squeaking when they are in a deep sleep, but what does it actually mean?
It can be quite concerning to spot your dog shaking and whining unknowingly while resting, but it’s all a normal part of their sleep cycle.
Why your dog is twitching in their sleep
We spoke to veterinarian Dr. Liza Cahn, who told The Focus that these small movements show your pet is in the REM stage of sleep, the deepest part when dreams occur.
“Most dogs twitch during sleep, and it is a normal part of the sleep cycle,” she explained. “Just like us, dogs process and integrate experiences from the day in the form of dreams, which occur during REM sleep and are typically when these movements are noticed.”
The limbs, paws, face and tail can move during this sleep stage, and it’s also common to notice slow, rhythmic paddling of the limbs, shallow or irregular breathing, and vocalizations, such as small squeaks or whines.
So, your dog is simply moving in their sleep because they are dreaming. How cute! I wish we could tell what they are dreaming about.
Dogs and humans have the same sleep cycle
Most dogs sleep for around 9-14 hours per day, which is a combination of naps and a longer nighttime sleep. In the same way as humans, their sleep cycle is made up of four stages, Cahn revealed.
The first is wakefulness, followed by drowsiness where some twitches may be noticed as the dog drifts off to sleep. After that, your pooch goes into non-REM sleep, where the muscles are relaxed with minimal movement.
Then, REM sleep comes, which stands for rapid eye movement. This is a period of increased brain activity when vivid dreams and small body movements occur. Larger muscles remain immobile thanks to a part of the brainstem called the pons, which stops the dog from sleepwalking.
One sleep cycle usually lasts around 45 minutes and dogs have multiple cycles throughout their sleep period. On average, REM sleep occurs every 20 minutes, with vivid dreams lasting for around one minute.
Normal sleep twitches vs seizures
Twitching in their sleep is totally normal, but in some cases, this movement could indicate an underlying medical condition in your dog such as seizures, toxin exposure, or pain. So, it’s important to know the difference.
Normal sleep movement involves the legs, paws, face and tail and is usually accompanied by whining and squeaking sounds.
Symptoms of a seizure include a stiff, rigid body, labored breathing, loss of consciousness, urination or defecation, foaming at the mouth, and vomiting. This is usually followed by the dog appearing confused or disoriented.
Seizures are more likely to occur when a dog is awake or shortly after they have woken up. However, it is possible for dogs to have seizures in their sleep too.
“If twitching involves the whole body, interferes with your dogs sleep, is accompanied by other symptoms, or occurs while awake, it is important to seek veterinary care,” the vet said.
Dr. Liza Cahn is a veterinarian who graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She currently works as a Veterinary Consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance.
